Bengaluru : Reinforcing its commitment to delivering world-class oncology care, Aster Whitefield Hospital has achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing more than 140+ Intraoperative Electron Radiation Therapy (IOeRT) procedures. Last year, Aster Whitefield rolled out the new technology becoming the first hospital in India to implement a groundbreaking therapy for cancer care and is still the only hospital in India offering IOeRT, a highly advanced intraoperative radiation technique that enhances precision, protects healthy tissue, and reduces treatment duration for cancer patients.
IOeRT – an innovative form of radiotherapy, delivers concentrated radiation directly to the tumor site during surgery, reducing the need for multiple post-operative radiation sessions and protecting surrounding healthy tissues from unnecessary exposure. By targeting any remaining microscopic cancer cells immediately after tumor removal, this therapy not only increases the chances of successful treatment but also improves patient outcomes and recovery times.
Speaking on the milestone, Dr. Somashekhar, Global Director – Aster International Institute of Oncology, Lead Consultant – Surgical & Gynaecological Oncology & Robotic Surgeon, HIPEC & PIPAC Super-specialist, Aster Whitefield Hospital, said, “IOeRT has allowed us to bring unprecedented precision into the operating room. Delivering radiation during surgery ensures optimal control over margins while protecting healthy structures. Crossing 140 procedures is a testament to our focus on patient-centric innovation and our drive to push the boundaries of cancer care in India.”
Dr. M S Belliappa, HOD and Lead Consultant – Radiation Oncology, added, “This achievement reflects the expertise and dedication of our multidisciplinary team. IOeRT reduces the overall treatment time, improves quality of life, and enhances cosmetic and functional outcomes. We are proud to pioneer this technology in India and will continue expanding its application to benefit more patients battling complex cancers.”
The milestone has been made possible through the contribution and support of Dr. Prashanth N, Chief Executive Officer, Karnataka Cluster, and Mr. Srikant Subudhi, Chief Operating Officer, Aster Whitefield Hospital.
The technology has been adopted extensively in the management of early-stage breast cancer, specifically through Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) and Intraoperative Boost Therapy. In APBI cases, a single dose of radiation is administered during surgery, eliminating the need for multiple post-surgery sessions. Without IOeRT, patients typically undergo 15 to 20 radiation cycles or hospital visits. By consolidating radiation delivery into one intraoperative session, treatment cost is reduced by nearly 50%, making it both clinically effective and financially accessible.
In Boost therapy cases, IOeRT has led to cost reductions of up to 25%, while maintaining excellent cosmetic outcomes, minimal skin toxicity, and lower infection rates — even among patients with higher risk factors such as diabetes or prior chemotherapy.
A prospective study conducted by the oncology team at Aster Whitefield involving 113 breast cancer patients treated with IOeRT showcased promising results, including zero cases of Grade 3 skin toxicity and significantly reduced postoperative complications such as seroma and infection. The hospital’s application of IOeRT for oligorecurrent tumours and retroperitoneal sarcomas further highlights the versatility and clinical impact of this modality. These outcomes have been presented at the Federation of Asian Organizations for Radiation Oncology (FARO), one of the leading global oncology platforms.
As India braces for a projected 57.5% increase in cancer cases by 2040, according to the GLOBOCAN report, IOeRT offers a crucial solution to the country’s rising cancer burden. It is particularly effective in treating complex cancers such as breast, gastrointestinal, and lung cancer, where precision and early intervention are key to successful treatment.
IOeRT, originally developed in Japan and Europe, has evolved into a safe and effective intraoperative treatment method through advancements in mobile electron accelerators. By using electron beams instead of X-rays, IOeRT delivers precise depth control with negligible exit dose, significantly reducing the risk of damage to surrounding organs. Backed by Aster’s clinical excellence and continuous research efforts, the hospital will further expand IOeRT applications in pancreatic, colorectal, and soft tissue sarcoma cases, with ongoing studies focused on long-term outcomes and survival rates.
Coinciding with November’s multiple Cancer Awareness Days ,including National Cancer Awareness Day, Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and World Pancreatic Cancer Day , this milestone reinforces Aster Whitefield’s commitment to advancing cancer care and raising public awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and innovative treatment approaches.
