The Margie Petersen Breast Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center offers comprehensive breast evaluation, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Through a multidisciplinary approach, we work directly with our radiation oncologists who offer Intraoperative Radiation Therapy, providing additional treatment options for early-stage breast cancer.
What Is Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT)?
Intraoperative Radiation Therapy, or IORT, is an innovative breast cancer radiation treatment option for certain patients with breast cancer. Unlike traditional radiation therapy that takes place over several weeks, IORT delivers a single dose of radiation directly to the area where the tumor was removed. This approach is aimed at reducing the need for additional radiation sessions.
How is IORT delivered?
IORT is administered in the operating room, right after a lumpectomy (surgical removal of a tumor and a small amount of surrounding breast tissue). Once the surgeon removes the tumor, a specialized balloon device is placed in the cavity where the tumor was located. This device delivers a prescribed dose of radiation directly to the surrounding tissue, where microscopic cancer cells may still be present. The entire process typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes and is completed before the patient leaves the operating room.
Because the radiation is delivered internally and immediately, IORT helps reduce the risk of cancer recurrence while sparing nearby organs such as the heart and lungs from unnecessary radiation exposure.
Who is a Good Candidate for Breast IORT?
IORT is not suitable for everyone. It is most effective for patients with early-stage breast cancer, particularly those with small, well-defined tumors that have not spread to the lymph nodes. Hormone receptor-positive cancers tend to respond best to this treatment.
At the Margie Petersen Breast Center, we carefully evaluate each patient’s case and the biology of their cancer to determine if IORT is appropriate. Factors such as tumor size, location, pathology, and overall health play a role in the decision. When used in the right patients, IORT can be a safe and highly effective alternative to traditional radiation therapy. At Saint John’s Health Center, IORT is provided by the radiation oncology experts at Vasek Polak Radiation Oncology.
What can patients expect long-term?
As a one-time radiation therapy, patients who recieve IORT typically experience a short recovery period and fewer side effects compared to those undergoing weeks of external radiation. Many return to their normal routines more quickly and appreciate the convenience of one-time treatment.
Long-term studies show that, in properly selected patients, survival rates are comparable to those who receive conventional radiation. While some research suggests a slightly higher risk of recurrence with IORT, this risk is considered acceptable in low-risk patients who meet the criteria. Ongoing follow-up care, including regular imaging and clinical exams, is essential to monitor any changes. In some cases, additional treatments such as hormone therapy may be recommended to further reduce the risk of recurrence.
The Pros and Cons of IORT Treatment
Doctors Janie Grumely and April Vassantachart work closely together to optimize treatment plans for patients.
A Personalized Approach to IORT
At the Margie Petersen Breast Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, IORT is part of a comprehensive, patient-first approach to breast cancer care. Working directly with our expert radiation oncologists, we are recognized as a center of excellence, combining advanced technology with compassionate, individualized patient care.
Our mantra, “Treat the whole person, not just the disease,” guides every aspect of our care. Patients are supported by a multidisciplinary team that includes surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, nurse navigators, and wellness experts for nutrition guidance, acupuncture, social services, spiritual support, psycho-oncology, and more. This collaborative model ensures that each patient receives the most appropriate treatment and follow-up care for their unique diagnosis and life circumstances.
Whether it’s through IORT or other therapies, the Margie Petersen Breast Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center is committed to helping patients heal with confidence, dignity, and hope.
Frequently Asked Questions About IORT for Breast Cancer
1. Is IORT as effective as traditional radiation therapy?
For carefully selected patients with early-stage breast cancer, IORT has shown comparable survival rates to traditional whole-breast radiation. While some studies suggest a slightly higher risk of recurrence, this risk is minimized by identifying low-risk patients.
2. Will I still need radiation treatment after IORT?
Most patients who receive IORT do not require additional radiation or surgery. However, in rare cases, such as unexpected pathology findings that indicate undetected cancer cells in other parts of the breast, supplemental external radiation may be recommended. Most patients choose IORT to avoid weeks of radiation.
3. What are the side effects of IORT?
IORT is generally well tolerated by most patients. Common side effects include mild swelling, bruising, or discomfort at the surgical site. Because the radiation is localized, there’s less risk of fatigue or other post-treatment effects that are common with external beam radiotherapy. IORT addresses quality of life concerns as compared to conventional radiation treatments.
4. How do I know if I’m a candidate for IORT?
At the Margie Petersen Breast Center, we proactively identify eligible candidates who have early-stage breast cancer with small, hormone receptor-positive tumors and do not show signs of spreading to the nearby lymph nodes. Your care team will evaluate your pathology, imaging, and overall health to determine eligibility. We can answer your breast-related questions and guide you through this process, whether IORT is recommended or not. Our patients appreciate receiving as much information as possible.
5. Does IORT affect my ability to receive other treatments like chemotherapy or hormone therapy?
No. IORT is compatible with other treatments. If your cancer requires chemotherapy or hormone therapy, those can be administered as planned after surgery. It is important to factor in all your options as it relates to how IORT fits into your overall treatment plan and any limits to future options.
6. Is IORT covered by insurance?
IORT is covered by many insurance plans, but coverage can vary. The team at the Margie Petersen Breast Center can help you navigate insurance questions and obtain preauthorization if needed.
Learn more about radiation treatments and how it works to destroy cancer cells.
The Vasek Polak Radiation Oncology Department, Treatment Process, Technologies, and Roles of the Radiation Care Team
Questions?
Contact the Margie Petersen Breast Center
The Margie Petersen Breast Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center is widely renowned for its outstanding and compassionate patient care, expert surgical and medical team, and ability to fully evaluate any breast condition in one day.
Meet Our Breast Health Experts
The Breast Health Clinic can be reached at (310) 582-7209. If you have questions regarding a new symptom or treatment, or want to make an appointment for evaluation, please call and a member of our breast team and we will help you navigate the care process..
