The Role of Interventional Radiology in Advanced Cancer Treatment

While cancer remains one of modern medicine's most challenging diseases, treatment approaches are evolving with advancing technologies. In recent years, interventional radiology has played a critical role in the treatment of advanced cancer patients, offering alternative non-surgical methods. In this article, we will provide a detailed review of interventional radiology's role in advanced cancer treatment, the methods used, and the advantages this approach offers to patients.

1. What is Interventional Radiology?

Interventional radiology is a minimally invasive branch of medicine that treats diseases using imaging technologies instead of traditional surgical interventions. This is typically performed using advanced medical imaging techniques such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and angiography.

The distinguishing feature of interventional radiology is its ability to reach the cancerous area through a thin catheter or needle, eliminating the need for a large surgical incision. This allows for the development of alternative treatment options that offer less risk and faster recovery times for patients.

2. The Role of Interventional Radiology in Advanced Cancer Treatment

In advanced stages of cancer, surgery or traditional chemotherapy/radiotherapy treatments may be inadequate or cause severe side effects for patients. At this point, interventional radiology plays an important role by offering patients less invasive and targeted treatment options in the following areas:

• Controlling Tumor Growth : Stopping progression by blocking the nutrition of cancerous tissues or by destroying tumors directly.

• Relief of Severe Cancer Symptoms : Reduction of symptoms, especially severe pain and organ dysfunction.

• Offering an Alternative to Surgery : Used as an effective treatment method in cases where surgery is inoperable or risky.

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3. Interventional Radiology Methods

The main techniques used in interventional radiology are:

3.1. Tumor Ablation

Tumor ablation is a technique used to destroy cancerous tissue. This method is usually performed under local anesthesia and uses a thin needle or catheter to reach the target area. The most common ablation methods are:

• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) : Destroying cancerous tissue using high-frequency electrical currents.

• Microwave Ablation (MWA) : Killing tumor tissue with high-frequency microwaves.

• Cryotherapy : A treatment method that destroys the tumor by freezing it.

These ablation techniques have been used successfully in liver, lung, kidney and bone cancers.

3.2. Tumor Embolization

Embolization is based on the principle of blocking the blood vessels that feed a large portion of cancerous tissue. The most commonly used embolization methods are:

• Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) : Chemotherapy drugs are injected into the vessels feeding the tumor, cutting off the nutrition of the cancerous tissue.

• Radioembolization (TARE or SIRT) : Cancerous tissues are targeted by injecting radioactive particles into the vessels feeding the tumor.

These methods can be quite effective in organ cancers such as liver and lung.

3.3. Pain and Symptom Control

Interventional radiology may also use the following methods to improve the quality of life for cancer patients:

• Ablation to Treat Spinal Cord or Bone Metastases

• Stent Applications to Open Blockages in the Bile Ducts or Digestive System

  
  

4. Advantages of Interventional Radiology

• Because they are minimally invasive, they are less risky than surgery.

• Patient recovery time is shorter.

• Because they are targeted, systemic side effects are minimal.

• By offering alternative treatment options, it can be a solution for patients who are not suitable for surgery.

5. Conclusion

Interventional radiology continues to be a promising field for advanced cancer patients. With the advancement of minimally invasive techniques, the effectiveness of nonsurgical methods and patient comfort are increasing. With further research and technological advancements in the future, interventional radiology is expected to play a greater role in cancer treatment.