Interventional Oncology: 2043 and Beyond

Abstract

Interventional oncology is a subspecialty of interventional radiology focused on treating patients with cancer using minimally invasive, image-guided procedures. The role of interventional oncology has become so integral for supporting patients with cancer that many consider it the fourth pillar of oncology-a recent addition to the traditional pillars of medical oncology, surgery, and radiation oncology. As highlighted herein, the authors predict opportunities for growth in precision oncology, immunotherapy, advanced imaging, and novel interventions, facilitated by emergent technologies like artificial intelligence, gene editing, molecular imaging, and robotics. Beyond these technological breakthroughs, however, the defining characteristic of interventional oncology in 2043 will be a well-developed clinical and research infrastructure that enables greater integration of interventional oncology procedures into standard practice.