When you find out you have cancer, the thought of the treatment can be overwhelming and scary, right? The thought of going to the hospital for days, even weeks, and having to undergo radiation therapy can be exhausting. Keeping up with household chores, children, and work can be a challenge. However, today we are going to talk about a modern method that simplifies this treatment process and allows you to complete the radiation therapy at the same time as the surgery.
Simply put, what is IORT?
The full name of this treatment method, abbreviated as IORT, is Intraoperative Radiation Therapy . In Sinhala, it means "radiation treatment given during surgery." This is a special treatment method for cancer.
What happens here is very simple. When you have cancer surgery, the surgeon first removes the entire tumor from your body. Then, a radiation oncologist delivers a very precise, high-dose radiation to the area where the tumor was removed, where the cancer cells are most likely to return. This is done in one go.
The main goal of this is to destroy any very small, invisible cancer cells that may remain in the area after surgery, thereby reducing the risk of cancer returning in the same location (local recurrence).
Although this method is used for various types of cancer, it is currently most commonly used in the world for breast cancer.
What types of cancer is IORT treatment used for?
Doctors mainly use IORT treatment for the following cancer conditions:
- Breast cancer: Especially for breast cancer detected at an early stage.
- Skin cancers: For certain types of skin cancer.
- Colon cancers: For cancers related to the large intestine.
- Gynecological cancers: For cancers that occur in places such as the uterus and cervix.
- Spine cancers: For certain types of cancerous tumors that occur in the spine.
Who is this treatment best suited for?
This is a very important question. IORT treatment is not suitable for all cancer patients. Several factors will influence whether this treatment is right for you.
For example, some tumors are very small and have not spread to surrounding tissue. In such cases, this method may be very suitable. However, if the tumor is a little larger, or has spread to nearby lymph nodes, then traditional radiation therapy may be better.
The final decision is made after considering many factors, such as the type of cancer you have, the size of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread, and your overall health. This decision is made by your treating surgeon and radiation oncologist , in consultation with you. So don't be afraid to talk openly about this with your doctor.
What is the difference between conventional radiation therapy (EBRT) and IORT?
If you understand the differences between these two methods a little more clearly, you will better understand the uniqueness of IORT. Let's look at this in a table.
| Characteristic | Conventional radiation therapy (EBRT) | Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) |
|---|---|---|
| How the treatment is given | A large machine (linear accelerator) outside the body directs radiation beams into the body. | During surgery, a special device (applicator) is inserted into the same area where the tumor was removed and radiation is delivered. |
| Target | Radiation also affects the area where the cancer was located and the healthy tissue around it. | Radiation is delivered precisely to the tumor site, with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue (heart, lungs, skin). |
| Treatment time | You must come to the hospital daily for treatment for a period of 3 to 6 weeks. | The entire radiation treatment is completed at once, within a few minutes, during the surgery. |
| Radiation dose | To protect healthy tissue, a low dose of radiation is given daily. | Because the targeting is so precise, a strong, high dose of radiation can be delivered at once. |
What are the main benefits of IORT treatment?
Looking at this table, you may now have some idea of the benefits. Let's explain that a little more.
- Reduced treatment frequency: This is the biggest advantage. Imagine how tiring it is to come to the hospital every day for weeks and wait in lines to receive treatment. With IORT, radiation therapy is also completed on the same day as the surgery. This means you can return to your normal life sooner. This leaves you with more time to spend with your family and do your work.
- Minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissue: Since radiation is delivered directly to the site of the cancer, the risk of radiation reaching sensitive organs around it, such as the skin, lungs, and heart, is very low.
- Reduced side effects: Side effects such as skin changes (burning, redness) and fatigue that occur during traditional radiation therapy are significantly reduced with IORT.
How is IORT treatment performed?
On the day of the procedure, you will be given general anesthesia. So you will be asleep throughout the entire procedure. The procedure is as follows:
1. First, the surgeon completely removes the cancerous tumor.
2. Then, a special device (applicator) designed specifically for delivering radiation is inserted into the cavity where the tumor was removed.
3. The radiation therapist delivers the prescribed dose of radiation to the tissue containing the tumor through the device, controlled by a computer.
4. Once the radiation is delivered, the device is removed.
5. Finally, the surgeon stitches the surgical wound closed.
When should you see a doctor?
Although side effects are rare after IORT treatment, as with any surgery, complications can occur. Therefore, be aware of these symptoms when you go home after treatment.
If you experience any of the following severe or unexpected symptoms, call your doctor immediately without delay.
- Excessive bleeding from a surgical wound.
- A pus-like fluid or a foul odor emanating from the wound site.
- Fever or chills .
If you see something like this, don't assume it's normal. The safest thing to do is to inform your doctor immediately.
Take-Home Message
- IORT is a high-dose radiation therapy given in one go during cancer surgery.
- The main advantage of this is that the entire radiation treatment can be completed in one day, without having to go to the hospital for weeks.
- This treatment is not suitable for every cancer patient. Your medical team will decide if it is right for you.
- Compared to traditional radiation therapy, IORT causes minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue and has minimal side effects.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any questions, fears, or concerns you may have about your treatment options. They will help you choose the most appropriate and safest treatment for you.
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