Rochester Regional Health’s Breast Center and the Lipson Cancer Institute continue to bring leading edge breast cancer treatments to our region. As one of the highest volume breast centers in New York State and a Center of Excellence in breast cancer care, our experts are constantly looking for new ways to improve the treatment approaches and outcomes that we provide women every day.
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Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) for Breast Cancer
We are the first in Western New York to offer Intraoperative Radiation Therapy or IORT, an innovative approach of providing radiation therapy during breast cancer surgery.
IORT is a single session of low energy, high-dose targeted radiation administered directly into the tumor site at the time of lumpectomy. For most patients who undergo IORT, there are typically no return trips needed for radiation and there are less side effects because the radiation is targeted directly to the sections of the breast with the biggest risks of cancer occurrence.
Another Example in a Series of Firsts for Breast Cancer Treatment
IORT is another example of the innovative approaches that the Rochester Regional Health Breast Center and Lipson Cancer Institute are bringing to our region:
- We were the first in the region designated as a Certified Quality Breast Center of Excellence by the National Consortium of Breast Cancers, Inc.
- We were the first to offer Hidden Scar® Surgery, an advanced approach in which surgeons remove cancerous tissue through a single incision, minimizing visible scarring and preserving the shape and appearance of both the breast and the nipple.
- We recently became the first to use SaviScout, a surgical guidance system that uses electromagnetic waves and a reflector system to localize the tumor without the need for wires. This allows for better precision during surgery and better surgical planning that may reduce the amount of tissue that needs to be removed.
Benefits of IORT
There are a number of benefits of IORT treatment over traditional radiation therapy, including:
- Saves time: Radiation is given immediately at the time of surgery, allowing patients to complete the therapy sooner.
- Convenience: One-time radiation treatment instead of five days a week for up to six weeks for traditional radiation therapy. For most patients who undergo IORT, there are typically no return trips for radiation.
- Targeted: The radiation dose is much smaller, and is given directly and internally to the sections of the breast with the biggest risks of cancer reoccurrence.
- Decreased side effects: Nearby organs and tissues receive less radiation, resulting in fewer side effects.
- Less expensive than external beam therapy.
Getting Started with IORT Treatment
To determine if you or a loved one is a candidate for IORT, call (585) 922-4715.
Find a Location Near You
Although all IORT procedures are performed at Rochester General Hospital, our team treats breast cancer patients across the Western and Central New York regions. Our locations include:
