Interventional Oncology Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure performed on patients to destroy cancer cells

Interventional Oncology Ablation

                                                               

One of the many types of interventional oncology treatments, Interventional Oncology Ablation targets tumors in the liver, kidney, and adrenal glands. It is minimally invasive and produces less scarring than other types of cancer treatments. Its advantages include the potential for quick recovery and a lower risk of infection. A CT (computed tomography) scan is used to pinpoint the exact location of the tumor and its blood supply. Then, a needle is inserted through the skin and the tumor is frozen or heated. In this way, the tumor cells are destroyed and the surrounding tissue is spared. In addition, this treatment is relatively safe, with minimal risk of complications.

Although interventional oncology ablation has increased in popularity, it is still not widely used. While the risks are comparable for any type of intervention, RF ablation is more difficult and carries a higher risk of local recurrence. It is not yet routinely available, and there are no commercially available ablation tools that can be used to effectively target a tumor. For instance, in July 2021, a medical device firm in Japan, Terumo Corporation, renewed its partnership with University Medical Center, Utrecht, to continue the advancements in interventional oncology ablation solutions. This method is not recommended for patients with large or advanced tumors.

While interventional oncology ablation has been available for decades, there are still a few limitations. While it does not remove cancer, it is highly effective in eliminating tumors that are only a small part of the overall body. It is also less invasive than systemic therapies and can be repeated as many times as necessary. The recovery time from this procedure is minimal and patients can return to normal activities within a day or two.

Microwave ablation is the fastest-growing interventional oncology procedure. It heats tissue at a faster rate than RFA and can be used for cancers in the kidney. It can use unipolar needle electrodes or bipolar. It is FDA-approved and carries the CE mark. It has a 99% success rate. Compared to RFA, microwave ablation does not require grounding pads.