Rapidly evolving minimally invasive cancer therapy – tumour ablation

Image-guided tumour ablation is a rapidly evolving and exciting minimally-invasive treatment for cancer. It has been facilitated by the huge developments that have been made in imaging technologies such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These have made it possible to diagnose and direct treatment to areas deep inside the body. Alongside this, a huge amount of research has been conducted into how energy can be precisely delivered to destroy tumours while sparing surrounding healthy tissue – the goal of all cancer therapy.

Image-guided ablation includes radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation and image guided cryoablation and it can be used to treat many different types of cancer effectively and with precision.

Consultant Interventional Radiologist and Kidney Cancer Expert Dr Rowland Illing, who specialises in image-guided cancer therapy, says: “Our ability to visualise and treat areas deep inside the body with very precise ablative therapy is a very important addition to cancer treatment.”

Abnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. Full medical glossary
The abbreviation for computed tomography, a scan that generates a series of cross-sectional x-ray images Full medical glossary
A large abdominal organ that has many important roles including the production of bile and clotting factors, detoxification, and the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Full medical glossary
A technique for imaging the body that uses electromagnetic waves and a strong magnetic field. Full medical glossary
An abbreviation for magnetic resonance imaging, a technique for imaging the body that uses electromagnetic waves and a strong magnetic field. Full medical glossary
A group of cells with a similar structure and a specialised function. Full medical glossary
An abnormal swelling. Full medical glossary
A diagnostic method in which very high frequency sound waves are passed into the body and the reflective echoes analysed to build a picture of the internal organs – or of the foetus in the uterus. Full medical glossary
Relating to the sense of sight (vision). Full medical glossary