{"id":1051,"date":"2025-11-17T22:45:20","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T22:45:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/breast\/?page_id=1051"},"modified":"2025-11-17T23:10:32","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T23:10:32","slug":"intraoperative-radiation-therapy-iort-for-breast-cancer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/breast\/breast-cancer\/treatment\/intraoperative-radiation-therapy-iort-for-breast-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) for Breast Cancer"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":null,"protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":0,"parent":401,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1051","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"layers":[{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_content_sidebar","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"","layer_intro":"","layer_content":"

The Margie Petersen Breast Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center offers comprehensive breast evaluation, screening, diagnosis, and treatment.\u00a0Through a multidisciplinary approach, we work directly with our radiation oncologists who offer Intraoperative Radiation Therapy, providing additional treatment options for early-stage breast cancer.<\/p>\n

What Is Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT)?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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How is IORT delivered?<\/h3>\n

\"Intraoperative
Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) uses small radioactive isotopes to deliver a precise dose of radiation to the treatment area.<\/figcaption><\/figure>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.<\/p>\n

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.\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Who is a Good Candidate for Breast IORT?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

At the Margie Petersen Breast Center, we carefully evaluate each patient\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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\"Breast
Most patients receiving IORT will experience minimal or no side effects of the treatment.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\n

What can patients expect long-term?<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The Pros and Cons of IORT Treatment<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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