Oak Valley Health expands cancer care with thermal ablation treatment

Oak Valley Health has taken a step forward in advancing patient-centred cancer care through thermal ablation.

This minimally invasive treatment includes inserting a thin, needle-like probe through the skin and guiding it to the tumour using real-time imaging such as ultrasound and CT scans. Once in position, the probe emits microwave energy to heat and destroy the tumour, all while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Ablation is performed by specialized physicians called interventional radiologists, like Dr. Klaudia Noble, Oak Valley Health Interventional Radiology Lead, who are not only experts in image interpretation but can use it to guide treatment.

“Through Cancer Care Ontario, we are currently able to treat liver tumours and metastatic disease to the liver from colorectal cancer, lung tumours and metastatic disease to the lung, and kidney tumours,” says Dr. Noble. “It is also often patient preference for a minimally invasive option, generally offering fewer risks and side effects compared to traditional surgery and quicker recovery.”

For 85-year-old Michael Chan, access to this treatment close to home was a welcome relief. After a CT scan at Markham Stouffville Hospital revealed an incidental mass on his kidney, Chan was referred for thermal ablation — a treatment option that aligned with his desire to have minimal disruption to his everyday life.

“Within two weeks of my scan, I was scheduled for treatment,” Chan recalls. “Dr. Noble was very informative and kind. She explained everything clearly and made sure both my family and I felt comfortable throughout the process.”

On the day of his visit, Chan was accompanied by his daughters, prepared for treatment, and then monitored during recovery before returning home later that same day. Some of the advantages of thermal ablation include faster healing and shorter procedure times, greater precision with reduced risk to surrounding tissue, same-day discharge and quicker recovery, fewer complications, especially in high-risk patients.

“I was tired and had no appetite, but I wasn’t in pain,” Chan said. “Slowly, my energy returned, I started eating again. I never once felt lost or unsure, my family and my health care team was always there for me, and I was informed every step of the way.”

After a follow-up CT scan one month later, there are no signs of the tumour on Chan’s kidney, and he has since returned to his regular routine — enjoying time in his backyard and tending to his garden. Chan’s health care journey will continue to include follow-up scans in the coming months and at his one-year post-treatment for monitoring.

“I was happy and relieved to know my treatment was successful. My advice to others who may be living the same experience, ask questions and trust the options available. My hospital helped me, they showed me they cared, and I know I am in good hands.”

Dr. Noble emphasizes that interventional oncology is emerging as the fourth pillar of modern cancer treatment, alongside medical, surgical, and radiation oncology.

“It is a rapidly-growing field driven by technological innovation, precision medicine, and the growing demand for minimally-invasive treatments that preserve quality of life,” she says. “Image-guided techniques like ablation help treat tumours with pinpoint accuracy. It fills critical gaps for patients who aren’t candidates for surgery or systemic therapies, and can sometimes bridge patients from being ineligible to eligible for such treatments. With interventional oncology, we are also able to offer symptom management and palliation for patients who do not have curative disease.”

This program is funded through Cancer Care Ontario, and Oak Valley Health is currently able to treat up to 10 patients annually. While ablations are treating certain tumours right now, other emerging technologies and cancer types can be considered in the future.

“As one of Ontario’s leading community health care organizations, it was a natural next step to establish interventional oncology in order to continue delivering innovative, patient-centred care,” says Dr. Mitesh Mehta, Oak Valley Health’s Chief of Diagnostic Imaging.

Photo: After a CT scan at Markham Stouffville Hospital revealed an incidental mass on his kidney, Michael Chan was referred for thermal ablation — a treatment option that aligned with his desire to have minimal disruption to his everyday life.