IORT is a sophisticated procedure that delivers a single dose of radiotherapy directly to the tissues surrounding the cancer during lumpectomy and can be delivered in a single day.

The concept behind this approach is to destroy any remaining cancer cells within the lumpectomy cavity, which is where more than 90% of local recurrences typically occur near the tumour bed.

This technique may be the best option for selected cases because it reduces both radiation exposure and treatment time. As the name implies, IORT is administered concurrently with tumour removal surgery.