IORT

IORT or Intraoperative Radiation Therapy is a specialized technique of radiation therapy where a concentrated dose of radiation is delivered to a tumor site during surgery, immediately after the tumor is removed. This technique is used to target certain types of cancer and can help to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Overview

IORT is a form of radiotherapy that is administered during a surgical procedure. The main advantage of IORT is that it allows for a high dose of radiation to be delivered directly to the tumor site, while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. This can help to reduce the risk of side effects and improve the effectiveness of treatment.

Procedure

During an IORT procedure, the surgeon will first remove the tumor. Once the tumor is removed, a specially designed applicator is used to deliver a concentrated dose of radiation directly to the tumor bed. This can help to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of the cancer recurring.

Benefits

There are several potential benefits of IORT. These include:

• Targeted treatment: IORT allows for a high dose of radiation to be delivered directly to the tumor site, which can help to maximize the effectiveness of treatment.
• Reduced risk of side effects: By minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues, IORT can help to reduce the risk of side effects.
• Convenience: Because IORT is administered during surgery, it can help to reduce the overall treatment time for patients.

Risks and Side Effects

Like all forms of radiation therapy, IORT carries some risks and potential side effects. These can include:

• Skin reactions: Some patients may experience skin reactions, such as redness, itching, or peeling, in the area where the radiation was administered.
• Fatigue: Fatigue is a common side effect of radiation therapy, including IORT.
• Long-term effects: In some cases, radiation therapy can lead to long-term side effects, such as changes in the function of the organs or tissues that were exposed to radiation.

See Also

• Radiation Therapy
• Cancer Treatment
• Surgery

IORT Resources
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