Guided by 3-D Imaging: New Cancer Treatments
Interventional radiologists at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center are using the latest multi-dimensional imaging to help hematologists, oncologists and surgeons replace open surgery with minimally invasive techniques in the fight against cancer.
Advanced 3-D images give doctors views of the body’s innermost workings that were previously impossible without open surgery, says John Racadio, MD, chief of interventional radiology.
“Imaging technology enables us to define the anatomy accurately. We can create 3-D data sets in the lab and combine them with live X-ray with 3-D imaging,” explains Dr. Racadio. “As a result, we can guide the needle or catheter with more accuracy.”
This technology is providing physicians with new ways to treat childhood cancer. For example, catheter-directed chemotherapy embolization can deliver a higher level of chemotherapy directly to a liver tumor, decreasing the systemic effects of traditional intravenous chemotherapy.
Using radiofrequency ablation to kill tumors is another new application.
“When surgery is not an option, we can use heat to kill tumors such as hepatoblastoma. Guided by imaging, we insert a probe through the skin to reach the tumor on the liver,” says Dr. Racadio. “Radiofrequency-generated heat through an active tip on the probe can then ‘burn’ a segment of the tumor.”
For tumor biopsies, interventional radiologists can help speed recovery time and minimize pain with image-guided percutaneous intervention. They can also localize tumors, allowing surgeons to use a scope instead of open surgery.
Since 2003, Cincinnati Children’s has been the only site in the United States using prototype imaging technology in children before it’s available elsewhere. Interventional radiologists test new software and hardware, offering real-world feedback to technology developers.
Dr. Racadio says, “Some of our current routine procedures were considered pretty amazing five years ago. Our collaborative agreement gives us the means to ramp up the speed of taking concepts to reality.”
