IntraOperative irradiation (IORT)
IntraOperative irradiation (IORT) refers to delivery of a single dose of irradiation to a surgically exposed tumor or tumor bed whilst the normal tissues are protected from the irradiation either by retracting the mobilized tissue or by shielding the anatomically fixed tissues. IOERT has traditionally been performed by using an electron beam as the source of irradiation.
Today IOeRT, Intraoperative Radiation Therapy with electrons, is the only IORT technique included in the most relevant international guidelines for 9 cancer indications.
Advantages of IOeRT technique for clinical practice:
Improvement of local control is a key condition for disease free and overall survival.
- Reduction (in the case of boost) and elimination (in case of single dose) of the external radiotherapy cycle.
- Time zero between surgery and the delivery of radiotherapy
- Precision, thanks to the direct visualization of the target
- Significant reduction of dose to healthy tissues
- Minimization of side effects, less toxicity, complete skin sparing and better cosmetic outcome when compared to external beam radiation therapy.
- Feasibility of the treatment as the only solution when external radiation therapy is critical or even not possible (treatments of recurrences, patients with a pacemaker or decreased mobility).
IOeRT boost is particularly efficacious for the treatment of locally advanced cancers.
