Intraoperative Radiation Therapy
This is a treatment option where radiation is delivered to the tumor or tumor bed during surgery. The radiation comes from a radioactive source of iridium (Ir-192) through which a high dose can be administered in a specific area with minimum effects for the surrounding healthy tissue. The procedure is also known as high-dose intraoperative radiation therapy.
It is effective for tumors that may not be resectable or of difficult resection, leaving positive margins. It has been used to treat colorectal, gynecologic, genitourinary, pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers.
Advantages: Localization of the zone to be treated is done directly, without the need for image techniques that increase uncertainty.