We offer you:

• The most advanced technology for IORT, including Intrabeam for breast cancer and Mobetron for colon, pancreatic and other cancers. 
• 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 IORT?

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. 

Types of IORT

Types of intraoperative radiation therapy include:

How is it 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.

What cancers is it used for? 

• Colon cancer 
• Breast cancer 
• Pancreatic cancer 
• Sarcomas 
• Cancer in any area where it’s hard to remove

Learn more

• Read more about OHSU’s Intrabeam radiation therapy for breast cancer on our Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy page.
• Intraoperative Radiation, Breastcancer.org