Tumor interventional therapy: the light of science and technology illuminates the road to recovery for cancer patients

Author: Guo Hui, deputy chief physician of Shanxian Central Hospital, Shandong Province

Reviewer: Li Yuliang, Chief Physician, Second Hospital of Shandong University

With the rapid development of medical technology, the field of tumor treatment is undergoing unprecedented changes. Among them, tumor interventional therapy, as an efficient and minimally invasive treatment method, is gradually becoming a new choice for many cancer patients. This article will take you to understand the definition, technology types, treatment advantages, applicable population, risk assessment and future prospects of tumor interventional therapy.

1. Interventional therapy for tumors: definition and principles

Tumor interventional therapy, as the name implies, is a method of delivering treatment instruments (such as catheters, needles, etc.) directly to the tumor site for local treatment through non-surgical means and guided by medical imaging technology. This method effectively avoids the large-scale trauma that may be caused by traditional surgery and achieves precise and minimally invasive treatment of tumors. Specifically, tumor interventional therapy covers a variety of technologies, such as tumor ablation, embolization, and radioactive particle implantation. Each technology is based on its unique mechanism of action and provides personalized treatment plans for different types of tumors and conditions.

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1. Tumor ablation: Using physical or chemical methods, such as radio frequency, microwave, freezing or chemical drugs, to directly produce high or low temperature effects inside the tumor, so as to cause tumor cells to degenerate and necrotize. This method has the advantages of definite efficacy and less trauma.

2. Embolization: By sending tiny embolic agents (such as gelatin sponges, microspheres, etc.) into the tumor's blood supply artery, its blood supply is blocked, causing the tumor to gradually necrotize due to lack of nutrition. This technology is particularly suitable for tumor types with rich blood supply, such as liver cancer, lung cancer, etc.

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3. Radioactive particle implantation: Implant tiny radioactive particles directly into the tumor tissue, and gradually kill tumor cells by continuously releasing low-dose radiation. This method reduces systemic radiation exposure while achieving precise treatment of local tumors.

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2. Advantages of Tumor Interventional Therapy

1. Minimally invasive: Compared with traditional surgery, tumor interventional treatment only requires tiny punctures on the skin, greatly reducing the trauma and pain of patients.

2. Precision: Under the guidance of medical imaging equipment, doctors can accurately deliver treatment instruments to the tumor site and achieve precise treatment.

3. High efficiency: Due to its direct effect on the tumor itself, tumor interventional treatment can often achieve significant therapeutic effects in a relatively short period of time.

4. Safety: For patients with poor physical conditions or older age, tumor interventional treatment is safer due to its minimally invasive nature.

5. Quick recovery: Due to the small trauma, patients recover faster after surgery and can return to normal life more quickly.

3. Applicable population and pre-treatment evaluation

Tumor interventional therapy is not suitable for all cancer patients. Its treatment indications need to comprehensively consider the patient's condition, tumor type, treatment goals and physical condition. Generally speaking, the following patients may be more suitable for tumor interventional therapy:

1. Patients with early-stage tumors and without distant metastasis.

2. Patients whose tumors are in the advanced stage but whose local symptoms are severe and who need rapid relief.

3. Patients with poor physical condition who cannot tolerate traditional surgery or chemotherapy.

4. Patients who pursue quality of life and hope to reduce side effects of treatment.

Before treatment, the doctor will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the patient, including the size, location, blood supply of the tumor, as well as the patient's liver and kidney function, coagulation function, etc., to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

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4. Risks and Complications

Although tumor interventional treatment has many advantages, any medical treatment has certain risks and complications. The possible risks of tumor interventional treatment include infection, bleeding, vascular damage, etc. Therefore, before treatment, the doctor will fully communicate with the patient, inform the patient in detail about the treatment process, possible risks and countermeasures, and ensure that the patient fully understands and agrees to the treatment plan.

5. Postoperative Care and Rehabilitation

Postoperative care and rehabilitation are crucial to the patient's recovery. Patients need to follow the doctor's instructions, pay attention to rest, eat a proper diet and properly care for the wound. At the same time, maintaining a positive and optimistic attitude will help promote physical recovery. The doctor will also develop a personalized rehabilitation plan based on the patient's specific situation, including regular review, functional exercise, etc., to ensure the continuity and stability of the treatment effect.

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VI. Future Outlook

With the continuous advancement of medical technology, the field of tumor interventional treatment is welcoming a broader development prospect. In the future, we can expect the emergence of more innovative technologies, such as the combination of nanotechnology, gene therapy and tumor interventional treatment, which will further improve the accuracy and effectiveness of tumor treatment. At the same time, with the strengthening of interdisciplinary cooperation, tumor treatment will tend to be more personalized and comprehensive, providing patients with more comprehensive and efficient treatment options.

In short, as a cutting-edge medical technology, tumor interventional therapy is playing an increasingly important role in the field of tumor treatment with its unique advantages. We believe that in the near future, as the technology continues to mature and improve, tumor interventional therapy will bring hope of life to more cancer patients.