The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
Intraoperative radiotherapy
TARGIT IORT
An innovative treatment for breast cancer that delivers radiotherapy directly into the breast after a tumour is removed
About
The pioneer of TARGIT IORT, Professor Jayant Vaidya, is a key member of the breast care team at The Princess Grace Hospital
Professor Vaidya's approach to treating breast cancer uses Intrabeam® to deliver a precise dose of radiation into the breast, limiting the need for radiotherapy after surgery.
Need to know
Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) is done as part of an operation to remove a tumour in the breast (lumpectomy). Surgery is usually carried out under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will make a cut in your breast to remove the tumour.
After the tumour has been removed, a dose of radiation is delivered directly to the area using a specialised radiotherapy machine called Intrabeam®. The precision of Intrabeam® helps to protect nearby healthy tissue while eliminating remaining cancer cells. Your surgeon will then close the area with stitches. The whole procedure usually takes around an hour and a half.
Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. Because you'll be having general anaesthetic, they'll let you know how long you should avoid eating or drinking before your surgery.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you. You won't be able to drive right after your surgery, so you should arrange for someone to help you get home.
You should be able to go home the same day as your surgery, although some people may need to be cared for in hospital overnight.
Before you leave the hospital, your consultant or breast care nurse will explain how to care for the area while it heals. If you have dissolvable stitches, they'll disappear on their own.
It's also a good idea to bring a soft cup bra with you to wear afterwards.
Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including exercise.
Paying for medical treatment
You don't need medical insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our world-class facilities.
Our Intraoperative radiotherapy locations
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.