HJAR Sep/Oct 2020

54 SEP / OCT 2020 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS DIALOGUE COLUMN ONCOLOGY COMMON PROCEDURES include: biopsies to diagnose a tumor; venous access, such as infusaport placement to receive chemo- therapy; and tumor directed therapies, such as ablation and embolization. Interventional oncology has become such a critical component of modern oncology care, that it is often referred to as the fourth pillar of cancer care, supporting the more commonly knownmodalities of medical, sur- gical, and radiation oncology. As a procedure-based specialty, inter- ventional oncology has historically been performed in an inpatient hospital setting. However, in recent years, more cancer care providers see the benefits of providing this specialty in an outpatient clinic setting. From the emotional benefit to the patient, to fi- nancial implications for both the patient and provider, there are various reasons that per- forming these procedures in an outpatient setting can be advantageous for all involved. One key reason providers are moving to this model is the thought that it is more ben- eficial to the patient because it eliminates the added stress of going into a hospital setting to have a procedure performed. If the same procedure can be done safely in an outpatient setting or office based lab, this alleviates one more worry for the patient. In recent years, many patients who have procedures per- formed in a hospital actually go home the same day, supporting the theory that proce- dures can be performed safely and effectively in an outpatient setting, and do not require overnight stays. As an example, when tumor emboliza- tion, wor blood vessel blockage to shrink a tumor, was first introduced in the United States, patients often had significant pain and experienced flu like symptoms, called post embolization syndrome, for a few days fol- lowing the procedure. With time, emboliza- tion has evolved significantly in the way the procedure is performed, the devices available, and the method of delivery. These changes in technique and technology have significantly reduced the severity of potential side effects Interventional oncology is a subspecialty of radiology that specializes in performing minimally invasive procedures that are integral to the diagnosis and treatment of various forms of cancer. The Benefits of Providing INTERVENTIONAL ONCOLOGY in an Outpatient Setting David Hays, MD Interventional Radiologist and Medical Director of Radiology CARTI, Inc.