Spinal Cancer Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT)
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Video: IORT Treatment
Dr. Dean Conterato, a radiation oncologist at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, discusses Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT). He explains how this innovative cancer treatment is used in conjunction with surgery.IORT Treatment
Dr. Dean Conterato, a radiation oncologist at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, discusses Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT). He explains how this innovative cancer treatment is used in conjunction with surgery.
Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) for Spinal Cancer
Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) is presently under investigational use as a spinal cancer treatment option at CTCA.
With IORT, our radiation oncologists can deliver a single, powerful dose of radiation directly to the tumor at the time of spinal tumor resection. This significantly increases the dose of radiation that can be delivered, while shielding the surrounding healthy bone or tissue.
In order to be a candidate for Intraoperative Radiation Therapy, patients must be eligible for surgery.
Advantages of Spinal Cancer IORT
- IORT allows for higher doses of radiation to be delivered along the edges of the tumor while sparing healthy areas of the spine.
- IORT avoids radiation exposure to surrounding normal structures.
- IORT helps to destroy microscopic tumor cells left behind after spinal cancer surgery.
- IORT delivers the equivalent of several weeks of standard radiation therapy in a single dose and treatment session, helping patients get back to their lives quicker. The IORT treatment itself takes about four to five minutes.
Helping You Maintain Your Quality of Life
Your CTCA care team anticipates and proactively manages the side effects of radiation therapy. Before, during and after your spinal cancer treatment, you’ll receive supportive therapies designed to keep you strong, reduce the side effects of radiation, and promote your overall well-being.
Next Topic: Immunotherapy / Targeted Therapy for Spinal Cancer
