Dr. James Carlisle is an interventional radiologist and interventional oncologist with the Utah Vascular Clinic and St. Mark’s Hospital talks about new innovations in cancer treatment.
What is interventional oncology?
• Interventional oncology is a subfield within interventional radiology. An interventional oncologist is a physician who performs image-guided, minimally-invasive procedures for patient with cancer.
• Board-certified specialty.
Conditions treated through interventional oncology
• We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of tumors, both malignant and benign.
• The most common benign tumor is a fibroid. Many women are choosing to have a minimally-invasive fibroid treatment rather than a hysterectomy.
• Common malignant tumors include cancer of the liver or lungs. The cancer may have started in the organ or have spread to it.
• Cancers that start in the liver are fairly uncommon. Often the cancer starts in another area of the body and spreads to the liver, such as colon cancer.
Benefits of interventional treatments
• Minimally-invasive procedure; often replaces traditional surgeries
• Proven effective, highly targeted therapy with few side effects
• Provide regional cancer therapy. Unlike traditional chemotherapy treatments where the entire body is affected, interventional oncology treatments target only the areas where the cancer is found. This improves the effectiveness of the treatment and limits the toxicity to the body.
• Outpatient procedure
Two treatment techniques
• Embolization
Radioactive or chemotherapy particles are injected into the blood vessels through tiny tubes. These particles lodge in the tumors and prevent further growth.
• Ablation
Through the use of a CAT scan or an ultrasound machine, the physician directs a needle or antenna through the skin directly into the tumor. Heart or chemicals are then applied directly to the tumor to kill it.
Candidates for interventional oncology treatments
• Individuals in the early stages of cancer as well as advanced stages, where the cancer has spread through the body.
• Individuals who may not be candidates for surgery.
For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 801-268-7940.
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