HJLR Nov/Dec 2018

50 NOV / DEC 2018 I  Healthcare Journal of little rock column ONCOLOGY INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY: Occupying an Increasingly Prominent Role in Cancer Patient Care IR was founded in the early 1960s by Dr. Charles Dotter, who invented an- gioplasty and the catheter-delivered stent, which were first used to treat peripheral arterial disease. By using advanced imaging in the form of ultrasound, X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans, interventional radiologists can see inside your body and treat complex con- ditions less invasively and with incredible precision. Through this subspecialty that is be- coming known as the fourth pillar of on- cology—along with medical, surgical, and radiation—we are occupying an increas- ingly prominent role in cancer patient care, from initial diagnosis to treatment of malignancy and complications. At the very beginning, when a tumor is detected, we often do a biopsy to determine the diagno- sis. Aweek or two later, if the patient needs chemo or other procedures to treat cancer, we might become involved. We also offer palliative care options—inserting cathe- ters that drain fluids and treating fractures caused by tumors. Basically, we help ease the pain and burden of the disease itself. Ultimately, IR provides additional treat- ment options for patients. One of the procedures in which we might be involved is called ablation. As op- posed to surgery, it is a minimally invasive technique that is commonly used in the treatment of tumors of the liver, kidney, bone, and lung. It is a very exciting tool in our toolbox, and in some cases, can be curative. We are able to target tumors di- rectly and either burn or freeze them. CT, ultrasound, or MRI is used to guide and position the needle probe into the tumor. There is no incision, just a small punc- ture for the probe. In the liver, for exam- ple, we can direct radiation to the precise location. Bed rest is prescribed for a cou- ple of hours, then the patient goes home. All procedures are outpatient, and most patients only require over-the-counter pain reliever. The effectiveness of this new technique in treating cancer depends on the size of the tumor and its accessibility to the probes. Edgar D. St. Amour, MD Interventional Radiologist CARTI Cancer Center One of themost exciting subspecialties among cancer cen- ters wasn’t originally developed for and isn’t limited to fight- ing that disease. Interventional radiology (IR), a subspecialty of radiology, uses minimally-invasive image-guided proce- dures to diagnose and treat diseases in nearly every organ system. It runs a wide gamut of procedures on tumors, both malignant and benign. In comparison to open surgery, these procedures have less risk, less pain, and less recovery time.