intraoperative radiation therapy
Also written as: IOART — intraoperative radiation therapy
Delivery of focused radiation directly to the tumor bed during surgical resection to improve local control.
Full Definition
A specialized technique that combines surgery with immediate radiation therapy, delivering a concentrated dose directly to exposed tumor tissue or high-risk areas during the operative procedure. Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) allows higher doses while minimizing exposure to surrounding normal tissues. This approach is particularly valuable for retroperitoneal sarcomas, recurrent cancers, and situations where complete resection margins cannot be achieved.
Usage
Usage note: May be abbreviated as IOART or IOERT (electron radiation therapy) depending on technique used.
In Context
- "Intraoperative radiation therapy was delivered to the retroperitoneal bed following sarcoma resection." — Operative report
- "IOART improved local control rates in the pancreatic adenocarcinoma cohort." — Clinical outcomes study