IORT for Breast Cancer

Intra-operative radiation therapy (IORT) is the use of radiation therapy in the operating room during a surgical procedure.

IORT for breast cancer is a specific technique delivered during surgery to remove breast cancer. During the surgical procedure, the surgeon shows the radiation oncologist the areas of the tumor bed at risk for disease. The sensitive normal tissues are moved out of the radiation field, and then the radiation oncologist directs a single high dose of radiation to this high-risk area while sparing skin and nearby healthy tissues.

At Epic Care, Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Valery Uhl, participates in ongoing independent research for targeted IORT during breast surgery and have access to the IntraBeam machine for delivery of IORT. Breast surgery followed by IORT, are done in the operating room at Sutter Health.

IORT may be used alone, but is often complemented by additional external beam radiation therapy after a patient has healed from surgery.

For additional information about Breast IORT, please visit: www.targetbreastcancer.org