Ablative therapies for the treatment of malignant diseases of the breast

Background Because widespread screening for breast cancer is detecting more women at younger ages and earlier stages, the need for minimally invasive, cosmetically preferable approaches to its treatment is growing. Ablative techniques are now being applied to the treatment of primary breast tumors, perhaps offering an alternative to surgical excision. Techniques available for breast cancer treatment include radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, interstitial laser ablation, microwave thermotherapy, and focused ultrasound ablation. Data sources Literature searches for breast and cryoablation, focused ultrasound ablation, interstitial laser ablation, microwave thermotherapy, and radiofrequency ablation were performed. Over 30 articles were identified and analyzed. Conclusions It is cautiously optimistic that these therapies can be used as a routine adjunct in the treatment of selected breast cancers. The challenge will lie in the ability to identify multifocal disease and in situ carcinoma as well as to ensure complete and effective eradication of the breast cancer.