Oncologic Interventional Radiology

Subspecialty-certified interventional radiologists work with oncologists to diagnose and treat cancer. After biopsy, tumors often can be treated with minimally invasive techniques, including chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation.

Chemoembolization is a technique in which a catheter is placed into the liver, and injected directly into the liver arteries. This technique allows chemotherapy to be delivered at much higher doses than traditional treatment, and delivers treatment in a way that spares the rest of the body from chemotherapy side effects.

Radiofrequency ablation is a technique in which a needle is placed like a probe into a tumor. The needle heats the tumor and destroys it. Lung, liver and bone tumors may be treated using this technique.

Our interventional radiologists also perform a technique called kyphoplasty to treat painful spinal metastasis, as well as osteoporotic compression fractures. Kyphoplasty uses small needles, which are inserted into the bony portion of the spine to create a tiny cavity. The cavity is then filled with cement. This procedure strengthens the tumor-weakened bone and keeps it from moving, which alleviates the pain.

More kyphoplasty is performed at MedStar Harbor Hospital than at any other center in the region.

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