Cryobiology
The mechanism of cell death in tissue treated with cryotherapy includes direct cellular injury that occurs secondary to cellular dehydration and the formation of ice crystals within the cell. As the tissue begins to freeze, solute concentration increases outside of the cell, resulting in osmotic dehydration. The dehydration causes disruption of intracellular proteins and destabilization of the cell membrane. Additionally, freezing results in stasis within the blood vessels of the prostate gland, leading to tissue necrosis secondary to ischemia.[5] The treatment may be selectively applied to part of the prostate-bearing cancer and could potentially reduce the morbidity associated with whole gland treatment.[6]
Cancer Control. 2013;20(3):177-180. © 2013 H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Inc.
Copyright by H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute. All rights reserved.
