A New Way to Treat Breast Cancer
Not all patients with breast cancer need radiation therapy, but for those who do, there is a new option available at Edith Sanford Breast Center.
Breast IORT is changing how some receive post-surgical treatment.
If you've been diagnosed, you may be able to complete both surgery and radiation at the same time. Get your radiation therapy completed in one treatment or as a supplement that minimizes the number of sessions you require after surgery.
How Breast IORT Works
IORT is complete surgery and targeted radiation in one visit. Immediately after a tumor has been surgically removed, a radiation oncologist delivers a concentrated dose of radiation directly to the tumor’s location in one treatment. Targeting radiation where the tumor was located destroys any remaining tumor cells and helps prevent recurrence.
In a single treatment, breast IORT can be used as a supplement that gives patients time to recover before continuing radiation therapy and decreases the amount of necessary radiation sessions by up to a third.
Who qualifies for Breast IORT
Breast IORT is best for patients who have early-stage breast cancer that has not spread. Ask your Sanford Health breast surgeon and radiation oncologist about breast IORT and your options.
The Benefits
Accelerated Treatment
Depending on the type, location and stage of your breast cancer, breast IORT eliminates or reduces how many outpatient radiation therapy sessions you need.
Fewer Side Effects
In addition to avoiding healthy surrounding tissues and critical organs, the targeted dose may decrease negative and unwanted side effects that can occur.
Improved Convenience
By limiting or diminishing stress, hospital stays, travel and disruptions in daily life, breast IORT helps you focus less on cancer and instead move on with your life.
Reduced Costs
Less treatment means less expense and time away from work and your loved ones.