Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT)

Term: Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT)Definition: A targeted cancer treatment where radiation is administered directly to the tumor site during surgery, minimizing exposure to healthy tissue.Phonetic Pronunciation: (in-trah-OP-er-uh-tiv RAY-dee-AY-shun THER-uh-pee)Origin: The term originates from Latin and Greek roots. "Intra" from Latin means "within," "operative" from Latin "operari" means "to work," and "radiation" from Latin "radiare" means "to emit rays." "Therapy" derives from Greek "therapeia," meaning "healing."Significance in Asbestos Context: IORT is significant in the treatment of asbestos-related cancers, such as mesothelioma, as it allows for precise radiation dosing directly to affected areas, potentially improving outcomes while reducing side effects compared to traditional radiation therapy.Example Sentence: "After surgical removal of the asbestos-induced tumor, the patient underwent Intraoperative Radiation Therapy to target any remaining cancer cells."Related Terms: Mesothelioma, Radiation Therapy, Surgery, Brachytherapy, Asbestos-related CancerNotes: - IORT is not available at all medical facilities, so patients may need to travel for treatment. - The effectiveness of IORT can vary depending on the stage and type of cancer.