Reviewed by: Caleb Turrentine
Alabama hospital to be state’s first to offer new breast cancer treatment
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Women on Alabama’s Gulf Coast will soon have access to a new minimally invasive breast cancer treatment.
Thomas Hospital, part of Infirmary Health, has installed the ProSense cryoablation system. The hospital is now the first in Alabama to offer breast cancer cryoablation.
The system was developed by IceCure Medical and recently received FDA marketing authorization for the local treatment of low risk breast cancer in women age 70 and older when combined with endocrine therapy.
What is cryoablation?
Cryoablation is a minimally invasive procedure that destroys tumors by freezing them. Instead of surgically removing a tumor, physicians insert a small probe that uses liquid nitrogen to create an ice ball around the cancerous tissue.
The procedure is designed to reduce pain, lower surgical risks, shorten recovery time and allow for potential office-based treatment.
According to IceCure, the ProSense system is the first device authorized by the FDA for local treatment of low-risk breast cancer in women 70 and older who may not be ideal candidates for surgery.
Thomas Hospital in Fairhope
At Thomas Hospital in Fairhope, procedures are expected to begin in the coming weeks.
Dr. Katelin Holmes, Medical Director of Breast Surgical Services at Thomas Hospital, will oversee patient selection for the treatment.
The system purchase was funded by the Thomas Hospital Foundation, which supports access to advanced medical technology for patients across the Eastern Shore and Gulf Coast region.
Hospital leaders said the technology marks a meaningful step forward in breast care for Alabama patients and offers a less invasive option than traditional surgical tumor removal for eligible women.
Do you want to see more healthcare advancements like this in Alabama? Let us know by tagging us @thebamabuzz.
