Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) at the Knight Cancer Institute

At the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, we provide the latest in intraoperative radiation therapy. This method, also known as IORT, enables us to deliver radiation therapy during surgery directly to affected tissue.
We offer you:
- The most advanced technology for IORT.
- Expert radiation oncologists who will recommend IORT only when it’s suited for you and your cancer.
- Exceptional precision, targeting your cancer while sparing healthy cells.
What is intraoperative radiation therapy?

Radiation delivered during surgery is called intraoperative radiation therapy. It’s delivered to the “tumor bed,” the site of your tumor, right after your tumor is surgically removed.
This enables us to deliver a precise dose directly to affected tissue without sending beams through healthy tissue.
The goal is to kill any cancer cells left after surgery, to lower the risk of cancer coming back. IORT also may be used to treat tumors that are too close to vital organs to be fully removed.
Technology: We offer the latest technology for IORT. Our Mobetron portable electron IORT device allows us to give colon cancer patients, for example, a lower overall dose in a shorter time.
For some patients with pancreatic cancer, we can use the Mobetron to deliver the equivalent of 10 days of radiation therapy in one dose.
Cancers is it used for:
- Colon cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Sarcomas
- Cancer in any area where it’s hard to remove
How IORT is delivered
Your surgeon removes your tumor. The surgeon then moves noncancerous tissue away from the “tumor bed,” where the tumor was removed. Your body is shielded to protect it from exposure.
Your doctor inserts an applicator to guide the radiation’s path, then uses a machine outside your body to deliver high-dose radiation. For some cancers, IORT can reduce exposure to healthy tissue.
Learn more
- Intraoperative Radiation, Breastcancer.org
For patients
- Request an appointment at our Marquam Hill location: 503-494-8756
- Request an appointment at our Beaverton location: 971-262-9400
Visit our For Cancer Patients page to find a cancer doctor and links to diagnoses.
Locations
Parking is free for patients and their visitors.
Marquam Hill
Kohler Pavilion, fourth floor
808 S.W. Campus Drive
Portland, OR 97239
Map and directions
OHSU Beaverton
15700 S.W. Greystone Court
Beaverton, OR 97006
Map and directions
Refer a patient
- Refer your patient to OHSU.
- Call 503-494-4567 to seek provider-to-provider advice.
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