Cancer Treatments

Selective arterial chemoembolization

Selective arterial chemoembolization, or transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), is a minimally invasive procedure that restricts blood flow to a tumor. During the procedure, an interventional radiologist injects embolic particles impregnated with chemotherapeutic drugs through a catheter positioned in the artery supplying the tumor. The result is a tumor’s blood supply becomes blocked and a high concentration of the chemotherapeutic is delivered directly to the tumor.

Before Your Exam

Before a TACE procedure, you may be told to stop taking NSAIDs or blood thinners and to refrain from eating or drinking several hours prior. Be prepared to lie still for several hours during the procedure and for the possibility of being admitted overnight for observation.

Time required for your exam

TACE treatments take anywhere from one to four hours. You may be asked to return three to four weeks after for further treatment or follow up imaging.

Selective arterial chemoembolization graphic rendering

Cancer Treatments

Yttrium-90 therapy

Yttrium-90 therapy is also called radioembolization. This minimally invasive IR procedure treats liver cancer through a combination of embolization and radiation therapy. During the procedure, tiny beads of glass or resin are filled with or coated with yttrium-90 and injected through a catheter positioned in the blood vessels supplying the tumor. This results in radiation being concentrated at the tumor resulting in the destruction of tumor and preservation of the adjacent liver.

Symptoms

Symptoms of liver cancer can include loss of weight and appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal swelling, jaundiced skin, or white, chalky stools.

Risk Factors

Risk factors of this cancer include excessive consumption of alcohol, diabetes, inherited liver diseases, and chronic infection with HBV or HCV.

Before Your Exam

Before radioembolization treatment, tell your radiologist if you are pregnant or if there is a chance you may be pregnant and discuss any illnesses or medications. You may be asked to stop taking NSAIDs a few days before the exam. Wear loose-fitting clothing and leave jewelry at home. Plan on having someone drive you home after the procedure.

Time required for your exam

This treatment usually takes one to three hours, although this time depends on how many tumors (and where they are located) are being treated.

Cancer Treatments

Radiofrequency tumor ablation

Radiofrequency tumor ablation (RFA) is a procedure used to treat tumors in the liver, lungs, kidneys, and bones. The minimally invasive process involves a radiologist positioning an ablation needle or needles into the middle of the tumor using imaging technology such as a CT or ultrasound.

Symptoms

Although cancer in each impacted area and person can vary, symptoms can include fatigue, noticeable lumps on the skin, skin changes, difficulty swallowing, unexplained joint and muscle pain, unexplained fever and night sweats, unexplained bleeding, and changes in bowel or bladder habits.

Risk Factors

Typical risk factors of cancer include your age (especially in those 65+), excessive smoking and drinking, obesity, family history, chronic health conditions, and your environment (harmful chemicals, secondhand smoke, etc.).

Before Your Exam

Your radiologist may ask you to stop taking NSAIDs or blood thinners several days before your procedure. You may also be asked to refrain from eating or drinking several hours before the procedure.

Time required for your exam

Radiofrequency tumor ablation (RFA) typically takes twenty to sixty minutes per tumor for a total of one to three hours for the entire procedure.

Cancer Treatments

Celiac plexus ablations

Interventional radiology can aid in pain relief for cancer patients. Celiac plexus ablation uses imaging such as CT to target and treat sources of pains. This often reduces the need for opioids for patients’ pain control.

Before Your Exam

Talk to your radiologist about any medications that you are taking as they may advise you to stop taking them a few days before the procedure. You may be asked to have a blood test a few days prior to the exam. Plan for someone to drive you home after the procedure.