Interventional oncology: new techniques and new devices

Abstract

Interventional oncology is a rapidly emerging field in the treatment of cancer. Minimally-invasive techniques such as trans-arterial embolization with chemotherapeutic and radioactive agents are established therapies and are found in multiple guidelines for the management of primary and metastatic liver lesions. Percutaneous ablation is also an alternative to surgery for small liver, renal, and pancreatic tumors. Recent research in the niche of interventional oncology has focused on improving outcomes of established techniques in addition to the development of novel therapies. In this review, we address recent and current advancements in devices, technologies, and techniques of chemoembolization and ablation: thermal ablation, histotripsy, high-intensity focused ultrasound, embolization strategies, liquid embolic agents, and local immunotherapy/antiviral therapies.