title: Intraoperative radiotherapy.
abstract: The potential benefit of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) was originally recognized years ago and has recently attracted renewed interest. Modern radiotherapeutic approaches may be more successful as a result of technical innovation, particularly in the use of electron beam accelerators. Preliminary studies, mainly uncontrolled and nonrandomized, have assessed the role of IORT for treatment of a variety of deep seated abdominal, retroperitoneal, and pelvic cancers. The results of some studies show much promise, but prospective trials are needed to scientifically validate these favorable initial observations.
mesh_terms: D001661:Biliary Tract Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011853:Radiobiology; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000379:methods; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000532:radiotherapy; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy