Intraoperative Radiotherapy (IORT) for Breast Cancer

Radiotherapy delivered during surgery — for selected patients.

For carefully selected women with early breast cancer, intraoperative radiotherapy delivers a single, targeted dose of radiation to the tumour bed during the operation itself — for suitable patients, this can replace some or all of the weeks of daily external radiotherapy that normally follow breast conserving surgery.

GMC-registered consultant (No. 4657664) Dual European Board certified — FEBS Breast Surgery & Surgical Oncology Formerly Clinical Director of Breast Services, NCL Cancer Alliance (NHS England) Bupa · AXA · Aviva · Vitality · WPA · Cigna — self-pay welcome

How IORT fits into your operation

The radiation is delivered while you are still asleep, directly where recurrence risk is highest.

SelectionEligibility assessed against established criteria — age, tumour size, biology and margins

Cancer removedStandard oncoplastic wide local excision performed first

Targeted doseA single radiation dose delivered directly into the tumour bed, in theatre

Fewer hospital visitsFor suitable patients, external radiotherapy may be reduced or avoided entirely

Why patients choose Mr Ghosh

One dose versus many visits

Conventional radiotherapy involves daily hospital visits over several weeks. IORT concentrates treatment into the operation itself.

Precisely targeted

Radiation is applied directly to the tissue at highest risk, with reduced exposure of skin, heart and lung.

Honestly selected

IORT is not right for everyone. Eligibility follows established evidence and is reviewed by the full multidisciplinary team — and Mr Ghosh will tell you plainly if conventional radiotherapy serves you better.

Who may be suitable for IORT?

IORT is generally considered for post-menopausal women with smaller, biologically favourable, node-negative breast cancers undergoing breast conserving surgery. Final pathology can occasionally indicate that supplementary external radiotherapy is still advisable — this is explained candidly before you consent, so there are no surprises afterwards.

Why patients ask for it

Weeks of daily radiotherapy visits compressed into the operation itself
Particularly valuable for patients who live far from a radiotherapy centre, or for whom daily attendance is impractical
Reduced radiation exposure to surrounding organs
Treatment complete sooner, recovery focused on healing rather than hospital runs

An integrated decision, not a bolt-on

Because Mr Ghosh delivers the surgery, the oncoplastic reshaping and the IORT within one plan — alongside radiation oncology colleagues — the decision is made with the whole picture in view: your cancer's biology, your breast, your reconstruction, and your life outside hospital.

Frequently asked questions

Does IORT replace all other radiotherapy?

For suitable patients it can; for others it serves as a targeted boost with a shortened external course. Final pathology after surgery occasionally changes the recommendation — you'll know exactly how that decision works before consenting.

Is IORT as effective as conventional radiotherapy?

In appropriately selected patients, trial evidence supports IORT as an option within breast conservation. Selection is precisely what the multidisciplinary review protects.

Does it lengthen the operation?

It adds time in theatre, but you are asleep throughout — and it can subtract weeks of daily hospital attendance afterwards.

Is it available privately in London?

Yes — Mr Ghosh offers intraoperative radiotherapy for selected patients as part of his practice.

Radiotherapy delivered during surgery — for selected patients.