Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT for intraoperative radiotherapy) is used to treat tumors. It is used during the surgical removal of the tumor. Doctors expose the tumor bed to radiation while the patient is still under anesthesia.
Here you will find further information as well as selected IORT specialists and centers.
IORT stands for intraoperative radiotherapy or intraoperative radiotherapy. This is a generic term for various radiological procedures in cancer therapy. In contrast to normal pre- or post-operative radiotherapy, IORT takes place during the operation to remove the tumor surgically.
Both electron radiation and low-energy X-rays can be used in IORT.
In radiotherapy, high-energy (ionizing) radiation acts on the tumour cells. In the case of irradiation before or after surgery, the radiation must first penetrate the skin and other tissue before it reaches the tumor. However, the dose of radiation must not be so high that it damages healthy tissue.
With IORT, on the other hand, the surgeons expose the affected tissue and shield the surrounding tissue. This allows the radiation to hit the tumor bed or tumor directly.
The aim of the treatment is to reduce the risk of recurrence. In other words, the treatment is intended to prevent the tumor from recurring after the operation.
Common procedures in cancer treatment are
are used. Doctors often combine these methods. This allows them to achieve, for example
The choice of treatment method depends on
are important.
A linear accelerator is used for radiotherapy. The clinic also needs the right equipment for IORT © VILevi | AdobeStock
IORT is now used in various areas of medicine. Many types of tumors can be treated with intraoperative radiotherapy, provided the clinic has the appropriate radiation equipment.
Tumor diseases that are considered indications for IORT are, for example
Doctors often decide whether IORT is indicated during the operation. During the operation, the tumor tissue that has already been removed is often subjected to pathological screening. The doctors base their decision on the results of this directly during the operation.
Doctors also base their decisions on existing guidelines and current research findings.
Intraoperative radiotherapy is not an option for every patient. Certain conditions must be met.
Often a tumor cannot be completely removed by surgery. In these cases, high-dose irradiation of the surgical site can also support the therapy.
Intraoperative radiotherapy has the following advantages:
High-dose irradiation of the surgical site after tumor removal has several advantages for patients:
For patients, intraoperative radiation is associated with an extension of the anesthesia time. Therapists need around 20 to 50 minutes to apply low-energy X-rays. Treatment with electron radiation can be completed in just two to ten minutes.
In some specialized clinics, the radiation equipment is already integrated into the operating theatre. In others, the doctors must first transfer the patient under anesthesia from the operating room to the radiotherapy room.
Find out exactly which modalities are available in your clinic and which types of radiotherapy are offered. Your doctors should advise you in detail about the advantages and disadvantages as well as possible risks.
General information on radiation therapy can be found, for example, on the website of the German Cancer Research Center. Other informative sources are the German Society for Radiooncology(DEGRO) or the German Society for Nuclear Medicine(DGN).
Before an IORT, the specialist will provide the patient with comprehensive information about possible complications and side effects.
There is virtually no radiation exposure to the skin during IORT. However, depending on the organ systems affected, other side effects such as
may occur. Complications during the healing of surgical wounds have also been described. You should therefore pay attention to intensive wound care after treatment.
IORT is usually used as part of a multimodal therapy. Intensive research is still being carried out into how effective it is for different tumor diseases.
In many clinics, doctors are already integrating IORT into the treatment of breast tumors (breast carcinomas).
Intraoperative radiotherapy is considered a new procedure in cancer treatment. If you would like to know whether IORT is a treatment option in your case, please contact your attending physician directly.
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