Abstract:
Glioma is one of the most refractory tumors affecting the central nervous system. As a new technique, cryoablation has been considered for the treatment of glioma. Considering previous studies, we summarized the mechanism of cryoablation to treat glioma based on pathology and molecular biology perspectives. We also analyzed the indications, effects, and problems of cryoablation in clinical practice. Furthermore, we proposed that this technique may be used in future trends and applications. The mechanism of eradicating tumor cells by cryoablation involves the following: (1) using an ultralow temperature to induce necrosis and apoptosis; (2) changing the local microcirculation of tumors; and (3) adjusting anti-tumor immunity. As an alternative surgical treatment, cryoablation could improve the therapeutic effects by real-time medical imaging. Cryoablation combined with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and other methods could provide a more effective treatment for gliomas. Therefore, cryotherapy could be a possible treatment for glioma and become a sustained research field.