Intraoperative radiation therapy

Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) is a type of radiation therapy that is administered during surgery. This technique allows direct radiation to the area that needs it, while sparing healthy tissue. IORT is used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including breast cancer, brain tumors, and gastrointestinal cancers.

Overview

Intraoperative radiation therapy involves the delivery of a single, concentrated dose of radiation to a tumor or tumor bed during surgery. This can help to kill any microscopic disease that may be left behind after the tumor is removed. The advantage of IORT is that it can deliver a higher dose of radiation than would be possible with external beam radiation therapy, and it can do so without causing damage to nearby healthy tissue.

Procedure

During surgery, after the tumor has been removed, a specially designed applicator is placed in the tumor bed. This applicator is connected to a machine that delivers the radiation. The radiation is then delivered directly to the area where the tumor was, minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

Benefits

The main benefit of IORT is that it allows for a higher dose of radiation to be delivered to the tumor site, while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue. This can result in fewer side effects and a shorter recovery time. In addition, because the radiation is delivered during surgery, it can eliminate the need for multiple visits for radiation therapy after surgery.

Risks

As with any type of radiation therapy, there are risks associated with IORT. These can include damage to healthy tissue, infection, bleeding, and other complications. However, the risk of these complications is generally low.

See also

• Radiation therapy
• Cancer treatment
• Surgery

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