Plain-English translation of NCT05505643 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
Read our Breast Cancer research guide →This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This study compares two ways to treat small, early-stage breast cancers: cryoablation (freezing the tumor) versus lumpectomy (surgically removing it). Researchers want to see if freezing the tumor works just as well as surgery, causes fewer complications, and helps people feel better afterward.
Surgery is the standard treatment for small breast cancers, but it requires general anesthesia and leaves a larger scar. This trial exists to see whether freezing the tumor—a less invasive option done under local anesthesia—could be a gentler alternative with the same results.
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You will be randomly assigned to receive either cryoablation (freezing under local anesthesia) or lumpectomy (surgery under general anesthesia). If you receive cryoablation, the procedure takes about 30 minutes and involves three freeze-thaw cycles. You'll then have follow-up imaging scans (MRI or mammography) at 6 months and yearly afterward to make sure the cancer doesn't return. If imaging shows the tumor is still present, you can then have surgery as a backup option.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 18, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Sponsor
Washington University School of Medicine
Collaborators
The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Varian Medical Systems
Enrollment target
~120 participants
Started
April 2024
Primary completion
April 2033
Age range
50 Years and older
Sex
Female only
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in February 2026.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Heather Garrett, M.D.
Washington University School of Medicine
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.