Spray cryotherapy for dysphagia palliation in esophageal cancer prior to systemic therapy: is it ready for prime time?

摘要

Dysphagia is a common presenting symptom in esophageal cancer. Poor nutrition and diminished quality of life are often the result. Traditional options to manage dysphagia – esophageal stents, radiation, chemotherapy, and dilation – all have limitations. Liquid nitrogen spray cryotherapy (truFreeze, CSA Medical, Inc., Lexington, Massachusetts, United States) has been used successfully to treat inoperable early-stage esophageal cancer and to palliate dysphagia in locally advanced tumors . This non-contact method uses liquid nitrogen at –196° to effectively freeze and destroy esophageal tumors with excellent tolerability and safety profile.