When facing a cancer diagnosis, understanding all available treatment options becomes essential to making informed decisions about your care. While many patients are familiar with traditional approaches like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, fewer know about interventional oncology—a specialized field that offers targeted, minimally invasive cancer treatments with potentially fewer side effects and faster recovery times. This innovative approach is transforming cancer care by providing alternatives and complementary treatments that work alongside conventional therapies to improve patient outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- Interventional oncology uses image-guided, minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat various cancers
- Treatments like TACE and Y90 radioembolization deliver cancer-fighting agents directly to tumors, minimizing systemic side effects
- These procedures can be performed for curative intent or in combination with chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery
- Most interventional oncology treatments are outpatient procedures with same-day discharge and faster recovery than traditional surgery
- Patients benefit from personalized treatment plans developed in collaboration with their oncology care team
Understanding Interventional Oncology
Interventional oncology represents a distinct subspecialty within interventional radiology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer using minimally invasive, image-guided procedures. Unlike traditional cancer treatments that may affect the entire body or require major surgery, interventional oncology allows physicians to target tumors directly with precision and accuracy. Using advanced medical imaging equipment such as ultrasound, fluoroscopy, and computed tomography, interventional radiologists can visualize tumors in real-time and deliver treatments through small incisions, typically no larger than a grain of rice.
The foundation of interventional oncology lies in its ability to provide comprehensive cancer care through procedures that can be performed for curative intent or used strategically alongside other cancer treatments. At Texas I.R. Interventional Oncology, Dr. Rafiei brings over fourteen years of experience in diagnosing and treating patients with various cancers, having developed Y90 radioembolization programs at major medical institutions and performed thousands of image-guided procedures. This expertise ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care in a comfortable outpatient setting.
Common Interventional Oncology Treatments
Interventional oncology encompasses several advanced treatment modalities, each designed to address specific types of cancer and patient needs. Understanding these options helps patients engage in meaningful conversations with their healthcare providers about the best approach for their individual situation.
Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE)
Transarterial chemoembolization, commonly known as TACE, represents one of the most effective interventional oncology treatments for patients with primary liver cancer or cancers that have spread to the liver. This procedure involves injecting a combination of chemotherapy drugs and an embolic agent directly into the arteries supplying blood to tumors. The embolic agent acts like a dam, trapping the chemotherapy medication in place and preventing it from circulating throughout the entire body. This targeted delivery system allows for higher concentrations of cancer-fighting drugs to reach the tumor while significantly reducing the systemic side effects that patients often experience with traditional intravenous chemotherapy.
TACE is particularly beneficial for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer metastases to the liver, breast cancer liver metastases, neuroendocrine tumors, and ocular melanoma. Because the chemotherapy remains localized to the tumor area, patients typically experience fewer side effects such as nausea, hair loss, and immune system suppression that are common with conventional chemotherapy approaches.
Transarterial Radioembolization (TARE/Y90)
Transarterial radioembolization, also referred to as TARE or Y90 therapy, offers another powerful weapon in the fight against liver cancer. This procedure involves injecting microscopic beads containing a radioactive compound called Yttrium-90 into the arteries feeding the tumor. These radioactive microspheres lodge within the tumor’s blood vessels and deliver highly concentrated radiation directly to the cancer cells. The radiation emitted by Y90 only travels between two and eleven millimeters from the delivery point, which means the surrounding healthy liver tissue receives minimal radiation exposure.
The precision of Y90 radioembolization makes it an excellent option for patients who may not be candidates for surgery or who need to shrink tumors before surgical intervention. Like TACE, Y90 therapy is effective for primary liver cancer and various cancers that have metastasized to the liver, including colorectal, breast, neuroendocrine, and ocular melanoma. Many patients appreciate that this treatment can be completed in an outpatient setting with relatively quick recovery times compared to traditional radiation therapy or surgical approaches.
Venous Access Devices for Cancer Treatment
Beyond tumor-directed therapies, interventional oncology also plays a crucial role in facilitating cancer treatment through the placement of venous access devices. Port catheters and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC lines) provide long-term and short-term venous access respectively, making it easier for patients to receive chemotherapy, have blood drawn, and receive IV medications without repeated needle sticks. These devices are placed using image guidance to ensure proper positioning and minimize complications, contributing to a more comfortable treatment experience throughout the cancer journey.
The Interventional Oncology Advantage
Choosing interventional oncology treatments offers several distinct advantages that can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life during cancer treatment. The minimally invasive nature of these procedures means smaller incisions, reduced risk of complications, less post-procedure pain, and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery. Most patients return home the same day and resume normal activities within days rather than weeks.
Perhaps most importantly, interventional oncology treatments are not performed in isolation. Dr. Rafiei works closely with each patient’s oncologist, surgeon, and radiation oncologist to determine the optimal treatment strategy. This collaborative approach ensures that interventional oncology procedures complement other therapies, creating a comprehensive cancer care plan tailored to each patient’s unique situation. Whether used as a primary treatment, a bridge to surgery, or in combination with systemic therapies, these advanced techniques expand the options available to cancer patients.
Is Interventional Oncology Right for You?
If you or a loved one is facing a cancer diagnosis, particularly one involving the liver or other organs amenable to image-guided treatment, interventional oncology may offer valuable options worth exploring. The ideal candidates are patients seeking less invasive alternatives to surgery, those who have not responded adequately to traditional chemotherapy, individuals looking to preserve organ function, or anyone wanting to minimize treatment-related side effects while maintaining effectiveness.
The journey through cancer treatment requires expert guidance, compassionate care, and access to the most advanced treatment options available. At Texas I.R., patients receive personalized consultations to discuss whether interventional oncology treatments align with their treatment goals and medical needs. To learn more about Y90 radioembolization vs. Traditional Chemotherapy: What Liver Cancer Patients Need to Know, contact interventional oncology in Houston today to schedule a consultation and explore your options.
Take the Next Step in Your Cancer Care
Understanding your treatment options empowers you to make confident decisions about your health. Interventional oncology represents a powerful addition to the cancer treatment landscape, offering hope and results through advanced, minimally invasive approaches. Don’t hesitate to ask your oncology team about whether these innovative treatments might benefit your specific situation.