Interventional Radiology and Oncology: Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment through Targeted Therapies
Interventional Radiology is a growing component of oncology care. It is a board-certified, surgical subspecialty of radiology that uses imaging (e.g., ultrasound, CT) to perform minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat disease. Interventional radiologists can treat cancer in patients who are not eligible for traditional surgery, have limited disease in certain organ systems or have exhausted other treatment options.
“ The world of oncology and interventional oncology is changing every day. We’re always trying to explore new options and push the limits of what’s possible for patients.
– Dr. Kyle Pfeifer
Interventional Radiology throughout Cancer Care
From diagnosis and treatment to palliative care, interventional radiology can involve all stages of oncology, including:
• Biopsies
• Vein access – ports & peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines
• Tumor ablation –cryoablation (cold), microwave (heat) and radiofrequency
• Tumor embolization –chemotherapy and radiation
• Celiac plexus block or neurolysis – pain relief for pancreatic cancer
Interventional oncology procedures include:
• Ablation – uses extreme temperatures to destroy tumors (typically kidney, liver, lung, spine). Cryoablation is the mainstay and involves using extreme cold to freeze and kill cancer cells.
• Embolization – delivers targeted drugs (chemoembolization) or radiation (radioembolization) through blood vessels directly to a tumor.
– TheraSphere Y-90 radioembolization – uses glass microspheres that contain a high dose of a special radiation, Yttrium. The beads lodge in capillaries and leak radiation directly into the diseased tissue, sparing the surrounding area. This treats cancer that starts in or has spread to the liver.
These outpatient procedures offer faster recovery and fewer side effects than many cancer treatments and are a good option for the 80% of liver cancer patients not eligible for resection surgery.
“For some patients, these therapies keep them on the transplant list by downsizing tumor and reducing disease burden,” said Dr. Kyle Pfeifer, interventional radiologist with Advanced Radiology. “This offers hope for future transplant to cure their cancer.”
• Kyphoplasty – stability for cancer in the spine; can combine with tumor ablation in one procedure
• Implantable drainage for symptom relief
Listen to Dr. Pfeifer’s interventional radiology podcast at:
Bryan Cancer Program • 402-481-7900 • bryanhealth.org/cancer
JULY/AUGUST 2023 NEWS
ISSUE 4
Dr. Kyle Pfeifer performs a liver tumor cryoablation. Kevin Ourada, a doctor of nurse anesthesia practice student at Bryan College of Health Sciences, looks on.
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Quality Cancer Care, Closer to Home
Construction is moving along at the upcoming April Sampson Cancer Center. The window installation is underway to bring natural light in and allow beautiful views out.
Bryan Health — in partnership with Cancer Partners of Nebraska — is committed to creating an environment that promotes healing, comfort and tranquility for our patients, their families and our highly skilled medical staff, right here in Lincoln.
As construction progresses, we’re anticipating the days when our comprehensive cancer center will be filled with compassion, expertise, restorative services and advanced cancer treatments. Stay tuned for future updates and learn more at AprilSampsonCancerCenter.org.
View the latest aerial video here: The April Sampson Cancer Center will be located near S. 40th St. and Rokeby Rd. with easy access from the new beltway once road construction is complete.
Bryan Cancer Program • 402-481-7900 • bryanhealth.org/cancer
70th 84th 98th saltillo rd yankee hill rd saltillo rd rokeby rd 14th rokeby rd saltillo rd 40th 27th 56th lincoln so u t h beltway
Southeast Side
West Side
Lower Level Lobby
Meditation Room
Café
Donor Corner
We are grateful for generous donors in our community, such as Ameritas, who is supporting physician and care team work space at the April Sampson Cancer Center.
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It’s exciting to be part of a project that can transform so many lives. We’ve all been touched by cancer in some way. Bryan Health’s new facility will guide and support patients with comprehensive treatment from cancer specialists to social workers who bring resources together for families. Ameritas is proud to support Bryan Health, and we are thankful for their continued work in cancer treatment.
She and her husband, Terry, have a 10-year-old son and a 5-year-old daughter. She enjoys reading, watching sports (especially the World Cup) and seeing live music. As a family they love hiking throughout southeast Nebraska.
“It’s been so fun to see the cancer program grow over the last eight years,” Joanna said. “I’m proud of what we have accomplished as a team in collaboration with others in the community.”
Contact Joanna at 402-481-8214 or joanna.morgan@bryanhealth.org
Join
— Ameritas President and CEO Bill Lester
Call the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605 or visit bryanhealth.org/join-the-cause
information on giving and naming opportunities.
Nutrition Services for Cancer Patients
Cancer patients often have concerns about their diets. What should they eat or avoid? Does sugar feed cancer? How do they manage side effects and support their immune system during treatment? Good nourishment is vital to healing and makes cancer treatments more effective.
Melanie Mitchell, a registered and licensed dietitian at Cancer Partners of Nebraska, provides medical nutrition therapy, including evaluation and nutritional diagnosis for cancer patients. She offers the following complimentary services:
• Customized nutrition plans to help patients optimize weight maintenance or achieve a healthy body weight and improve quality of life during cancer care
• Survivorship nutrition education upon completion of cancer treatment
• Evidence-based answers to cancer-related nutrition questions
• Strategies to manage nutrition-related symptoms of treatment
• Personalized recipes, meal suggestions and food lists to maintain quality nutrition
Nutrition services will move to the April Sampson Cancer Center when it opens in less than a year. For more information, visit cancerpartners.com/care/nutrition-services.
Melanie Mitchell, MS, RDN
the cause — be a part of advancing cancer care in our community.
for
Bryan Cancer Program • 402-481-7900 • bryanhealth.org/cancer
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Bryan Cancer Program
1600 S. 48th St.
Lincoln, NE 68506-1299
Address Service Requested
Cancer News
Stay informed with the latest comprehensive cancer care updates
View online & previous issues: bryanhealth.org/cancer-newsletter
April Sampson Cancer Center
Coming to Lincoln in less than a year South 40th St. between
Yankee Hill & Saltillo Roads
View updates & more on page 2
Community Outreach
The Bryan Cancer Program is committed to advancing health in our region. Team members regularly attend various community and cultural events to provide:
• Education about cancer risk factors and prevention
• Accessible screenings for early detection
• Information to raise awareness about different types of cancer
• Resources to support cancer patients
Kearney Cancer Center Plans Announced
A new state-of-the-art, comprehensive cancer center will bring together Cancer Partners of Nebraska’s team of highly trained oncology physicians with Kearney Regional Medical Center’s robust diagnostic services.
The new cancer center will provide:
• Radiation and medical oncology
• Infusion and chemotherapy services
• A state-of-the-art linear accelerator
• National oncology clinical trial access
• Onsite PET, CT and CT simulation imaging
Construction is set to begin in late 2023, with an anticipated opening in 2025. Learn more at kearneycancercenter.org.
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 267 Lincoln, NE
Bryan Cancer Program • 402-481-7900 • bryanhealth.org/cancer
By actively engaging with the community, Bryan Cancer Program aims to motivate people to take charge of their health and make positive lifestyle choices.
