Interventional oncology is a specialty field of interventional radiologists that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer using targeted minimally invasive procedures performed under image guidance. Your liver cancer care is customized to fit your specific dosage needs, whether you are a candidate for Y-90 SIRT, TACE or Comprehensive Treatment Management.
Director of Oncology, Dr. Jeff Geschwind, provides his insight into these new therapies.
Y-90 SIRT (Radioembolization)
A major benefit of Y-90 SIRT (radioembolization) is that depending on your unique situation, Y-90 SIRT targets liver tumors directly with high doses of radiation to the tumor while sparing healthy tissue and reducing injury to the liver. At USA Oncology Centers, we adhere to your schedule; therefore, your Y-90 SIRT treatment can be completed between cycles of chemotherapy thus minimizing any treatment disruption.
Another major benefit is that Y-90 SIRT is used to treat liver tumors that are not able to be removed with surgery. Tumors that have spread to the liver can be targeted precisely and effectively with Y-90 SIRT.
In addition, Y-90 SIRT is tolerated very well by patients with the vast majority of side effects considered to be mild. Clinical trials have shown that Y-90 SIRT significantly extends a patient’s overall survival and improves their quality of life.
TACE (Transarterial Chemoembolization)
If you are a candidate for Transarterial Chemoembolization or (TACE) you will have the benefit of receiving local chemotherapy with a procedure called embolization. TACE is a minimally invasive, image-guided treatment for liver cancer.
An added benefit is that TACE attacks the cancer in two ways. First, it delivers a high concentration of chemotherapy directly into the tumor, without exposing the entire body to the effects of those drugs. Second, the procedure cuts off blood supply to the tumor, trapping the anti-cancer drugs at the site and depriving the tumor of the oxygen and nutrients it needs to grow.
In addition, the benefits of a TACE treatment typically last for an average of 10 to 14 months, depending on the type of tumor. The TACE treatment can be repeated if the cancer starts to grow again. Other types of therapy may be combined with TACE.
Comprehensive Management
USA Oncology Centers recognizes that cancer treatment is complex. When someone is diagnosed with cancer, or learns that the cancer has spread, it can be overwhelming. At USA Oncology Centers, we treat the whole person: mind, body and spirit. We are committed to our patients knowing their treatment options and being a partner with us in making decisions and planning your care.
The Comprehensive Management approach blends therapeutic changes in lifestyle habits and daily diet, specific physical exercises and physical therapies coupled with psychophysical techniques. We focus on living well with cancer and offering treatments that offer promise and a better quality of life.
We offer non-surgical ablation therapy for liver, kidney and lung cancer. These procedures are typically performed under ultrasound, MRI or computed tomography (CT) guidance live to insert a needle through the skin in order to burn or freeze the tumor. Because of the sophistication of the imaging equipment used for guidance, precise targeting of the tumor is guaranteed. As with the intraarterial therapies, the healthy tissue is left untouched minimizing or even eliminating any toxic side effects.
Venous Access
Our team of interventional radiologists are experts in minimally invasive procedures including procedures for long term vascular access such as tunneled venous catheters and ports for chemotherapy.
Many different types of catheters may be used for venous access. Your doctor will decide which type is best for you.
- Peripherally-inserted central catheters, often called PICCs, are catheters that are inserted through a vein in the arm, with the tip connected to a central vein.
- Non-tunneled central catheters are placed under the skin through a large vein usually in the neck or groin and are designed to be temporary.
- Tunneled central catheters are thin catheters that are placed in the vein for long term use. It is most commonly placed in the neck (internal jugular) but also may be placed in the groin, liver, chest or back. It has a cuff attached to it that allows tissue and skin to grow around it, giving the line more stability.
- Implantable ports are a type of catheter with a small reservoir or port attached to it. It is used to give long term access to administer chemotherapy or medicine or to take blood. Implantable ports can also be called portacaths or subcutaneous ports. They are made of a soft, flexible silicone tube and have two parts. One is the catheter, which is placed in a large vein in the chest and the port which is attached to this catheter. After the port is put into place you may notice a small bump.
Schedule a Consultation at One of Our Oncology Centers
Helping our patients get the care they need to live happy, healthy lives is our top priority at USA Oncology Centers.
Call us at 855.870.4747 if you want to learn more about our treatments, or if you want to learn more about our locations, physicians, or insurance coverage. We always do our best to work with your insurance provider to maximize your coverage.
Scheduling an initial consultation at one of our oncology centers is quick and easy. If you’ve already be diagnosed, we encourage you to schedule a visit with us as soon as possible.
Concerned about your personal health and safety? We certainly understand and also offer the opportunity to conduct your appointment through telemedicine. Contact us at 855.870.4747.