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Cancer Treatment

Radiofrequency Ablation of Tumors

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive technique of destroying inoperable tumors located in the liver, kidney and lung.  With the patient under anesthesia, a skilled Interventional Radiologist inserts a probe, resembling a long needle, into the tumor using CT or ultrasound to guide the probe into perfect position.  Once the probe is positioned,  radiofrequency energy is used to generate heat and destroy the surrounding tumor.  The probe is then removed and a small bandage is applied.  The probe is small enough that a stitch is not even required at the skin entry site. 

Following the procedure, almost all patients can return home the same day or the next morning.  Any discomfort associated with the procedure is easily treated with oral pain medicine and usually improves rapidly, allowing the patient to return to normal activities within a day or two. 

Chemoembolization of Liver Tumors

Chemoembolization is a minimally invasive technique of delivering chemotherapy directly to liver tumors.  This is usually performed for tumors that begin in the liver (hepatocellular carcinoma) or some tumors that spread to the liver, such as carcinoid tumors. 

An angiographic catheter about the size of a spaghetti noodle is inserted into the artery in the upper thigh and directed to the artery supplying the tumor in the liver using x-rays for guidance.  The chemotherapy and an embolic agent are then delivered directly to the liver.  The embolic agent blocks the blood supply so that the chemotherapy is not dispersed via the bloodstream and stays in the tumor longer. 

This technique results in much greater concentrations of chemotherapy within the liver tumors compared with intravenous chemotherapy.  The catheter is then removed and a small bandage is applied.  The site where the catheter was introduced is small enough that stitches are not required.

Following the procedure, most patients can return home the same day.  This procedure results in fewer side effects from chemotherapy, because it is concentrated in the liver and not the rest of the body.  Any discomfort from the procedure is easily treated with oral pain medicines.  Most patients are able to return to normal activities within a few days.