Interventional
Oncology

The Abington Advantage

Abington Interventional Radiologists provide a comprehensive range of procedures to benefit patients with a wide range of cancers in various parts of the body.

Biopsy

Biopsy is the medical term for obtaining a sample of a mass or a lesion in the body so that it may be studied under a microscope by our diagnostic partners in the Pathology department. We use the latest advanced minimally invasive imaging guided techniques such as CT (also known as CAT scan) to precisely guide placement of thin needles into the tissues to be sampled. Because the samples we obtain are examined immediately, while the patient remains on the procedure table, our rate of obtaining a biopsy diagnosis is very high. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis.

Fiducial Marker Placement

This is a procedure in which tiny gold markers are precisely placed in the body to allow for more accurate treatment of cancers using different types of radiation therapy. These include traditional external beam radiation as well as the more advanced techniques such as CyberKnife. We use our extensive experience with precision needle placement and CT guidance to help radiation oncologists more effectively and more safely treat patients.

Tumor Ablation

Tumor ablation is a general term for destroying cancer cells. We perform several types of minimally invasive ablation procedures for tumors in many parts of the body. Kidney (renal) tumors are usually treated by freezing in a procedure called cryoablation. A freezing needle is placed into the tumor to kill the cancer cells. Smaller liver tumors can be treated using Radiofrequency and Microwave ablation. These two techniques use the focused application of heat to kill cancer cells. Lung cancers and bone cancers are treated in a similar manner. Most ablation procedures are performed with moderate sedation which does not require placement of a breathing tube. Most patients go home the same day. These procedures are performed through tiny incisions so recovery is faster.

Hepatic Chemoembolozation

Also called Transarterial chemoembolization or TACE. Is a procedure where chemotherapy medication is delivered through the arteries directly into liver tumors. This is a safe and effective treatment to slow down or control the growth of liver cancers. The procedure is effective for tumors that originate in the liver, called hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatoma, as well as for tumors that originate in other organs such as the bowel and spread to the liver in a process called metastasis. This procedure is minimally invasive and usually performed under moderate sedation. Most patients go home the next day.

Y90 (SIR-Sphere) Radioembolization

Also known as SIRT (selective internal radiation therapy), this is one of the newest treatments for liver cancers. It is similar to chemoembolization. Both procedures are minimally invasive and performed under moderate sedation. However, Y90 patients usually go home the same day. Also, Instead of chemotherapy medication, tiny beads made with yttrium 90 (SIR-Spheres) are injected into the liver arteries. The blood flow carries the beads to the tumor(s). The beads emit a special type of radiation that travels a very short distance in the body. The radiation kills cancer cells, but very little radiation escapes the body. Only minimal precautions are needed to keep family members safe after treatment. The side effects of Y90 are usually milder than conventional therapy. For more information please click here for patient brochure.

Venous Access

Provides patients with devices designed to allow for safe and comfortable delivery of intravenous (IV) chemotherapy medications. We place medication (chest) ports and PICC lines in a comfortable and safe patient environment.

If you are interested in meeting with one of our physicians to discuss if one of these procedures is right for you, please call 215-481-6226 and leave your contact information.

Interventional Oncology