Interventional Oncology Procedures

Changing the Way We Treat Cancer

What Is Interventional Oncology?

If you’ve never heard of interventional oncology procedures, you’re not alone. But if you or a loved one has cancer, these minimally invasive treatments could play a powerful role in care — without open surgery or long hospital stays.

Interventional oncology is a subspecialty of radiology that uses imaging like CT, ultrasound, or fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat tumors directly.

What Do Interventional Oncology Procedures Treat?

These procedures are commonly used for:

• Liver tumors (primary or metastatic)
• Kidney and lung tumors
• Bone metastases
• Painful lesions or tumor-related bleeding
• Pre-surgical tumor reduction
• Port placements and biopsies

They can be used alone, before surgery, alongside chemotherapy, or when other treatments aren’t working.

Most Common Interventional Oncology Procedures

1. Chemoembolization (TACE)

Delivers chemo directly into the tumor’s blood supply, then blocks the vessel to trap medication and starve the tumor.

2. Radioembolization (Y-90)

Injects tiny radioactive beads into tumor vessels for internal radiation therapy — common for liver tumors.

3. Ablation (RFA or Microwave)

Uses heat or energy to destroy tumors directly, often in outpatient settings.

4. Tumor Biopsies

Image-guided needle biopsies provide quick, accurate diagnosis with minimal risk.

5. Port or Catheter Placement

Central venous access for chemo or medications, placed safely and precisely using imaging.

6. Stent Placement

Used to open blockages caused by tumors — often in bile ducts, airways, or blood vessels.

Why Patients Choose Interventional Oncology

• Minimally invasive
• Less recovery time
• Fewer complications
• Can be repeated if needed
• Targets the tumor without damaging surrounding tissue

These options are often ideal when traditional treatments aren’t working or when surgery isn’t possible.

Learn how interventional oncology improves cancer care — RadiologyInfo

When to Ask About It

Ask your oncologist if:

• You’ve been told surgery isn’t an option
• You need tumor control before a transplant
• You’re experiencing tumor-related pain
• You want to explore non-surgical options with fewer side effects

An interventional oncologist can work directly with your care team to personalize treatment.

Explore more patient-first cancer care insights on our blog.