Alternative techniques of intraoperative radiotherapy.

AIMS: The article reviews current techniques for the delivery of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT). METHODS: Various techniques have been developed to allow for IORT to be given as an adjuvant to surgical resection in the operating room during surgery. This article reviews these different techniques including: dedicated IORT units, intraoperative high dose rate 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 applications of IORT. Preliminary results of IORT at various institutions show promising results. CONCLUSIONS: Widespread applications for IORT are feasible due to improvements in the technology. Future studies should define the proper role for IORT at various disease sites.