4. There’s a one-day radiation treatment for early-stage breast cancer
MRI showing breast cancer [Image from Wikipedia]
IORT is a one-day breast cancer treatment that delivers a full, concentrated dose of radiation in one day at the same time as a lumpectomy. It works by targeting cancer cells and sparing healthy tissues, according to the medical center. In comparison, traditional radiation therapy usually takes five treatment days a week for eight weeks.
The system was created by Xoft and costs $500,000. It uses a miniaturized X-ray source that is inserted into a flexible applicator and placed in the lumpectomy cavity temporarily. In eight minutes, a full course of radiation is delivered in a single dose and cancer cells are targeted directly.
