Intraoperative Radiotherapy for Gastrointestinal Malignancies: Contemporary Outcomes With Multimodality Therapy

Abstract

The integration of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) into the multimodal treatment of gastrointestinal cancer is feasible and leads to high rates of local control. In-field tumoral control using IORT-containing strategies can be achieved in over 90 % of most cases, regardless of the site or status of the tumor (primary or recurrent). Electron beam IORT, or intraoperative electron radiation therapy, is the dominant technology used in institutions reporting data in publications the 21st century. Neither surgery nor systemic therapy is compromised by the integration of IORT-containing radiotherapy.

Intraoperative radiotherapy for the treatment of thyroid cancer: a pilot study

“…In a phase three clinical trial [10], the rate of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence in the IOERT group was higher than in the external irradiation group, the overall survival rate did not differ between the two groups. However, in another phase three clinical trial, IOERT showed no advantage in local control and survival over surgery alone, but the security and reliability of IORET were confirmed [8]. For children with soft tissue sarcoma, IOERT can bring better local control with fewer adverse reactions at a lower dose than external radiation [12].…”

“…IORET also improves the control and survival rates for skull base tumors [13], and improves local control in advanced cervical cancer [14]. Calvo et al [8] reviewed the use of IOERT for gastrointestinal tumors, and suggested that IOERT improves local control of gastrointestinal cancer.…”