What are cancer treatments?
Cancer treatments are medical interventions used to fight and control cancer, a disease where abnormal cells grow out of control in the body. Depending on the type and stage, several cancer treatments can be used alone or in combination.
Understanding your options
One aspect of cancer treatment is vascular and interventional radiology (VIR). VIR is a specialized field that uses image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat various conditions, including cancer. VIR can assist in cancer treatment through different procedures, such as tumor ablation. In tumor ablation, an interventional radiologist uses imaging techniques to guide a special needle or probe directly to the cancerous tumor. The device emits heat (radiofrequency ablation) or extreme cold (cryoablation) to destroy the tumor cells.
Another technique is transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), where an interventional radiologist delivers chemotherapy drugs directly into the blood vessels feeding the tumor. The drugs target and kill cancer cells while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues. The interventional radiologist may also introduce tiny particles to block the blood vessels supplying the tumor, further interrupting its growth.
Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) is another procedure used in cancer treatment. In SIRT, tiny radioactive beads are injected into the blood vessels near the tumor. The beads release radiation, primarily affecting the cancer while limiting damage to healthy tissues.
For example, suppose the knee pain is caused by a specific type of blood vessel problem, such as an artery blockage or abnormal blood flow. In that case, the interventional radiologist can perform procedures to open blocked blood vessels and restore normal blood flow.
Another technique is transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), where an interventional radiologist delivers chemotherapy drugs directly into the blood vessels feeding the tumor. The drugs target and kill cancer cells while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues. The interventional radiologist may also introduce tiny particles to block the blood vessels supplying the tumor, further interrupting its growth.
Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) is another procedure used in cancer treatment. In SIRT, tiny radioactive beads are injected into the blood vessels near the tumor. The beads release radiation, primarily affecting the tumor while limiting damage to healthy tissues.
For example, suppose the knee pain is caused by a specific type of blood vessel problem, such as artery blockages or abnormal blood flow. In that case, interventional radiologists can perform procedures to open up blocked blood vessels and restore normal blood flow.
Our goal as your care team
Interventional radiology treatments can be less invasive than traditional surgery, offering advantages such as shorter recovery time, reduced side effects and the potential for outpatient or same-day procedures. It’s important to note that cancer treatment plans are personalized for individuals based on cancer type, stage and overall health. The VIR techniques mentioned here are possible interventions that may be incorporated into a patient’s comprehensive treatment plan. Medical professionals, including interventional radiologists, collaborate closely with oncologists and other specialists to decide on the appropriate combination of treatments to best manage and fight cancer. The goal is to improve patient outcomes and quality of life throughout their cancer journey.
