Interventional Oncology
Faster recovery, fewer side effects
If you have cancer, your doctor might recommend an interventional oncology procedure as part of your treatment. These are minimally invasive procedures, meaning you recover more quickly.
Minimally invasive interventional procedures you might have as part of your cancer treatment include the following:
Chemoembolization
Chemoembolization is a treatment for cancer of the endocrine system, including liver and melanoma, that has spread too far to be treated with surgery or ablative therapies. During the procedure, your doctor will inject biocompatible beads loaded with chemotherapeutic drugs directly to your tumor through a catheter (thin tube). The beads block the blood supply to the tumor and release a chemotherapy drug into the tumor. You can receive a higher dose of chemotherapy this way and avoid the severe side effects of traditional chemotherapy.
Cryoblation
This treatment uses extreme cold to kill tumors of the kidneys, lungs and other areas. During the treatment, your doctor will inject a needle through your skin to deliver energy directly into your tumor.
Infusion ports
During infusion, a catheter (hollow tube) is placed under your skin so you can receive chemotherapy. A port is a small device that gives easy access into your veins.
Microwave ablation
Microwave ablation is a treatment using heat to kill tumors in the liver, kidneys and lungs. Your doctor will inject you with a needle equipped with antennae that transmit microwaves. The microwaves heat the tissue by energizing water molecules.
PleurX® abdominal and chest drainage
This drainage system helps to get rid of fluid buildup in your chest or abdomen that causes discomfort. You can drain fluid on your own at home.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
This nonsurgical treatment uses heated radio waves to kill inoperable liver tumors. RFA spares surrounding healthy tissue and doesn’t cause significant side effects.
Yttrium-90 selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT)
This nonsurgical procedure treats inoperable liver cancer and shrinks tumors before surgery. SIRT delivers targeted internal radiation therapy directly to the tumor.
What to Expect
Minimally invasive interventional procedures you might have as part of your cancer treatment include the following:
Chemoembolization
Chemoembolization is a treatment for cancer of the endocrine system, including liver and melanoma, that has spread too far to be treated with surgery or ablative therapies. During the procedure, your doctor will inject biocompatible beads loaded with chemotherapeutic drugs directly to your tumor through a catheter (thin tube). The beads block the blood supply to the tumor and release a chemotherapy drug into the tumor. You can receive a higher dose of chemotherapy this way and avoid the severe side effects of traditional chemotherapy.
Cryoblation
This treatment uses extreme cold to kill tumors of the kidneys, lungs and other areas. During the treatment, your doctor will inject a needle through your skin to deliver energy directly into your tumor.
Infusion ports
During infusion, a catheter (hollow tube) is placed under your skin so you can receive chemotherapy. A port is a small device that gives easy access into your veins.
Microwave ablation
Microwave ablation is a treatment using heat to kill tumors in the liver, kidneys and lungs. Your doctor will inject you with a needle equipped with antennae that transmit microwaves. The microwaves heat the tissue by energizing water molecules.
PleurX® abdominal and chest drainage
This drainage system helps to get rid of fluid buildup in your chest or abdomen that causes discomfort. You can drain fluid on your own at home.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
This nonsurgical treatment uses heated radio waves to kill inoperable liver tumors. RFA spares surrounding healthy tissue and doesn’t cause significant side effects.
Yttrium-90 selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT)
This nonsurgical procedure treats inoperable liver cancer and shrinks tumors before surgery. SIRT delivers targeted internal radiation therapy directly to the tumor.
