Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT)

IORT stands for intraoperative radiation therapy: intraoperative because radiation is delivered during surgery, directly into the cavity where the tumor has just been removed. Most eligible patients won’t need to undergo additional radiation therapy at a later date. As the first in Iowa to administer this procedure, UI Hospitals & Clinics uses an entire team of experts who customize their treatment for every patient, every time. 

Here are the advantages to this approach.

• Therapy is completed sooner. 
  The entire therapeutic dose of breast radiation is given immediately at the time of lumpectomy (removal of the tumor) while you are still under anesthesia. You can return to normal life more quickly.
• No return trips for future therapy.
  Traditionally, breast cancer patients would need to come back to undergo radiation therapy for five days a week for up to three to six weeks after they heal from surgery. You typically may have no return trips for radiation.
• Radiation is targeted precisely.
  Radiation is given directly and internally to the sections of the breast with the biggest risks of cancer reoccurrence.
• There are fewer side effects likely. 
  IORT has been found to decrease side effects such as red rashes and skin irritations when compared to traditional radiation therapy.

We will let you know if you are a candidate for IORT.

You and your breast surgeon will go over the best procedure for your particular cancer. Candidates for IORT typically

• Are over the age of 50
• Are in early stages of breast cancer
• Have small tumors

Guidelines for Targeted Intraoperative Radiation Therapy Following Breast-conserving Surgery