INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGIC PROCEDURES WITH CT GUIDANCE IN CANCER PAIN MANAGEMENT

Reduction of pain without systematic side effects can be achieved in a dvanced stages of cancer with precise percutaneous techniques guided w ith computed tomography (CT), CT guidance allows exact needle position ing, reducing complications and improving the results, Regional analge sia with neurolytic block (neurolysis) is achieved by injection of alc ohol or phenol and involves intentional destruction of a nerve or nerv es to interrupt nociceptive pathways for weeks or months, Percutaneous alcoholization of bone metastasis is indicated in patients with painf ul, severe, osteolytic bone metastasis if conventional anticancer ther apy is ineffective and high doses of opiates are necessary to control pain and when rapid pain relief is necessary. Bone packing with acryli c glue (methyl methacrylate) is used to prevent pathologic fractures a nd pain in patients with vertebral body tumors and acetabular metastas is, With these techniques, the radiologist is able to play an active r ole in pain management and in improving the quality of life of patient s with malignancies.