Interventional Oncology

Minimally Invasive Liver Cancer Treatments in Katy

What is Interventional Oncology?

Interventional oncology involves targeted, minimally invasive procedures that use medical imaging equipment for treatment of certain cancers.  These image-guided procedures can be performed for curative intent or used in conjunction with chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery to provide comprehensive cancer care.  Dr. Rafiei has over 14 years of experience in diagnosing and treating patients with various cancers.  He has developed Y90 radioembolization programs at the HCA Houston Healthcare West Hospital and at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB).  Dr. Rafiei will work closely with your oncologist, surgeon, and/or radiation oncologist to determine the best treatment option for you.  

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Targeted Arterial Chemotherapy

Targeted arterial chemotherapy involves injecting a combination of a cancer-fighting drug and an embolic agent into the arteries supplying blood to tumors, also known as transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).  The embolic agent traps the chemotherapy in place and delivers the cancer-fighting drug directly to the tumor rather than the entire body.  This results in less severe side effects.  

Targeted chemotherapy is for patients with primary liver cancer or for patients with other cancers that have dominant spread to the liver, including colon cancer, breast cancer, neuroendocrine tumor, or ocular melanoma.  

Targeted Arterial Radiotherapy

Targeted arterial radiotherapy involves injecting a radioactive compound (Yttrium-90) carried by microspheres that act as an embolic agent into the arteries supplying blood to tumors, also known as transarterial radioembolization (TARE).  The radiation released by the microspheres only travels 2-11 mm after delivery into the tumor for tumor destruction.

Targeted radiotherapy is for patients with primary liver cancer or for patients with other cancers that have dominant spread to the liver, including colon cancer, breast cancer, neuroendocrine tumor, or ocular melanoma.

Port Catheter Placement

A port catheter is a long-term venous access device used to draw blood and give IV treatments, such as chemotherapy.  The port reservoir is connected to an IV catheter and is placed completely under the skin, typically beneath the collar bone in the chest, with no external component.  The device can be left in for years or removed after all chemotherapy treatments have been completed.

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC)

A peripherally inserted central catheter or PICC is a short-term venous access device that can be used to draw blood and give IV treatments, such as chemotherapy.  A PICC is a long IV catheter that is placed in the arm with an external component for easy access.  The device can be used for several weeks or up to 6 months.

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Contact Texas IR today to discuss options available for your health.

Cancerous Spinal Compression Fracture Treatment

Some cancers can involve the spine and weaken the bone, which may result in a painful spinal compression fracture after performing a minor activity, such as lifting a heavy object.  Spinal compression fractures can lead to prolonged immobility, deconditioning, depression, and/or loss of independence.  Vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty are two procedures that help reduce pain associated with spinal compression fractures so patients can get back on their feet.  Both procedures involve injection of bone cement through hollow needles placed into the fractured bone.  Kyphoplasty goes a step further by inserting a balloon into the bone and inflating it to expand the compressed vertebra prior to filling the space with bone cement.