Aster Whitefield Hospital Debuts India's First Intra-Operative Electron Radiation Therapy (IOeRT)

Aster DM Healthcare has introduced Intra-Operative Electron Radiation Therapy (IOeRT) at its Aster International Institute of Oncology (AIIO), Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru. 

In a press statement on Thursday, the company informed that this marks the first time that this advanced cancer treatment technology is available in India, representing a major leap forward in precision cancer care.

IOeRT, an innovative form of radiotherapy, delivers highly concentrated radiation directly to the tumour site during surgery, reducing the need for post-operative radiation sessions. By precisely targeting any residual cancer cells after tumour removal, the therapy enhances treatment outcomes while protecting surrounding healthy tissue from unnecessary radiation exposure. This cutting-edge treatment not only improves precision but also accelerates recovery for patients, reducing the overall treatment time and side effects.

Alisha Moopen, Deputy Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare, expressed her enthusiasm for the new technology, stating, “The launch of IOeRT is a significant milestone for cancer care in India. This technology introduces a new dimension in precision oncology, providing more targeted, effective, and less invasive treatment options for patients. We are proud to lead this transformation and set new standards in healthcare by offering advanced tools that improve recovery times and quality of life for cancer patients.”

Dr. Somashekhar S P, Global Director of AIIO, emphasised the benefits of IOeRT, particularly for complex cancers. “This technology brings new hope to patients with advanced cancers where conventional treatments may fall short. With its ability to target residual cancer cells with precision, IOeRT reduces recurrence rates and improves long-term outcomes, offering patients a better chance at recovery,” he said.

As India faces a projected 57.5 per cent increase in cancer cases by 2040, the adoption of IOeRT provides a crucial solution to address the growing burden. This therapy is especially effective for treating cancers such as breast, gastrointestinal, and lung cancers, where early intervention and precision are vital to successful treatment.

Dr. M S Beliappa, Head of Radiation Oncology at Aster Hospitals, Bangalore, highlighted the game-changing potential of IOeRT. “This technology offers unparalleled precision in radiation delivery, enhancing patient outcomes and reducing recovery times with minimal side effects. It revolutionises how we approach cancer treatment in India,” he noted.

International experts also lauded the introduction of IOeRT in India. Dr Felipe Calvo from the Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Madrid, and Francesco Zanetti, President & CEO of SIT, both praised Aster Whitefield Hospital for bringing this technology to Indian patients, underlining its potential to improve cancer care outcomes and quality of life.