Interventional radiology is a sub-specialty of radiology where minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are completed using image guidance, such as X-ray, CT scan, ultrasound, and other technologies. Interventional radiology procedures offer very targeted, comfortable, safe and effective alternatives to surgery, and can generally be performed through either a needle or a small catheter instead of an incision.
Some interventional radiologists have concentrated on the care and treatment of patients with cancer, a practice that has become known as interventional oncology. Working closely with the medical, surgical and radiation oncology specialists, interventional oncology is helping to expand the treatment options for patients with cancer.
Interventional procedures have always been an important part of the care of patients with cancer. They allow an easy way to obtain a biopsy, provide vascular access for chemotherapy, and even treat the complications of tumors (i.e. obstruction of ducts, bleeding, fluid collection). However, new, advanced procedures allow interventional radiology to actually treat tumors directly.
Catheter-Delivered Therapies
Catheter-delivered therapies use catheters directed through the arteries under X-Ray, directly to the tumor through its own blood supply. This decreases the systemic side effects of the drug while increasing its direct effect on the tumor. When surgery or radiation may not be viable for large tumors, embolization can reduce the size of the tumor so that patients can become eligible for other treatments, such as surgery or transplant.
Embolization is the injection of tiny particles into the bloodstream that then travel to the tumor and disrupt its oxygen supply. Embolization works best in the liver because of its unique dual blood supply, but can also be used for other areas such as the kidneys or bones.
Chemo-embolization combines the injection of particles with chemotherapy agents.
Radio-embolization, the latest in interventional radiology treatments, is the injection of millions of tiny spheres carrying radioactive particles. Not only does this cut off the flow of oxygen to the tumor, but also delivers a lethal dose of radiation therapy to inside the tumor. This provides direct treatment to the tumor while minimizing the radiation exposure to the surrounding healthy tissue. One example of radio-embolization is the use of SIRspheres, radioactive microspheres that are injected into the hepatic artery.
Radio-Embolization using SIRspheres
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Angiogram of liver before treatment
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Angiogram after treatment
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Radio-Frequency Ablation
Another tumor treatment used by interventional oncologists is called Radio-Frequency Ablation (RFA). This procedure is done by direct placement of special needles into the tumor through the skin, similar to the way a biopsy is performed. Thermal energy by electrical current through the needle is then delivered, killing the tumor cells by heat. Chemical agents, like ethanol, can be injected as well to kill the tumors and enhance the effect of RFA. RFA is ideal for small, focal tumors and is effective in most parts of the body, such as in the liver, kidneys, lungs, bones and other areas.
Our Facility
The Comprehensive Cancer Center is a state of the art facility, staffed by a team of specialty trained interventional radiologists, board certified with additional qualifications in interventional radiology by the American Board of Radiology. Six modern angiography suites, several multi-slice CT scanners, high-end vascular ultrasound equipment, a networked PACS system, and the latest endovascular tools and devices are available to our patients. This year we are adding a new, state of the art high resolution angiography suite with built in CT image guidance capability. Advanced imaging before and after treatment is available, using advanced MRI and nuclear medicine studies, including PET/CT.
Beyond Cancer
Interventional radiology also offers effective, low risk treatments for many other conditions, including activity limiting peripheral arterial disease (PAD), disfiguring vascular malformations, painful uterine fibroids, acute deep venous thrombus (DVT) and pudendal neuralgia/pelvic pain.
Contact Us
For more information regarding these services call 602-406-ONC1 or 602-406-6621.
