Introduction to interventional oncology: A COG Diagnostic Imaging Committee/SPR Oncology Committee White Paper.

Abstract

Interventional radiology (IR) is a valuable resource when caring for pediatric solid tumor patients. As minimally invasive, image-guided procedures become more relied upon to answer challenging diagnostic questions and provide alternative therapeutic options, IR is poised to become a contributing member of the multidisciplinary oncology team. Improved imaging techniques allow for better visualization during biopsy procedures, transarterial locoregional treatments have the potential to deliver targeted cytotoxic therapy while limiting systemic side effects, and percutaneous thermal ablation can be used to treat chemo-resistant tumors of various solid organs. Additionally, interventional radiologists are able to perform routine, supportive procedures for oncology patients that include central venous access placement, lumbar punctures, and enteric feeding tube placements with high levels of technical success and excellent safety profiles.