NEW POSSIBILITIES IN
CANCER TREATMENTS

Our physicians use state-of-the-art technology in their ﬁght against cancer. We evaluate every cancer patient and ﬁnd the most appropriate treatment plan possible, one that oﬀers the best chances for a cure. Using the most advanced interventional radiology (IR) procedures and imaging modalities we treat tumors directly, and avoid many of the drawbacks of more systemic treatments.

We offer treatments for the following conditions:

RADIOFREQUENCY OF
SPINAL METASTASES

CHEMOEMBOLIZATION/
DRUG ELUTING BEADS

RADIOEMBOLIZATION
(Y-90) FOR LIVER TUMORS

CENTRAL VENOUS
CATHETER PLACEMENT

CRYOABLATION

RADIOFREQUENCY
ABLATION (RFA)

PORT PLACEMENT FOR
CHEMOTHERAPY

PREOPERATIVE EMBOLIZATION
OF TUMORS

MICROWAVE ABLATION

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

About the procedure

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a procedure used to treat cancerous tumors, either where they originated, or in locations to which they may have metastasized. During the procedure, the heat generated from high-frequency electrical currents is used to destroy or shrink the tumors.

Why it’s done

This procedure is often used by Comprehensive Integrated Care doctors to treat tumors that are not candidates for surgical resection, because they are too small, too numerous, or located too near important blood vessels. Because of the localized effects of the RFA procedure, it is free from many of the side effects of other forms of treatment. The success rate of RFA in eliminating small tumors of the liver is considered to be higher than 85%.

What to expect

Preparation: You will go home shortly after the treatment. Discuss any medications you are taking, including herbal supplements, with your CiC physician. Discuss this before the procedure with your CiC physicians, and also tell them about any medications you are taking, including herbal supplements. You may be advised to stop taking aspirin, NSAIDs, or blood thinners for several days before the procedure. If you are pregnant, be sure to inform your doctors so that they can use X-ray procedures that will minimize radiation exposure to the baby. You may be advised not to eat for several hours before the procedure, and you should plan to have someone available to drive you home afterwards.

During: After application of a local anesthetic, your CiC physicians will make a tiny incision and insert a thin needle electrode. The needle is then guided into place near the tumor using X-ray fluoroscopy, ultrasound, or some other type of visualization. Finally, the electrode is activated to generate a highly focused heat, which is used to destroy the cancer cells.

After: After treatment, the needle will be removed and you will be asked to rest in a recovery room for a while. You may experience some nausea, fever, or pain immediately after the procedure and for the next few days, but if so you will be given medications to control it.

When you have been discharged, you should be able to resume your activities within 7 to 10 days. For the first 24 hours, however, you should not drive or operate machinery, and you should not engage in any kind of strenuous activity. Over the next few weeks you should check in regularly with your CiC physicians, so they can monitor your progress.

Getting the best cancer care

Whatever form your cancer has taken, you can count on receiving the best treatment possible from the specialists at Comprehensive Integrated Care. Because we specialize in the latest techniques and cutting-edge technologies, as a patient you will benefit from the most advanced and most effective cancer care possible.