Interventional Radiology

One of the most innovative approaches we offer involves interventional radiology, a minimally invasive technique that uses medical imaging to diagnose and treat cancer.

Interventional radiology is a specialized field of medicine that combines imaging technologies such as X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasound to guide small instruments like catheters and needles directly to the site of disease. This allows our interventional radiologists to perform precise treatments without the need for large incisions, reducing recovery times and minimizing risks.

Interventional radiology is revolutionizing cancer care by offering a range of treatments that target tumors directly, often allowing patients to avoid traditional surgery. Here are some of the key interventional radiology procedures we use to treat cancer:

Ablation: This technique involves destroying cancer cells by applying extreme heat (radiofrequency or microwave ablation) or cold (cryoablation) directly to the tumor.

Embolization: By blocking the blood supply to a tumor, embolization can shrink or kill the tumor. This can be done using tiny particles alone or particles that carry chemotherapy drugs like in transarterial chemoembolization, or radioactive materials such as in Yttrium-90 (Y-90) radioembolization.

Percutaneous hepatic perfusion (PHP): This therapy is used to treat uveal melanoma in the liver and involves delivering high-dose chemotherapy directly into the liver’s blood supply while using filtration technologies to minimize how much of the drug reaches the rest of the body. It is performed by a specialized team including an interventional radiologist, surgical oncologist, anesthesiologist, and perfusionist.

Biopsies: Image-guided biopsies allow for precise sampling of tissue to diagnose cancer without the need for open surgery.

Pain Relief: Procedures like vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty can stabilize bones weakened by cancer, providing significant pain relief.

Minimally Invasive: Most interventional radiology procedures require only small incisions, leading to less pain and faster recovery times compared to traditional surgery.

Outpatient Procedures: Many interventional radiology treatments can be performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.

Targeted Treatment: By using imaging to guide treatments, interventional radiology can precisely target tumors, sparing healthy tissue and reducing side effects.

Versatility: Interventional radiology can be used to treat a variety of cancers, including:

• Liver cancer
• Lung cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Sarcoma
• Metastatic disease in the liver, colon, rectum, neuroendocrine system or breasts

Ongoing clinical trials are discovering new ways to expand the use of interventional radiology to treat and manage other types of cancer.

Interventional radiology also offers minimally invasive treatment options for several non‑cancer conditions, including uterine fibroids (uterine fibroid embolization), benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate artery embolization), and hemorrhoids (hemorrhoidal artery embolization). These procedures can help address common non‑cancer health issues that may arise during survivorship.

Our team of experienced interventional radiologists at Winship is committed to providing personalized care tailored to each patient's unique needs. We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Interventional radiology is conveniently available at the following locations in the metro Atlanta area:

• Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University (Clifton campus)
• Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown
• Winship at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital
• Winship at Emory Johns Creek Hospital

If you or a loved one is facing a cancer diagnosis, contact us today at 404-778-4747 to learn more about how interventional radiology can be part of your treatment plan.