Clinical applications

While until a few years ago cancer was diagnosed when already of 5 cm of tumor size, today, by using advanced technologies, physicians are able identify most types of cancer at an early stage. The treatment can be targeted and the radiation dose adjusted in order to obtain maximum effectiveness associated with minimal toxicity to the surrounding healthy tissues.

The rationale of irradiating the tumor bed is centered on the need to distribute the maximum dose directly on the target while sparing the normal tissues. While performing Intra-Operative radiation therapy it is possible to shield or move the healthy surrounding tissues (OAR) which could be damaged, from the beam trajectory.

The irradiation is delivered directly to the tumor bed after removal of the tumor and reaches a depth of up to 3 cm inside the target area. The treated area is thus prevented from local recurrencies. The first application of IORT was in breast cancer. A document issued by the Italian Association of Oncological Radiotherapy (IORT Study Group) and various literature publications approved by the World Congress of International Society of Intra-Operative Radiation therapy (ISIORT) also recommend the use of IORT in the following conditions:

• Breast cancer
• Locally advanced rectal cancer
• Pelvic recurrence
• Tumors of the pancreas
• Gastric cancer
• Soft tissue sarcomas

For other types  of cancer, such as prostate, gynecologicals, lung and esophagus, all gathered clinical data aren't yet satisfatctory reporting  only a moderate decrease in local recurrence.