Combinational Technology Leads Interventional Cancer Therapies

These are the latest findings of Frost & Sullivan (Frost, Mountain View, CA, USA), an international market research firm.

Primary oncology combinational interventional techniques include thermal ablation, high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), and embolization. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryoablation are already considered sound treatment options, while transarterial chemo-embolization (TACE) is probably the worldwide standard for treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, with drug-eluting beads being the first major technology advancement in TACE.

Microwave ablation (MWA), selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT), and irreversible electroporation are other evolving interventional technologies, but full clinical evidence for the effective use of new technologies is still lacking. Most studies are vendor sponsored, so that parameters to evaluate the device vary and results may thus not be unbiased. Increasing investment in research will improve existing devices and technologies’ output. For example, tissue overheating during MWA may be avoided by implementing power control algorithms, and advanced ergonomic devices are being designed with instinctive controls and features.

Manufacturers will greatly benefit from the fact that many interventional oncology technologies can be used as combinational technology. Numerous possibilities have been researched, such as heat activated liposomal doxorubicin with RFA. Similarly, both HIFU and RFA help in the deposition of doxorubicin. Studies also indicate that the combination of technologies such as RFA with TACE, or percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) with RFA or TACE provides better-quality treatment. Clinical trials are currently being performed to prove the efficacy of such combined technologies.


Looking to the future, image-guided multimodality routing, computerization and visualization, along with electromagnetic radiation, drug delivery, and immunotherapy, will play a pivotal role in curing cancerous tissues. Methods gaining popularity in this treatment space include image-guided stereotactic radiotherapy with modern methods of respiratory synchronization. Continued collaboration between the science and medical communities and manufacturers will pave the way for an effective treatment solution.

“The popularity of interventional technology is increasing; looking into the future, the medical fraternity is considering it as a major treatment possibility,” said Akanksha Joshi, a senior healthcare analyst at Frost & Sullivan and author of the report. “Cost effectiveness and improvement in quality of life are the main merits achieved with interventional oncology.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO; Geneva, Switzerland), the top three diagnosed cancers in 2008 were lung cancer (1.61 million sufferers), breast cancer (1.38 million, and colorectal cancer (1.23 million), while the cancers with the leading death rate were lung (1.38 million), stomach (0.74 million), and liver (0.69 million).

Related Links:
Frost & Sullivan
World Health Organization