Intraoperative Radiation Therapy

Some of the significant patient benefits of IORT:

• By dramatically reducing treatment time and minimising side effects, patients can spend more time focusing on their recovery and can resume daily activities sooner
• IORT offers convenience to women who work full-time, and to rural patients who have traditionally had to arrange and pay for accommodation for extended periods of time when coming to Perth to receive treatment
• Radiation targets tissue in the tumor bed from the inside, minimising exposure to healthy tissue and organs

Step 1: The position of the tumour is determined.

Step 2: During surgery a minimally invasive access point is created.

Step 3: The tumour is surgically removed.

Step 4: The correct size of the applicator is determined and the applicator is positioned in the tumour bed.

Step 5: The tumour bed is locally irradiated for about 30 minutes.

Step 6: The applicator is removed and the incision closed.

St John of God Subiaco Hospital Breast Surgeons currently accredited in the use of IORT are:

• Dr Lee Jackson
• Dr Corinne Jones
• A/Prof Ming Yew
• Dr Wen Chan Yeow

For a referral to any of the specialist surgeons listed above please speak with your GP.

Radiation is administered by GenesisCare Radiation Oncologists.

For more information about IORT or a referral to our specialists who deliver this treatment, please speak with your general practitioner.