Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT)

The “Intra Operative Radiation Therapy” technology, based on the emission of high-energy electron beams for post-operative cancer treatment, is usually used in combination with traditional surgical techniques. This treatment, applies the use of implanted filters to protect the underlying internal organs during the 20 minutes of radiation therapy.

The involvement of Logic srl and R3place srl in the IORT project will allow the use of new materials and the 3D printing system to realise resistant, autoclavable, symmetric and radioprotection filters that are easy to implant, in order to overtake the limits of the current Plexiglas and copper discs combined filters.

These properties, along with the reduction of irradiation times (which represents lower doses of radiation for the patient), cost reduction and transportability, will facilitate the dissemination of IORT technology over traditional radiotherapy. This innovative system will ensure better therapies; more focused on the main treatment area and will reduce the impact on the patient.

The filters, produced with the state-of-the-art system, will be able to be used 10 times longer than the current filters and will not require a sterile sheath. Because the new filters will be reusable and result in reducing production costs, they will have a positive effect on the cost of therapy and add to environmental conservation by reducing hospital waste.

During the demonstration process the Trento University will be involved in order to carry on the preliminary operative tests at theirs suitably equipped laboratory to support the risk analysis for clinical use of the filter.