Navigation and Robotics in Interventional Oncology: Current Status and Future Roadmap

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Oncology
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Interventional oncology (IO) utilizes minimally invasive, image-guided procedures for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
• Percutaneous IO techniques can exhibit variability, impacting standardization and outcomes.
• Advanced devices offer potential to improve precision and consistency in IO procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current role of percutaneous navigation systems and robotics in Interventional Oncology.
• To present available navigation and robotic alternatives and their impact on clinical practice.
• To inform resource allocation for impactful IR/IO applications of robotics and navigation.

Main Methods:

• Review of peer-reviewed medical literature on navigation systems and robotics in Interventional Oncology.
• Analysis of available technologies and their reported clinical impact.
• Focus on diagnostic and therapeutic percutaneous procedures.

Main Results:

• Sophisticated devices can increase standardization, accuracy, and repeatability in percutaneous IO.
• Navigation and robotic systems may reduce procedure duration and radiation exposure.
• Enhanced accuracy is linked to improved clinical outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous navigation systems and robotics are transforming Interventional Oncology.
• These technologies address unmet clinical needs by standardizing procedures and improving accuracy.
• Strategic investment in impactful IR/IO robotics and navigation applications is recommended.