title: Intraoperative electron beam radiation therapy: technique, dosimetry, and dose specification: report of task force 48 of the Radiation Therapy Committee, American Association of Physicists in Medicine.
abstract: Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) is a treatment modality whereby a large single dose of radiation is delivered to a surgically open, exposed cancer site. Typically, a beam of megavoltage electrons is directed at an exposed tumor or tumor bed through a specially designed applicator system. In the last few years, IORT facilities have proliferated around the world. The IORT technique and the applicator systems used at these facilities vary greatly in sophistication and design philosophy. The IORT beam characteristics vary for different designs of applicator systems. It is necessary to document the existing techniques of IORT, to detail the dosimetry data required for accurate delivery of the prescribed dose, and to have a uniform method of dose specification for cooperative clinical trials. The specific charge to the task group includes the following: (a) identify the multidisciplinary IORT team, (b) outline special considerations that must be addressed by an IORT program, (c) review currently available IORT techniques, (d) describe dosimetric measurements necessary for accurate delivery of prescribed dose, (e) describe dosimetric measurements necessary in documenting doses to the surrounding normal tissues, (f) recommend quality assurance procedures for IORT, (g) review methods of treatment documentation and verification, and (h) recommend methods of dose specification and recording for cooperative clinical trials.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida Health Science Center, Gainesville 32610-0385, USA.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Palta
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Biggs
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Hazle
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Huq
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Dahl
authors.forename: T G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Ochran
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Soen
authors.forename: R R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Dobelbower
authors.forename: E C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: McCullough
mesh_terms: D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004583:Electrons / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006782:Hospitals, Special; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D010315:Particle Accelerators; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D011882:Radiotherapy, High-Energy