At DOCS Interventional Medicine, Dr. Jonathan Steinberger and Dr. Gabriel Lipshutz provide advanced, compassionate treatments for liver, kidney, lung, prostate, and soft tissue cancers. Using cutting-edge, minimally invasive cancer treatments in Los Angeles, including tumor ablation, Y90 radioembolization, and chemoembolization, we deliver expert care and the support you need through every step of your journey. You are never alone.
What Is Minimally Invasive Cancer Treatment?
Minimally invasive cancer treatment uses advanced, image-guided techniques—such as tumor ablation, Y90 radioembolization, and chemoembolization—to precisely target cancer cells without the need for large incisions or traditional surgery. At DOCS Interventional Medicine, these treatments are performed by expert interventional radiologists who specialize in delivering therapy directly to the tumor while protecting surrounding healthy tissue. This approach can reduce pain, shorten recovery times, and offer effective treatment options for patients who may be unable or unwilling to undergo major surgery. Whether addressing liver, kidney, lung, prostate, or soft-tissue cancers, our goal is to provide highly targeted care with greater safety and comfort, setting a high standard for minimally invasive cancer treatment in Los Angeles.
Who Is a Candidate for Minimally Invasive Cancer Treatments?
Minimally invasive cancer treatments are targeted options for patients who need effective therapy with less downtime, less pain, and fewer complications than surgery. Because every cancer diagnosis is unique, candidacy depends on a combination of medical, anatomical, and personal factors. Understanding these considerations helps determine whether minimally invasive therapy can fit into your care plan.
Tumor size and number
Many minimally invasive therapies work best for tumors that are limited in size or quantity. Ablation is often most effective for small tumors, while Y90 and TACE can treat larger or multiple tumors, provided the total disease burden is manageable. Patients with widespread or rapidly growing disease may require systemic therapies first.
Tumor location
Where a tumor sits within an organ matters greatly. Tumors that are close to major blood vessels, bile ducts, airways, or sensitive structures may require special techniques or may not be ideal for certain procedures. Image-guided treatment is most successful when doctors can safely access the tumor while protecting nearby tissue.
Overall health and surgical risk
Minimally invasive cancer treatments in Los Angeles are valuable options for patients who cannot tolerate major surgery due to age, heart or lung disease, or other medical conditions. These treatments require small incisions and generally involve a quicker recovery, making them more suitable for individuals seeking lower-impact alternatives.
Cancer stage and treatment goals
Candidates often include those with early-stage tumors seeking curative therapy, as well as patients with advanced disease who need symptom relief. Minimally invasive options may also be used to shrink tumors before surgery or bridge patients to transplant.
Response to previous treatments
Patients whose tumors have returned after surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation may still be eligible. Many minimally invasive procedures can be repeated if new tumors develop.
What Types of Cancers Do We Treat with Minimally Invasive Procedures?
Liver cancer
Liver cancer, whether primary or metastatic, requires a precise and effective approach. Our treatments, including transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and Y90 radioembolization, deliver targeted therapy directly to the tumor, minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Additionally, we use percutaneous CT and ultrasound-guided ablation to destroy cancerous cells with heat or cold, offering a non-surgical option with shorter recovery times. We provide innovative treatments that minimize discomfort and help patients maintain their quality of life.
Kidney cancer
For patients facing kidney cancer, we offer percutaneous ablation, a precise, image-guided procedure that uses extreme heat (radiofrequency or microwave ablation) or extreme cold (cryoablation) to destroy cancerous tissue while preserving kidney function. This technique is particularly beneficial for patients who are not candidates for traditional surgery or who want a less invasive approach. By avoiding large incisions and lengthy recovery periods, our approach to cancer ablation in Los Angeles helps patients return to their lives faster
Lung cancer
Lung cancer is one of the most common and challenging cancers, but our advanced interventional radiology treatments provide targeted, effective options. For patients with early-stage or inoperable lung tumors, percutaneous ablation offers a non-surgical approach to tumor destruction. Using CT-guided precision, we apply thermal energy to eradicate cancer cells while preserving lung function. This approach is particularly valuable for patients who cannot undergo surgery due to age, lung disease, or other medical conditions.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men, and treatment options should be tailored to each patient’s needs and goals. At DOCS Interventional Medicine, we provide percutaneous ablation, a minimally invasive method that destroys cancerous tissue while sparing surrounding structures. This approach can be an excellent alternative to surgery or radiation, particularly for patients seeking a treatment with fewer side effects.
Soft tissue and bone cancer
Cancers that affect soft tissue and bone can significantly impact mobility, comfort, and quality of life. Our interventional radiology treatments, including advanced cancer ablation in Los Angeles, effectively target and destroy tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding structures. By using image-guided techniques, we ensure that treatment is as precise and effective as possible, reducing pain and preserving function. Whether treating primary bone cancer or metastatic tumors in soft tissue, our approach is centered on ensuring the least disruption to daily life.
What Are the Benefits of Minimally Invasive Cancer Treatment?
Minimally invasive cancer treatments offer highly targeted, effective options for patients seeking alternatives to open surgery or traditional cancer therapies. Below are the key benefits that make minimally invasive cancer therapies an important part of modern oncology care.
Smaller incisions and less trauma to the body
Because these procedures use thin needles or catheters rather than large surgical cuts, the surrounding tissue experiences far less disruption. This reduces inflammation, blood loss, and surgical stress. Patients often appreciate that these treatments feel less invasive physically and emotionally, especially when compared to major operations that require significant downtime.
Faster recovery and a quicker return to daily life
Most minimally invasive cancer treatments in Los Angeles are performed on an outpatient basis or require only a short hospital stay. Patients typically resume normal activities within days rather than weeks. This faster return to mobility, work, and daily routines helps maintain quality of life and reduces the emotional and financial strain often associated with major surgery.
Precise targeting of tumors
Advanced imaging technologies, such as CT, MRI, or ultrasound, allow specialists to deliver treatment directly to the tumor with accuracy. This means the therapy can aggressively destroy cancer cells while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. Preserving normal organ function is especially important in sensitive organs such as the liver, kidneys, lungs, and prostate.
Fewer complications and reduced side effects
The minimally invasive nature of these treatments lowers the risk of infection, bleeding, and other complications. Because tumor ablation, Y90 radioembolization, and chemoembolization act locally, side effects are often milder than those associated with systemic treatments.
Expanded treatment options for complex cases
For patients who cannot undergo surgery or have tumors in difficult-to-reach locations, minimally invasive procedures offer effective alternatives. These treatments can also be repeated or combined with other therapies for long-term flexibility in managing cancer.
Why Choose Us for Cancer Care in Los Angeles
DOCS Interventional Medicine is dedicated to providing cutting-edge, minimally invasive cancer treatment in Los Angeles & Beverly Hills with expertise and compassionate care. Dr. Lipshutz and Dr. Steinberger bring over a decade of experience at Cedars-Sinai and specialize in advanced procedures like tumor ablation, Y90 radioembolization, and chemoembolization. Our approach ensures precision and offers hope for patients facing complex diagnoses. Schedule your consultation today to explore personalized, expert cancer care tailored to your needs.