Abstract It has been proven that radioactive seeds such as Iodine-125 seeds implantation is a highly effective treatment for patients with localized cancer, such as lung cancer. It may increase the effectiveness of cryosurgery for lung cancer with the combination of Iodine-125 seed implantation into the edge of the cryoablation zone. Percutaneous cryosurgery and Iodine-125 seed implantation are mutual complementation; both have been proved to be a safe and effective modality for unresectable lung cancer, especially for centrally located lung cancer. Well-designed, randomized and controlled studies both in the laboratory and in the clinical setting about this option are needed before conclusive evidence is submitted.

Key words Lung cancer; cryosurgery; cryoablation; Iodine-125 seeds