Interventional Radiology Emerges as Fourth Pillar in Cancer Treatment, ICIO Congress Reveals
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A groundbreaking conference in Milan highlights the growing role of minimally invasive techniques, offering results comparable to surgery for certain cancers.
Milan, Italy – December 19, 2025 – Interventional radiology is rapidly establishing itself as a crucial component in the fight against cancer, now considered alongside chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy as a core treatment modality. The confirmation comes from the recently concluded Italian Conference on Interventional Oncology (ICIO) in Milan, where experts from around the globe convened to discuss the latest advancements in this rapidly evolving field. The techniques promise increased precision, reduced complications, and faster recovery times for patients.
“Everything we do is all for patients,” explained Gianpaolo Carrafiello, President of ICIO, Director of Radiology of the Milan polyclinic, and Professor of the University of Milan. “Bringing together interventional radiology experts from all over the world allows us to share the moast current knowledge and look to the future, always keeping the patient at the center.”
Ablation Techniques: Burning and Beyond
Central to interventional radiology’s success are ablation techniques, which destroy tumor cells without the need for large incisions. These methods include both thermal ablation – utilizing heat or cold to eradicate cancerous tissue – and non-thermal approaches that selectively target and eliminate tumor cells.
“We have many ablation systems…equipment that allow us to ‘burn’ the tumor with heat (and also with cold), but we also have non-thermal ablative treatments which have the advantage of destroying onyl the tumor cells,” a senior official stated.
The benefits extend beyond simply destroying the tumor. Interventional radiology can also enhance the effectiveness of other cancer treatments. “These techniques guarantee not only a harmful action against the tumor cells but also favor an increase in the action of chemotherapy and of immunotherapy,” Carrafiello added.
Promising Results in Key Cancers
The ICIO congress highlighted notably encouraging results in the treatment of liver, lung, kidney, and pancreatic tumors. In many cases, outcomes achieved through interventional radiology are now comparable to those of conventional surgery. This is a significant development, offering patients less invasive options with possibly faster recovery times.
“Today our intervention should not be seen as isolated but within a path and a multidisciplinary evaluation,” Carrafiello emphasized.
Fostering Collaboration and Innovation
The ICIO congress wasn’t just about showcasing existing techniques; it was also about fostering collaboration and driving future innovation. Luca Brunese, SIRM President-elect and co-president of the congress, underscored the importance of an “open dialog with colleagues from all over the world,” emphasizing the opportunity to “enhance the Italian interventional school and to show the many young people present what level of excellence can be achieved.”
Nicoletta Gandolfo, SIRM National President and Director of the Asl3 Imaging Department of Genoa, highlighted the importance of integrating scientific knowledge and clinical pathways. “This is the strength of modern oncological interventional radiology: transforming technology into treatment, the image into clinical response and the procedures into therapeutic opportunities shared with all the specialists involved in the cancer patient’s journey.”
A Shining Future for Interventional Oncology
The growing interest in interventional radiology is evident in the strong participation of young professionals. Francesco Blasi, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and vice-rector of the University of Milan, noted that the high level of youth involvement is “a strong signal of the interest and growth potential of this discipline.”
“Interventional radiology is one of the most advanced aspects of modern medicine and has a grate future ahead of it in the management of many pathologies, from cancer to other complex conditions,” Blasi concluded. The ICIO congress in Milan served as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of this innovative field, offering renewed hope for cancer patients worldwide.
