What is interventional oncology?

Interventional oncology is a growing field within interventional radiology. It encompasses several new minimally invasive treatments that directly target cancerous tumors using advanced image guided technology. It’s considered one of the newest and more aggressive options in cancer therapy.

RCI’s team approach

When you turn to RCI for an interventional oncology consultation in Cedar Rapids, you’ll find dedicated interventional radiologists who are specially trained in this rapidly advancing field and experts in understanding how minimally invasive interventions fit into your overall treatment plan. They collaborate closely with cancer specialists in surgery, medical oncology and radiation therapy. After any interventional oncology therapy, your RCI interventional radiologist will work with other doctors on your cancer care team, reviewing imaging scans and monitoring your progress.

Interventional oncology treats patients with the following:

• Kidney cancer
• Lung cancer (early stage)
• Primary liver cancer
  • Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma)
  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
• Secondary liver cancer (cancers that spread to the liver)
  • Colon cancer
  • Neuroendocrine cancer
  • Other localized liver metastases

What can I expect from an interventional oncology consultation at RCI?

Typically, your medical oncologist will refer you to an interventional radiologist. However, because every cancer journey is unique, many other physicians (particularly surgeons) make referrals to interventional oncology specialists. Some cancer patients refer themselves for an interventional oncology opinion.

When you come to RCI for an interventional oncology consultation, you’ll meet with an interventional radiologist to answer any questions and review your medical history, imaging scans and possible treatment options. An individualized treatment plan will be developed by working with your medical oncologist, surgeon or other referring doctor.

Interventional oncology procedures at RCI

Not all cancer patients are candidates for interventional oncology procedures. These minimally invasive treatments depend on many things including the type of cancer you have, its location and whether or not it has spread. Interventional oncology procedures offered at RCI include:

• Bland tumor embolization
• Chemoembolization
• Radioembolization with Yttrium-90 (TheraSphere® or SIR-Spheres®)
• Palliative treatments for pain management
• Radiofrequency microwave tumor ablation and cryoablation

Interventional oncology procedures take place in the radiology departments of our partner hospitals, where the necessary advanced imaging technologies are located.

With most interventional oncology procedures, you’ll go home the same day. Some procedures will require an overnight stay to manage side effects and/or pain. After your procedure, you’ll meet with your interventional radiologist for a follow-up appointment to discuss results from your procedure and next steps in your cancer care.

How do I make an appointment for Interventional Oncology?

To receive an informational packet or set up your initial consultation appointment, call RCI’s Vein & Interventional Clinic at 319-261-0636 or toll free at 800-747-0121.

Schedule Now Using our Contact Form

All of our interventional radiologists are board certified by the American Board of Radiology with Certificates of Advanced Qualification (CAQs) in vascular and interventional radiology. They are members of the Society for Interventional Radiology (SIR).

For more information on interventional radiology procedures, visit www.sirweb.org.
RCI is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR).