Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) has transformed cancer outcomes globally. According to multiple peer-reviewed studies published in the last decade, IORT can reduce local recurrence by up to 20–35% in selected cancers, showcasing its remarkable benefit in precise tumour control while maintaining organ function. When combined with surgery and modern imaging, IORT provides a chance for select individuals to achieve better survival and fewer repeat surgeries — however, choosing the right patient is crucial. That is why determining who is eligible for IORT becomes a defining factor in treatment success.
In Bangalore, Dr. Mathangi, Senior Consultant & In-charge of Radiation Oncology at Gleneagles Cancer Institute, brings over 20 years of expertise to offer this sophisticated service. Her experience with advanced radiation systems — including SRS/SBRT, RapidArc, IGRT, intraoperative radiotherapy, and brachytherapy — positions her as one of India’s leading specialists for IORT treatment planning and execution. Having treated more than 12,000 patients and installed Asia Pacific’s first TrueBeam STx machine, she is considered a pioneer of high-precision radiation oncology in South India.
Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) delivers a concentrated dose of radiation to a tumour bed immediately after surgical tumour removal while the patient is still under anaesthesia in the operating room. The goal is to eliminate microscopic cancer cells that remain post-surgery. This method protects normal tissues, reduces treatment duration and increases tumour control accuracy.
IORT is particularly helpful when traditional external radiation methods are unable to reach deep tumour beds safely or when surgical margins are close to vital organs. This makes it a strategic weapon in modern cancer management.
who is eligible for IORT depends on numerous clinical factors: cancer type, tumour stage, surgical feasibility and pathology characteristics. Eligibility is never universal; rather, it requires individualised assessment by an experienced oncologist. In Bangalore, Dr Mathangi conducts detailed evaluations to ensure that only suitable cases undergo treatment, ensuring safety and optimal oncology outcomes.
High suitability is often seen in patients with:
However, each tumour behaves differently. That is why expertise-driven personalised screening is vital.
The patient selection criteria for IORT ensures that the right patient receives the right therapy. This evaluation maximizes clinical benefit and prevents potential complications. A well-tailored selection enhances tumour control rates, reduces recurrence, and improves surgical success.
In clinical practice, IORT is recommended for patients who:
Timing is also key — IORT requires perfect coordination between oncology and surgery teams. This is where the experience of Dr Mathangi becomes invaluable.
tumor control is the essence of intraoperative radiation therapy. By delivering radiation at the moment when tumour cells are most vulnerable, doctors reduce the risk of regrowth significantly. Traditional external radiotherapy after surgery has natural limitations — tissues heal, swelling changes geometry, and patient movements vary.
IORT eliminates these obstacles. The radiation is focused exactly where cancer cells hide, providing:
Research suggests early breast cancer patients who receive IORT may avoid weeks of external radiation, helping them return to normal life faster. Under Dr Mathangi's guidance, tumour control takes top priority in eligibility screening.
A surgical oncology evaluation is a crucial step in the IORT eligibility pathway. Before applying intraoperative radiation, a surgical oncologist must confirm that the tumour is removable and anatomically accessible.
This assessment includes:
IORT is a combined effort between surgical and radiation teams. Collaboration ensures precision. At Gleneagles Cancer Institute, Dr Mathangi works closely with expert surgeons to analyse each case, ensuring synchronized planning, safe execution, and optimal radiation dosing.
case suitability determines whether IORT matches the patient’s diagnosis, body response, and medical history. Even though IORT offers massive benefits, not every cancer patient qualifies. Some may respond better to stereotactic radiosurgery or external beam radiotherapy depending on staging and tumour site.
Dr Mathangi studies:
The goal is to offer treatments that enhance life quality, extend survival and protect surrounding tissues.
The following cancers may qualify during eligibility assessment:
Each cancer type demands a personalised radiation-dose model. This is where technology and clinical experience blend.
Patients choosing Dr Mathangi gain access to world-class radiation oncology excellence. She is internationally trained, certified, and recognised for cutting-edge cancer radiation precision. For patients who worry “am I eligible?”, she provides clear explanation, medical assurance, and holistic guidance.
Benefits of treatment under her care:
To book an appointment, visit: https://drmathangi.com/contact/
After confirming eligibility, treatment planning steps include:
The primary aim: strong tumour control with minimal toxicities.
Dr Mathangi MBBS, DMRT, DNB – Senior Consultant & In-charge of Radiation Oncology at Gleneagles Cancer Institute, Bangalore is a leading cancer specialist with extensive experience in stereotactic radiotherapy, IGRT, SBRT, RapidArc, brachytherapy and intraoperative radiotherapy planning.
who is eligible for IORT is one of the most common questions asked by people exploring Intraoperative Radiation Therapy with Dr. Mathangi. Typically, individuals undergoing cancer surgery who have a localized tumor and are medically fit to receive radiation at the time of surgery may qualify. Eligibility further depends on the overall treatment plan, imaging reports, and medical readiness confirmed by the oncology team.
In deciding whether IORT is appropriate, patient selection criteria include tumor type, cancer stage, likelihood of local recurrence, and the patient’s ability to tolerate the procedure. These factors are reviewed carefully to ensure IORT is used in cases that will benefit from a direct radiation boost during surgery.
IORT improves tumor control by delivering precise, high-dose radiation directly to tissues at highest risk for recurrence. Since radiation is applied immediately after tumor removal, it may reduce the chance of cancer returning. This controlled radiation process also protects healthy tissue and may minimize long-term side effects.
surgical oncology evaluation is required to understand how IORT fits into surgery planning. Surgeons assess how much tumor can be removed, the health of surrounding tissue, and where radiation needs to be targeted. This collaboration ensures that IORT is integrated safely with surgery, improving treatment precision.
case suitability for IORT is determined after a thorough review of diagnostic scans, tumor characteristics, and multidisciplinary recommendations. Dr. Mathangi evaluates each case individually to ensure maximum benefit and safety, guiding patients through clear, evidence-based decision-making.
In some cases, IORT can reduce the need for postoperative external radiation. However, for many patients, IORT works alongside external beam radiation to enhance treatment strength. Dr. Mathangi guides patients on whether a combined treatment approach is recommended.
IORT is commonly used for select breast cancers, colorectal cancers, recurrent tumors, sarcomas, and certain gastrointestinal tumors. Suitability depends on location, tumor behavior, and surgical access during the planned operation.
Yes. IORT concentrates radiation at the surgical site while minimizing exposure to organs and healthy tissues. This approach may result in fewer long-term side effects and improved quality of life after treatment.
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