Interventional Oncology
Image-guided, minimally invasive treatments for tumors and cancer-related needs — including thermal ablation, embolization, port placement, and biopsies. Designed to target disease precisely and minimize downtime.
Focused, minimally invasive cancer care
Thermal ablation for select tumors (e.g., liver, kidney), performed through tiny skin access under imaging guidance.
Catheter-directed delivery to block or modulate tumor blood supply (e.g., arterial embolization). Personalized to tumor type and location.
Central venous access ports for systemic therapy and image-guided tissue sampling for diagnosis and treatment planning.
How interventional oncology works
Using CT, ultrasound, or fluoroscopy, we map the safest path to the target. Treatments are tailored to tumor size, location, and surrounding structures.
Through a tiny skin or vessel access, catheters or probes are guided to the tumor. Therapy is delivered locally to maximize effect and spare healthy tissue.
Procedures are same-day. Recovery guidance is individualized to your treatment and overall care plan.
Close collaboration with your oncology, surgery, and radiation teams to integrate the right image-guided option at the right time.
Post-procedure imaging and check-ins help track response and guide next steps in coordination with your primary oncology team.
Examples of when interventional oncology may be considered
- Small, localized tumors in the liver, kidney, or bone that are amenable to ablation.
- Tumors with arterial blood supply considered for embolization-based therapy.
- Diagnostic tissue sampling to guide targeted therapies.
- Placement of venous access ports to support chemotherapy or other systemic treatments.
- Pain palliation or symptom control where image-guided therapies can reduce tumor burden or related effects.
- Adjunct or bridge therapy as part of a comprehensive oncology plan.
Every case is individualized. We’ll review your diagnosis, imaging, and goals to determine the best image-guided option.
Frequently asked questions
Many are same-day or short-stay. Specific recovery depends on the therapy performed and overall health context.
We review imaging, labs, and your oncology plan with your care team to confirm candidacy and choose the most appropriate option.
Interventional oncology often complements surgery, radiation, and systemic therapies. The plan is personalized to your case.
Our Approach to Outpatient Ablation
Tumor ablation has traditionally required general anesthesia, with all the risks and recovery time that entails. Dr. Drabkin's published research in Clinical Imaging (2023) demonstrated that image-guided microwave ablation can be performed safely using monitored anesthesia care (MAC) without significant pain and with same-day discharge. No major complications were reported in the study.
For eligible patients, this means no general anesthesia, minimal discomfort, same-day discharge, and a faster return to daily activities.
Published research: Drabkin MJ et al. Outpatient percutaneous image-guided microwave ablation with monitored anesthesia care: An exploratory study. Clinical Imaging. 2023. View publication →
Ready to discuss interventional oncology?
Speak with our team about image-guided options and next steps aligned to your care plan.