PMA Lahore warns against misleading claims about new cancer treatment “Co-ablation”

The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Lahore has expressed serious concern over recent official statements, media coverage, and public perception regarding the cancer treatment technique known as “Co-ablation.”

The Punjab Chief Minister Marfyam Nawaz also issued such statement while inagurating Co-ablation facility  at Mayo Hospital last month. 

In a meeting of the PMA Lahore officilas, chaired by its president Prof Dr Shahid Malik, the participants expressed concern about the development. 

Prof Dr Malik acknowledged the Punjab government's initiative to establish South Asia’s first government-run Co-ablation Centre at Mayo Hospital, Lahore, describing it as a notable advancement.

However, he cautioned that portraying Co-ablation as a “replacement for chemotherapy or surgery” is scientifically inaccurate, misleading, and potentially dangerous to patients’ health.

He elaborated that Co-ablation is a non-surgical treatment in which cancerous cells are first frozen at -82°C, and then
heated up to 45°C to destroy the targeted tissue.

"The method is typically used for small (around 3cm) early-stage tumours, particularly in organs such as the liver, lungs, or breast."

The meeting was told that the technique has been used in China for several years, mainly for patients unable to undergo surgery or chemotherapy and whose cancer has not spread. However, Co-ablation is not a curative treatment and not suitable for all patients.

"Clinical data from China shows success rates of 80–90% in carefully selected early-stage cases."

Even in China, it is considered a complementary or supportive therapy, not a replacement for traditional cancer treatments.

According to government estimates, the cost per patient is around Rs 1.6 million, making it unaffordable for most Pakistani patients.

Although the government has announced free treatment for underprivileged patients, PMA noted that transparency in patient selection and full cost coverage details are still unclear.

Presenting Co-ablation as an alternative to chemotherapy or surgery is scientifically wrong and risky. Patients rejecting standard treatments due to such misleading propaganda could endanger their lives.

 No local clinical or peer-reviewed data from Pakistan exists yet to confirm the procedure’s safety or effectiveness.

Media claims suggesting that “chemotherapy is no longer needed” are false and potentially disastrous for patients.
PMA’s Recommendations
The government and relevant institutions must ensure complete patient counseling on the benefits, limitations, and risks of Co-ablation.

The procedure should be recommended only under the supervision of qualified oncologists.

Policies ensuring equitable and transparent access for all patients must be publicly shared.

Clinical data, success rates, and complications from Pakistan should be published as soon as possible.

Authorities and the media must avoid sensational or exaggerated claims about the treatment.

The meeting  was attended by Prof Dr Ashraf Nizami, Dr Iram Shehzadi, Dr Wajid Ali, Dr Bushra Haq, Dr Ahmed Naeem Akhtar, and Dr Maryam Fatima.

The PMA emphasized that Co-ablation is a scientifically valid but limited technology, not a miracle cure. If introduced without scientific rigor, transparency, and patient safety safeguards, it could undermine public trust and jeopardize lives.

The Association urged the public to consult only registered and qualified oncologists before pursuing any cancer treatment.