Who is an Interventional Oncologist?

Interventional oncologists are interventional radiologists experienced in non-surgical cancer treatments. Radiologists diagnose oncology patients using CT or magnetic resonance imaging, stage cancer, and perform image-guided biopsies. Over the past 20 years, technological advancements have enabled them to offer non-surgical cancer treatment.

The most common of these modern treatment methods include RF ablation and microwave ablation, cryoablation, chemoembolization, and radioembolization. Furthermore, interventional oncologists can also address the potential complications of all surgical and non-surgical treatments for cancer patients.

Cancer is a disease that can be treated with a multidisciplinary approach, involving dozens of disciplines.

The success of cancer treatment is determined by a team consisting of a radiologist, a surgeon, a medical oncologist, and a radiation oncologist who specializes in interventional oncology.

While some cancers may not require a surgeon, and others a radiation oncologist, the necessary specialist on this team is always a radiologist. Interventional oncologists, who are also radiologists, play a crucial role in every stage of the process, from biopsy to treatment, ensuring accurate diagnosis and staging, and are therefore an indispensable part of the team. If there is a suspicion of cancer, the first step is to find a qualified radiologist, preferably an interventional oncologist.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Mahir Atasoy

Maltepe University Faculty of Medicine Hospital