Interventional Radiology & Bone Cancer Treatment |
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 Sarasota Interventional Radiology |
| Interventional Radiologist Dr. Gerald Grubbs |
| Bone Cancer: An Overview |
| Bone Cancer: Signs and Symptoms |
| Diagnosing Bone Cancer |
| » Bone Biopsy/Bone Marrow Biopsy |
| » Large Core Needle Bone Biopsy/Bone Marrow Biopsy |
| » Fine Needle Aspiration |
| What to Expect During Treatment |
| Minimally Invasive Bone Cancer Treatments |
| » Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) |
| » Cryoablation |
| » Vertebroplasty |
| Cancer Treatments On the Horizon |
| » Magnetic Chemotherapy |
| » Gene Therapy |
| » Developing Treatments |
| Contact Us |
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Interventional Radiologists Offer New HopeThe rapidly growing specialty of Interventional Radiology offers those with
bone cancernew minimally invasive approaches for diagnosis and treatment that hold the promise of less pain, quicker recoveries and a better quality of life. |
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Sarasota Interventional Radiology
Interventional radiologyis the surgery of the 21st century and it is revolutionizing modern health care by changing the way we treat a host of conditions.
Cancer is just one example.
Interventional radiologytreats it as a chronic condition; something you live with, not something you die from. So our goal at
Sarasota Interventional Radiologyis to get your cancer under control and put it in remission. If your tumors start to grow again, we can often perform additional procedures to eradicate them and reset your clock – your tumors – to zero. And in the process restore your quality of life.
Our
bone cancer diagnosis and treatmentprogram is generally less costly and time-consuming than traditional surgical treatments. And happily, most patients usually experience less pain and shorter recovery periods. And the technology we have at the office allows us to provide you with immediate answers to your critical questions.
We believe in treating the whole person at Sarasota Interventional Radiology. We understand how difficult battling this disease can be. That’s why you and your family can count on our support through every step of the process, from providing critical information to making sure you’re comfortable when you receive treatment.
Our office will be happy to try to accommodate any special needs you may have and will inform you of any special preparations you need to make before your appointment. |
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Interventional Radiologist Dr. Gerald GrubbsA native of Tennessee, Dr. Gerald Grubbs attended college and medical school there before going on to complete his residency at the University of Tennessee in Diagnostic Radiology.
Excited at how the new field of interventional radiology was revolutionizing minimally invasive surgery – and by the benefits it held for patients – the doctor took a Fellowship in Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology at the Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute at the Baptist Hospital of Miami. It was there he learned the basics of many of the procedures he’s now performing. In 1993, after completing his Fellowship, Dr. Grubbs received his Board Certification in Interventional Radiology from the American Board of Radiology.
The following year, Dr, Grubbs moved to the Suncoast and joined Naples Radiologists, P.A. doing Diagnostic as well as
Vascular and Interventional Radiology. In 2006 he opened his own practice, Sarasota Interventional Radiology. Here he brings his skills in imaging, his procedural expertise, his experience in research and his clinical practice to offer minimally invasive diagnostics and treatments for patients whose conditions would have once required open surgery.
The author of numerous articles and a noted lecturer, Dr. Grubbs lives with his wife and two children in Osprey.
Learn more about Dr. Grubbs background and experience |
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Bone Cancer: An OverviewFYI, some facts about bone cancer:
- Bones are the third most common site for cancer to metastasize.
- Every year in the United States nearly 100,000 cases of cancer metastasizing into bones are reported. Nearly 75% of them are the result of tumors in the breast, prostate, lung or kidney.
- 70% of those with bone cancer are affected by pain.
- Bone fractures are a common result of bone metastases.
- Backaches, the result of spinal cord compression, are common.
Bone cancer occurs when cancer cells enter the blood stream, reach the bone marrow, and begin to multiple and spread. As the cancer eats away at the bone it creates holes that leave the bone thin and weak, sending pain signals to the brain. Untreated, a metastasized bone can fracture, seriously affecting your quality of life.
While there is not yet a cure, interventional radiology is palliative, with treatment aimed at desensitizing the affected bones by killing the nerve endings near the tumors. This reduces pain, helps prevent additional destruction and improves your ability to function. |
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Bone Cancer: Signs and SymptomsPain is the common
symptom of bone cancer. Many are affected for weeks, months, even years before the tumor grows to a size that causes symptoms. Most first feel it during an activity that tests the bone’s strength and it can become increasingly severe with time.
In some cases, a lump can be felt, but often is not. Sometimes the tumor can weaken bones and cause a fracture. Less common bone cancer signs are weight loss, night sweats, chills and fever. |
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Diagnosing Bone CancerBlood tests, X-rays, CT scans, MIRs and ultrasound can all be used in the diagnosis of bone cancer and cancer of the bone marrow. Ultimately however, only a
bone biopsycan provide a definitive diagnosis. By examining a sample of tissue, a Pathologist can determine whether cancer is present and how fast it’s growing, crucial information in determining the best course of treatment.
Using minimally invasive interventional radiology techniques, Dr. Grubbs is able to perform Needle and Large core needle biopsies n his office. |
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Bone Biopsy/Bone Marrow Biopsy Both bone biopsy and
bone marrow biopsyprocedures are performed with the aid of computer-generated images that provide Dr. Grubbs with a look at the area to be biopsied from a variety of angles. This “stereotactic” equipment provides pictures of unprecedented clarity, enabling the doctor to pinpoint with unerring accuracy the exact location of any abnormal tissue.
Usually an outpatient procedure, these diagnostic tools offer a number of benefits:
- None of the pain, scarring or complications associated with invasive surgery.
- A quicker recovery for a quicker return to normal activities.
- Complications are infrequent; less than 1% of patients develop bleeding or infection.
- For most patients, a needle biopsy provides enough tissue for diagnosis.
- With advanced image guidance, a biopsy can be performed without threat to surrounding organs and blood vessels.
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Large Core Needle Bone Biopsy/Bone Marrow BiopsyThis technique uses a special bone biopsy needle to obtain a larger sample of tissue. Often used to examine lumps and other abnormalities in the bone, a large core needle bone biopsy offers an alternative to open surgery that is:
- Less painful
- Quicker recovery
- Avoids the scarring and disfigurement
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Fine Needle Aspiration Also used to biopsy a suspected cancer, this technique also helps in the diagnosis of fluids that may have collected in the body. | |
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What to Expect During TreatmentYour comfort is of primary concern to all of us at Sarasota Interventional Radiology. We understand that this can be a difficult time and treatment – even non-invasive treatment – can be stressful. That’s why we want you to know what you can expect during your visits with us. The better informed you are, the more comfortable you’ll be. Of course, if you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to address any concerns you have. |
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Your 1st AppointmentLocated in a serene setting on Cattleman near University just east of US 75, Sarasota Interventional Radiology is located on the first floor of the new Axcess Center.
We suggest arriving about 15 minutes before your appointment. You’ll be greeted by one of our two patient advocates. Highly trained and compassionate, these advocates will collect all your pertinent information and work with your insurance company.
You’ll then have a consultation with Dr. Grubbs, where he will review your medical history and discuss your planned course of treatment, taking you through the process step by step so you are informed and aware.
Before leaving the office, you’ll receive written instructions on how to prepare for your treatment. |
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The Night Before Your ProcedureHere’s what you need to do the night before to prepare for your procedure. It’s important you follow these instructions carefully, or it will be necessary to cancel your treatment that day. More importantly, failure to follow these instructions could be dangerous.
- Have nothing to eat or drink for at least 6 hours prior to your procedure.
- Take all of your normal medications before 8am with only one ounce of water. Do not take anything else or we will have to cancel your treatment that day.
- Bring a list of all your current medications and the doses you are taking.
- If you have an inhaler at home, you must bring it with you when you come in for your procedure.
- If you are a diabetic, start your medication once you resume your diet.
- If you are a diabetic taking insulin, wait until you have eaten to use your insulin.
- You cannot drive after your procedure for the remainder of the day. You must make arrangements to have someone drive you home.
- Please leave all your valuables at home. You won’t need them.
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The Day of TreatmentA nurse and board-certified anesthesiologist will prep you for your treatment. You’ll be administered what is called “conscious sedation”, which will allow you to wake up right away after your procedure – another of the benefits of minimally invasive treatment. Of course, in the extremely rare circumstance of complications occurring, Dr. Grubbs is always available. |
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After TreatmentDischarge instructions will vary, depending on the procedure you had. It is essential you follow these instructions carefully.
In the days following your procedure, you may feel a degree of tenderness at the site where the catheter entered. This is perfectly normal. Generally there is little or no bleeding around the site and the tenderness will pass. If there the tenderness continues, if there is bleeding or excessive oozing from the site, call us, or your referring physician, immediately. |
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Minimally Invasive Bone Cancer TreatmentWhile the best chance of a cure is the surgical removal of tumors, Interventional radiology offers those patients that may not tolerate surgery because of other medical conditions a minimally invasive alternative. Indeed, the National Cancer Institute says, “targeted cancer therapies give doctors a better way to tailor cancer treatment.”
Often used as an adjunct to chemo and radiation cancer treatments, Interventional Radiology’s breakthrough techniques make it possible to attack tumors from inside the body, using a catheter to deliver targeted treatments with the precision of a smart bomb, leaving healthy tissue unaffected.
As an interventional radiologist, Dr. Grubbs is uniquely skilled at using a catheter to deliver treatments to specially targeted areas of the body. Called Thermal Ablation, these treatments use heat or cold to attack the cancer. Among the Thermal Ablation procedures used by Dr. Grubbs are: |
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Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)By using advanced imaging technology to guide a small needle through the skin and into the tumor, Dr. Grubbs is able to transmit radiofrequency energy into the target. There it produces heat that kills the tumor, while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. Preliminary studies have demonstrated that RFA significantly reduced bone pain in over 90 percent of patients who had failed or were not suitable candidates for conventional therapy. And very few of these patients suffered any adverse side effects.
Like most radiological treatments, RFA can be performed in Dr. Grubbs’ office on an outpatient basis. Among its many other benefits:
- Depending on your comfort level, it can be done under conscious sedation or a general anesthesia.
- Most patients can resume normal activity the next day and may only feel a bit tired for a few days.
- If needed, RFA treatments can be repeated.
- RFA can be effectively combined with other treatment options.
- Relieves pain and the suffering that accompanies it.
- It has a very low rate of complications
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CryoablationSimilar in delivery technique to RFA, Cryoablation uses an extremely cold gas to freeze and destroy the tumor. While surgeons have used this procedure in the operating room for years, needles are now small enough to be used through a nick in the skin, without surgery. An “ice ball” is created around the needle that freezes and destroys the tumor. |
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VertbroplastyThe spine is one of the most common sites of bone cancer. It can be extremely painful and cause the vertebrae involved to fracture.
By inserting a small needle in the back and using X-ray imaging to guide it into the fractured vertebra, Dr. Grubbs is able to inject medical-grade cement into the bone. Within minutes, the cement hardens and the fracture is stabilized, preventing the further collapse of the vertebra. Within hours, back pain is dramatically reduced and mobility restored.
Learn more about the various back procedures Dr. Grubbs performs. | |
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New Cancer Treatments On the HorizonInterventional Radiologists like Dr. Gerald Grubbs are playing a critical role in developing minimally invasive surgical techniques for treating cancer that are not only extending life, they are providing a higher quality of life. |
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Magnetic ChemotherapyUsing magnets to pull chemotherapy drugs directly into tumors to bolster their effect is a treatment currently being investigated by researchers. Early research is promising and the hope is that the treatment will intensify the effects of chemotherapy, while avoiding some of the more difficult side effects such as nausea and hair loss that accompany it. |
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Gene TherapyAs researchers’ work with and gain a greater understanding of genes and the role they play in disease, the greater promise gene- based drug therapies hold as a treatment option in the not too distant future.
Though still in the experimental stage, doctors hope the therapy will be used in the future to:
- Alter the cells of the immune system with cancer fighting genes.
- Take cancer cells from the body, alter them genetically and letting the patient’s immune system battle the cancer.
- Replace a “bad” cancer gene with a “good” gene.
- Make tumors more susceptible to chemotherapy by injecting them with genes.
- Make bone marrow and other organs resistant to chemotherapy, so that the drugs will destroy tumors without damaging the healthy tissue that surrounds them.
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Developing TreatmentsOther cutting edge developments for cancer treatment include:
- Epidermal Growth Factor Inhibitors designed to slow the growth of the Epidermal growth factor receptor that XXXXX.
- New anti-angiogenesis treatments use drug therapies to reduce blood vessel growth for cancer.
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