Alternative techniques of intraoperative radiotherapy

Aims: The article reviews current techniques for the delivery of intraopera tive radiotherapy (IORT). Methods: Various techniques have been developed to allow for IORT to be giv en as an adjuvant to surgical resection in the operating room during surger y. This article reviews these different techniques including: dedicated IOR T units, intraoperative high dose rare brachytherapy and mobile IORT units such as the Mobetron. Results: IORT may be safely delivered by various methods during operation. Mobile linear accelerators, such as the Mobetron, may allow wider applicati ons of IORT. Preliminary results of IORT at various institutions show promi sing results. Conclusions: Widespread applications for IORT are feasible due to improveme nts in the technology. Future studies should define the proper role for IOR T at various disease sites. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd