Interventional Oncology

UCLA Health excellence in interventional oncology

Interventional oncologists provide image-guided interventions focused on cancer, including biopsies, tumor ablations, trans-arterial therapies, and palliative management.

UCLA Health interventional oncologists have pioneered and developed the discipline of Interventional Oncology, not only in the US but also on the world stage. One of the largest programs of its kind in the US, the UCLA Interventional Oncology program performs more than 500 ablative procedures and more than 300 transarterial therapies a year.

Our areas of care

Interventional oncologists perform image-guided interventions focused on cancer, including oncology procedures like biopsies, tumor ablations, trans-arterial therapies, and palliative management.

Our expert team treats cancers of the liver, kidney, lung, musculoskeletal, and other solid malignancies. We are active researchers, continually learning and implementing the most effective new treatments.

Conditions interventional oncologists treat

Interventional oncology is a rapidly growing field in cancer care that uses targeted, minimally invasive oncology procedures, performed with the help of image guidance, to diagnose, treat and/or relieve the symptoms of cancer.

Interventional oncologists treat a spectrum of cancers affecting virtually any part of the body. The types of cancers we treat may include:

Cancers of the thorax

We treat a variety of cancers affecting the thorax, including:  

• Lung Cancer
• Lung Metastases
• Mesothelioma

Cancers of the abdomen and pelvis

Our specialists may offer treatment for cancers affecting the abdomen and pelvis, such as:

• Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma)
• Liver Metastases
• Renal Cell Carcinoma
• Adrenal Tumors
• Prostate Cancer
• Uterine Fibroids

Musculoskeletal/spine cancer

We also treat cancers that affect the bone and spine, including:  

• Osteoid Osteoma
• Spinal Metastases
• Non-spinal Metastases

Neuro/head & neck cancers

Interventional oncologists may also treat neurological and head & neck cancers, such as:

• Thyroid Masses
• Other Malignancies

Pain and palliation

We collaborate with your oncology team to help improve quality of life by addressing:

• Cancer Related Pain
• Malignant Pleural Effusion and Ascites

Interventional oncology procedures we offer

Nearly every patient with cancer will undergo at least one image‐guided biopsy prior to treatment, and many more patients will undergo palliative and symptomatic image‐guided treatments.

Interventional oncologists perform a number of minimally invasive treatments, including:

Therapeutic procedures

• Intraarterial Procedures:
  • Chemoembolization (TACE)
  • Chemoembolization (DEB)
  • Radioembolization
• Tumor ablation:
  • Cryoablation
  • Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
  • Microwave ablation
• Supportive Procedures:
  • Paracentesis or Thoracentesis
  • PICC line placement
  • Tunneled catheter placement
  • Percutaneous biliary drainage
  • Percutaneous nephrostomy
  • Pleurx catheter placement
  • Stenting of malignant strictures: bile duct, esophageal, tracheobronchial and intestinal
  • Portal vein embolzation

Our expert interventional oncology team

Our interventional oncologists are board-certified physicians with advanced training in diagnostic radiology, followed by additional training in vascular and interventional procedures. Advanced training in imaging techniques allows them to visualize, diagnose and treat conditions without the need for open surgery. Our experts collaborate with multiple teams across UCLA Health to offer comprehensive, multispecialty care.

Contact us

Call 310-481-7545 to request an appointment with an interventional oncologist at UCLA Health.