Interventional Oncology
Nonsurgical Cancer Treatment In Cape Girardeau, MO
A cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but treatment today looks very different from what it did even a decade ago. Interventional oncology offers highly targeted, minimally invasive therapies that treat tumors directly while preserving healthy tissue.
At The Interventional Clinic in Cape Girardeau, our specialists use image-guided techniques to deliver precise cancer treatment with fewer side effects, shorter recovery times, and a faster return to daily life, often without the need for traditional surgery or extended hospital stays.
Why Early, Targeted Cancer Treatment Matters
Cancer treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. The earlier a tumor is identified and treated, the more options you have, and minimally invasive therapies can play a powerful role at nearly every stage of care.
Highly Targeted Therapy
Treat tumors directly while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Faster Recovery
Most patients return to normal activities within days, not weeks.
Fewer Side Effects
Localized treatments often reduce the systemic side effects of traditional therapies.
Outpatient Procedures
Many treatments are performed in a single visit without an overnight stay.
What You Need to Know
What Is Interventional Oncology?
Interventional oncology is a subspecialty of interventional radiology focused on diagnosing and treating cancer using minimally invasive, image-guided techniques. Instead of removing tumors through open surgery, our physicians use advanced imaging, such as CT, ultrasound, and fluoroscopy, to guide small instruments directly to the tumor site.
These treatments can destroy tumors, shrink them, or cut off their blood supply — all through tiny incisions no larger than a pinhole.
What Types of Cancer Can Be Treated?
Interventional oncology can be used to treat or manage a wide range of cancers, including tumors in the liver, kidneys, lungs, bones, and other organs.
It is often used alongside chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery — or as an alternative when those options aren’t possible.
Common Symptoms and When to Seek Care
Cancer symptoms vary widely depending on the type and location of the tumor. Some patients experience pain, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss, while others have no symptoms at all. Many tumors are discovered through imaging performed for another reason.
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer or have been told you have a tumor, a consultation can help determine whether minimally invasive treatment is an option.
What Happens If Left Untreated
Untreated tumors may continue to grow, spread to other parts of the body, or interfere with vital organ function. Early, targeted intervention can slow or stop progression, relieve symptoms, and improve both quality of life and long-term outcomes.
Cancer Treatment Options At The Interventional Clinic
Our team offers a range of advanced cancer treatments. The right approach depends on the type, size, and location of your tumor, as well as your overall health and treatment goals.
Tumor Ablation
Tumor ablation is a minimally invasive technique that destroys cancer cells using heat, cold, or other energy sources without removing the tumor surgically.
What Happens During Ablation
Using real-time imaging, a thin probe is guided directly into the tumor. Once in place, energy is delivered to destroy the tumor cells while preserving nearby healthy tissue.
Benefits of Ablation
Ablation is precise, effective, and often completed in a single session. Most patients go home the same day and return to normal activities within a few days. It is especially valuable for patients who are not candidates for surgery.
Radioembolization Therapy (Y90)
Radioembolization treats tumors in the liver by delivering high doses of focused radiation to tumors, causing them to shrink or stop growing.
What Happens During Radioembolization (Y90)
A tiny catheter is inserted through a pokehole in the groin and advanced through the blood vessels into the artery feeding the tumor in the liver. Microscopic glass beads are then delivered into the artery and trapped in the target tumor. Over several days, these beads give off high doses of radiation inside the tumors themselves.
Benefits of Radioembolization
This approach allows for highly localized treatment, reducing exposure to the rest of the body. It can relieve symptoms, slow tumor growth, and in some cases, shrink tumors enough to allow for additional therapies or result in a complete cure.
Chemo-Embolization (TACE)
Chemoembolization or TACE treats tumors in the liver by delivering chemotherapy and small particles directly into the small arteries feeding the tumors. These agents work together to kill tumor cells directly, causing them to shrink or stop growing.
What Happens During Chemoembolization (TACE)
Similar to radioembolization, during chemoembolization, a small catheter is inserted into the liver arteries feeding liver tumors. A chemotherapy mixture is delivered directly into the artery and taken up directly by tumors, causing them to die. Small particles are then delivered in the same manner to block off the arteries that provide nutrients to the tumor, causing further tumor death.
Benefits of Chemoembolization
Similar to radioembolization, this approach allows for highly localized treatment, reducing exposure to the rest of the body. It can relieve symptoms, slow tumor growth, and in some cases, shrink tumors enough to allow for additional therapies or result in a complete cure.
Port-A-Cath Placement
When a diagnosis requires systemic therapy, patients will often receive a Port-A-Cath to facilitate blood draws and administration of intravenous (IV) therapies.
What Happens During a Port Placement
The procedure takes about 10 minutes. Ports are placed under X-ray and ultrasound guidance to insert a small catheter into a large vein just above the collarbone. This catheter is connected to a small reservoir about the size of a small marble, which is placed under the skin on the upper chest. Patients typically receive a light sedation during the procedure, although it can be performed with just local anesthesia for patients who do not want to skip breakfast or would prefer to drive themselves.
Benefits of Port-A-Cath Placement
Ports allow easy access to a patient’s veins, making administration of certain medications and blood draws much easier and less painful.
Why Patients Choose The Interventional Clinic for Cancer Treatment
Cancer care requires precision, compassion, and a personalized approach. Our interventional oncology team delivers all three with advanced technology and a focus on your quality of life.
Subspecialty
Expertise
CT and ultrasound technologies enable highly accurate, targeted biopsies.
Image-Guided
Precision
Our specialists perform biopsies using techniques that minimize discomfort and risk.
Minimally Invasive
Approach
Timely appointments and quick turnaround on results help reduce uncertainty.
Collaborative
Cancer Care
We work closely with your referring provider to ensure a seamless transition from diagnosis to treatment.
Discover a Less Invasive Approach to Cancer Treatment
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer or are exploring treatment options, interventional oncology may offer a less invasive path forward. Our team is here to help you understand your options and build a treatment plan tailored to you.
Schedule a consultation today and take the next step toward targeted, effective cancer care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Interventional Oncology a Replacement for Chemotherapy or Surgery?
Not always. Interventional oncology is often used alongside other treatments, but in some cases, it can reduce or eliminate the need for surgery. Your care plan will depend on your specific diagnosis.
Are These Procedures Painful?
Most cancer treatments are performed under twilight sedation, meaning you’ll be relaxed and comfortable. Mild soreness afterward is common but typically short-lived.
How Long Is Recovery?
Many patients return home the same day and resume normal activities within a few days. Recovery is significantly faster than traditional surgery.
Will Insurance Cover My Treatment?
Most interventional oncology procedures are covered by Medicare and private insurance when medically necessary. Our team will verify your coverage and review any costs in advance.
Am I A Candidate for Interventional Oncology?
Candidacy depends on the type, size, and location of your tumor, as well as your overall health. A consultation with our specialists is the best way to determine whether these treatments are right for you.