Interventional Management of Portal Hypertension in Cancer Patients

Purpose of review: To provide an overview of the classifications and clinical hallmarks of common cancer-related conditions that contribute to the high incidence of portal hypertension in this population and provide an update on currently available interventional radiology therapeutic approaches.

Recent findings: In the last few decades, there have been significant advancements in understanding the pathophysiology of portal hypertension. This knowledge has led to the development of safer and more effective minimally invasive approaches. The main objective is to provide alternatives to prevent life-threatening complications from clinically significant portal hypertension and to allow the continuation of cancer treatment interventions that would otherwise be stopped. Clinicians involved in cancer care should be aware of risk factors, associated complications, and management of portal hypertension in cancer patients. Interventional radiology offers minimally invasive alternatives that play a central role in improving clinical outcomes and survival of these patients, allowing the continuation of cancer treatments.