What is Interventional Oncology?

Interventional Oncology is a multi-disciplinary specialty that uses image-guided procedures and minimally invasive surgery to treat cancer and manage cancer-associated symptoms.

At Guthrie our Interventional Oncology team includes Interventional Radiologists who perform image-guided procedures and Surgical Oncologists who perform minimally invasive surgery. Our multi-disciplinary team works together to evaluate patients and provide the best tailored treatment plan for each patient.

Interventional radiology is image-guided surgery using x-rays, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, CT or MR to guide equipment through a small needle-sized puncture in the skin. Many procedures that once required surgery can be performed by an Interventional Radiologist without general anesthesia or incisions. Often, patients are able to go home the very same day.

Treatment and Symptom Management of Cancer

Your treatment plan is tailored specifically to you. Depending on your health, type of cancer and stage of cancer. Treatment can include:

Interventional Oncology

Our interventional oncologists treat tumors in the bones, lungs, liver, kidneys, adrenal glands and other soft tissues of the body. We use state-of-the-art imaging and the latest treatment technology to kill cancer cells with the aim of curing the patient, or in cases where a complete cure cannot be achieved, to significantly shrink the tumor to relieve symptoms.

  • Lung Cancer 
  • Liver Cancer 
  • Kidney Cancer 
  • Adrenal Cancer 
  • Bone Cancer 
  • Breast Cancer 
  • Soft Tissue Cancer 

For cancer treatment, interventional radiology techniques can reach and destroy tumors by directly treating them. Treatment is highly targeted and does not require incisions.

Percutaneous ablation –killing cancer cells by directly freezing or heating the tumor:

  • Cryoablation (freezing)
  • Microwave ablation (heating)
  • Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (heating)

Intra-arterial therapies

  • Chemoembolization (C-TACE) – delivers chemotherapy medication directly to the tumor via a small catheter inserted in the blood vessel through the groin
  • Drug-eluding Bead Chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) – delivers chemotherapy medication beads directly to tumors via a small catheter inserted in the blood vessel through the groin
  • Radioembolization – tiny radioactive beads injected into the tumor destroying the cancer cells over time

Surgical Oncologists Provide:

  • Minimally invasive (laparoscopic and robotic) microwave-ablation
  • Minimally invasive (laparoscopic and robotic) ultrasound-guided biopsy and removal of cancers
  • Minimally invasive and open curative-intent resection of cancers

Interventional radiologists also support cancer patients through other procedures including:

  • Placement of tunneled catheters
  • Placement of ports for chemotherapy
  • IVC filter placement
  • Percutaneous image-guided biopsy

Interventional Oncology at Guthrie

  • Unique in the region – Interventional oncology offers treatments for patients who may not be eligible for other therapies. At Guthrie, we are the only health care system in the region offering these options to cancer patients.
  • Board-certified specialists – Our interventional radiologists received additional specialty training in the treatment of cancer. Interventional radiologists are part of a team of oncologists working together to provide you the best care possible.
  • Board-Certified Surgical Oncologists -  Our surgical oncologists received additional specialty training in cancer surgery. Each surgical oncologist focuses his or her practice on the management of a specific cancer type. Your surgeon is part of a team of oncologists working together to provide you the best care possible.