Interventional Oncology
Interventional oncology uses advanced, image-guided procedures to treat tumors, relieve symptoms, and support patients through their cancer journey — often without major surgery.
What Is Interventional Oncology?
Interventional oncology is a subspecialty of interventional radiology focused on treating cancer using minimally invasive, image-guided techniques. These treatments can shrink tumors, control symptoms, and improve outcomes — while preserving quality of life.
Benefits include:
- Minimally invasive procedures (tiny catheter or needle punctures)
- Outpatient or short-stay recovery
- Targeted treatment directly to the tumor
- Option for patients who may not be surgical candidates
Tumor Embolization Treatments
Bland Embolization (TAE)
For certain tumors, including neuroendocrine tumors and metastatic disease, bland embolization blocks blood flow to the tumor, starving it of nutrients and slowing growth.
Why it helps:
- Reduces tumor-related symptoms
- Slows progression of disease
- Outpatient recovery with minimal downtime
Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE)
For patients with liver cancer (HCC) or metastatic disease to the liver, TACE delivers chemotherapy directly into the arteries feeding the tumor while simultaneously blocking blood supply.
Benefits of TACE:
- Higher concentration of chemotherapy delivered to the tumor
- Lower systemic side effects compared to IV chemo
- Proven results in slowing tumor growth and extending survival
Preoperative Embolization of Bone Tumors
For patients undergoing surgery for vascular bone tumors, embolization is performed beforehand to reduce blood supply to the tumor.
Benefits:
- Makes surgery safer with less blood loss
- Improves operative field visibility
- Helps protect healthy tissue during resection
Chemo Port Placement
Many cancer patients require long-term IV access for chemotherapy. At Ventra Medical, we offer outpatient chemo port placement using minimally invasive techniques.
Advantages of a chemo port:
- Provides reliable, long-term IV access
- Reduces the need for repeated needle sticks
- Can remain in place for months to years
- Performed under image guidance for precise placement
How Interventional Oncology Procedures Work
- Consultation: Review of imaging, labs, and oncology treatment plan.
- Procedure: Performed under light sedation or anesthesia using image guidance for precision.
- Recovery: Most procedures are outpatient or require only a short observation stay.
- Results: Tumor size and symptoms are monitored with follow-up imaging and oncology visits.
Why Choose Interventional Oncology at Ventra Medical?
- Fellowship-trained interventional radiologist with oncology expertise
- State-of-the-art, minimally invasive therapies
- Close collaboration with oncologists and surgical teams
- Patient-centered care throughout treatment and follow-up