As one of the major diseases threatening human health, liver cancer's treatment methods have always been a focal point in the medical field. Cryotherapy has a long history. Currently, the widely used argon-helium knife targeted cryoablation technique offers good efficacy with minimal side effects. The characteristics of cryotherapy for liver cancer include the thorough destruction of liver cancer tissue cells by freezing, making it a promising local tumor ablation therapy. This article will introduce the treatment mechanisms of cryoablation for liver cancer, providing readers with clear and easy-to-understand popular science knowledge.
During the cryoablation procedure , water inside and outside the cells forms ice crystals, causing damage to the cell membrane and organelles. Freezing denatures the lipid-protein complex in the cell membrane. The formation of ice crystals inside and outside the cell destroys the integrity of the cell membrane, resulting in loss of biological activity, and the cells cannot maintain normal function even after rewarming. Tumor antigens released from necrotic tumor cells have a clear immune effect, inducing the body to generate an immune response, which forms a subsequent anti-tumor effect of cryotherapy.
The lethal effect of low temperatures on cells is influenced by factors such as the lowest temperature, freezing temperature, freezing time, and freezing speed. The critical temperature for freezing damage to tissue cells is generally around -20℃, and different tissue cells have significant differences in their freeze tolerance, which is closely related to the water content of tissue cells. During the process of the temperature rising from -40℃ to -20℃, ice crystals will expand, causing the ice ball formed during freezing to burst, leading to structural destruction of tissue cells and consequently cell necrosis.
Biochemical Examination
Serum AFP and CEA can both decrease one week after surgery. Observing the dynamic changes of AFP continuously can determine the thoroughness of the treatment. Liver function tests may show a transient increase in ALT, but the presence of hyperbilirubinemia warrants attention to prevent liver failure.
B Ultrasound Examination
B ultrasound examination is unable to differentiate between tumor recurrence, residual, necrosis, and lesion fibrosis echo presentations. Generally, the B ultrasound image changes from high echo to low echo. Doppler blood flow contrast before and after surgery has certain significance. The disappearance of blood flow after surgery is an important indicator of tumor inactivation. B ultrasound contrast examination is more meaningful.
CT Examination
CT examination one month after treatment shows a reduction in completely necrotic tumors, with more significant shrinkage observed six months later. Necrosis is indicated by CT values lower than those of normal liver tissue, without enhancement, and no enhancement band around it. Partial necrosis is indicated by an irregular high-density shadow at the edge of the necrotic tissue, which can be nodular or band-like, with CT values higher than necrotic tissue but lower than normal tissue.
Cryotherapy for liver cancer, with its unique mechanism, provides a new treatment option for liver cancer patients. As medical technology continues to advance, cryoablation therapy for liver cancer will be further improved and developed. In the future, it is expected to play a greater role in the field of liver cancer treatment, bringing blessings to more patients.
Hygea Medical Technology Co., Ltd.
Hygea Medical Technology Co., Ltd.
EN 
