This World Cancer Day, we want to share an inspiring story demonstrating how modern interventional radiology (IR) is transforming cancer care, particularly for patients who might not be candidates for traditional surgery. This real-life case shows how expertise, innovative thinking, and advanced minimally invasive techniques can come together to change lives for patients seeking renal cell carcinoma treatment.
A Complex Case
In August 2022, we met an 86-year-old gentleman facing a challenging diagnosis. He had a biopsy-proven kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) measuring 4 centimeters – about the size of a golf ball. While this might typically call for surgical removal of part of the kidney, our patient’s situation was complicated by several factors:
- Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), making surgery and general anesthesia particularly risky.
- Significant coronary artery disease, further increasing surgical risks.
- Advanced age, which can affect recovery from major surgery.
A Two-Step Solution
Rather than subject this patient to the risks of major surgery, we developed a carefully planned two-step approach using minimally invasive techniques. Like defusing a bomb, we first cut the power supply and then safely remove the threat.
Step 1: Strategic Embolization (September 29, 2022)
First, we performed a procedure called embolization to cut off the tumor’s blood supply. Here’s how it worked:
- Using advanced imaging guidance, we threaded a tiny catheter through the blood vessels
- We identified the specific vessels feeding the tumor
- We carefully blocked these vessels, essentially “starving” the tumor
- This made the tumor shrink and reduced the risk of bleeding during the next step
Step 2: Precision Cryoablation (October 13, 2022)
Two weeks later, after the tumor had shrunk from the embolization, we performed the cryoablation procedure:
- Using CT guidance for perfect precision, we inserted a special probe that creates an “ice ball” to freeze and destroy the cancer cells
- The procedure required only a tiny incision
- We used special techniques (called hydrodissection) to protect nearby healthy organs
- The entire process took just two 10-minute freeze cycles with a short thaw between them
A Remarkable Success Story
Now, nearly two years later, the results have exceeded our expectations:
- Follow-up imaging shows the tumor has essentially disappeared
- Our patient continues to live an active lifestyle
- He avoided major surgery and a lengthy recovery
- Most importantly, there’s no sign of the cancer returning
- All of this was achieved with minimal disruption to his daily life
How Interventional Radiology is Helping Cancer Care
This success story represents more than just one patient’s outcome – it showcases several important advances in modern cancer care:
- The Power of Combined Treatments
Our approach aligns with cutting-edge research, including the EMBARC trial led by Dr. AJ Gunn and colleagues, which studies this exact combination of embolization followed by ablation for kidney cancers. The early results are promising and could change how we treat many kidney cancer patients. - Personalized Medicine in Action
Not every patient needs the same treatment. By carefully considering our patient’s specific situation – his age, other health conditions, and tumour characteristics – we could design a treatment plan that worked best for him. - The Evolution of Cancer Treatment
Modern cancer care isn’t always about aggressive surgery. Sometimes, the most effective approach is also the most precise and least invasive. This case shows how far we’ve come in developing alternatives to traditional surgery.
Could This Approach Be Right for You?
While this combined approach worked excellently for our patient, every case is unique. Here are the factors we consider when evaluating treatment options:
- Tumor size and location
- Overall health status and other medical conditions
- Previous treatments
- Personal preferences and goals
- Age and activity level
- Recovery considerations
Why Expertise Matters Choosing an Experienced IR Team
This case highlights several key benefits of choosing an experienced IR team:
- Access to the latest techniques and technologies
- Ability to combine different approaches for optimal results
- Experience in handling complex cases
- Focus on minimizing the impact on quality of life
- Commitment to long-term follow-up and monitoring
Looking to the Future
As we celebrate World Cancer Day, cases like this remind us that cancer treatment is constantly evolving. Through expertise, innovation, and careful patient selection, we can often find ways to effectively treat cancer while maintaining quality of life – even for patients who might not be candidates for traditional treatments.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with kidney cancer – or any cancer where minimally invasive treatment might be an option – we encourage you to explore all your options. Contact our interventional radiology team to learn whether these innovative approaches might be right for you.
Remember that in the fight against cancer, having access to the full range of treatment options, including minimally invasive procedures, can make all the difference. Our team is here to help you understand your options and find the best approach for your specific situation.
References:
This case study aligns with ongoing research in the field, including the EMBARC trial studying embolization before ablation of T1b renal cell carcinoma. For more information about the clinical evidence supporting this approach, ask your healthcare provider about recent publications in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology.
