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Intraoperative radiation therapy.
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA. cwillett@partners.org
International Journal of Clinical Oncology
|November 29, 2001
Summary
Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) allows safe, high-dose irradiation for improved local tumor control in specific situations. Integrating IORT into multimodality treatments enhances outcomes for advanced cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Modern intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) originated from studies at the University of Kyoto.
- Extensive research in Japan, Europe, and the US followed, establishing IORT's clinical potential.
- Experience demonstrates the safety of delivering single high doses of irradiation during surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the established role and future potential of intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT).
- To highlight IORT's contribution to improved local control and survival rates in specific malignancies.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical investigations and treatment programs involving IORT.
- Analysis of outcomes for patients with rectal carcinoma and retroperitoneal sarcoma treated with IORT.
- Evaluation of IORT integration within multimodality treatment paradigms.
Main Results:
- Single high doses of irradiation via IORT are safe in select clinical scenarios.
- IORT, combined with surgery and external beam radiation, improves local control for rectal cancer and sarcomas.
- Excellent local control and survival rates have been achieved in treated patient cohorts.
Conclusions:
- Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) is a valuable tool for improving local tumor control.
- The future of IORT lies in its synergistic integration with chemotherapy, external beam radiation, and surgery.
- Multimodality treatment programs incorporating IORT offer promising outcomes for locally advanced malignancies.