INTRABEAM Intraoperative Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer
Sutter Cancer Center Treatments & Services

Sutter Cancer Center, Sacramento is proud to offer Targeted Intraoperative Radiotherapy (IORT) for breast cancer patients delivered through the INTRABEAM® Radiotherapy System. We are currently the first and only center in Northern California outside the Bay Area offering this revolutionary treatment.

The INTRABEAM® System is used to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation during breast conserving surgery. The goal of this approach is to destroy remaining cancer cells, helping to prevent the possibility of recurrence – and in most cases – eliminating the need for weeks of radiation treatments.

How INTRABEAM® Works

Step 1. INTRABEAM IORT is delivered during the lumpectomy procedure, immediately following tumor removal
Step 2. After the surgeon has removed the tumor, the radiation oncologist positions the INTRABEAM applicator in the area of the breast where the tumor was located.
Step 3. Low energy radiation is delivered locally to the targeted tissue in the tumor bed, minimizing healthy tissue exposure to radiation.
Step 4. After 20-30 minutes of radiotherapy, the applicator is removed and the surgeon then closes the incision.

Benefits of INTRABEAM

• A reduction in radiation treatment time for the patient
• Minimized exposure to healthy tissue and organs, such as the ribs, lungs, heart and opposite breast
• No treatment delay for patients who must also undergo chemotherapy as part of their breast cancer treatment
• Same-day treatment with no hospitalization required

Are You a Candidate for INTRABEAM® Intraoperative Radiotherapy

Sutter Cancer Center, Sacramento is following the clinical guidelines from the Targit Clinical Trial. Currently only women who have early-stage breast cancer, have negative lymph nodes and are 55 and older may be a candidate for INTRABEAM.

Our Team

The surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists and physicists all have a role in the delivery of INTRABEAM®. In addition, patient cases are presented weekly at the Breast Cancer Tumor Panel where a multidisciplinary team reviews patient cases and care plans to ensure patients are receiving the most effective treatment plans available.

To learn more about this treatment please call (916) 454-6913 or email capsurg@sutterhealth.org. To schedule an appointment, contact one of our surgeons:

• Joyce Eaker, M.D.
• Gregory Graves, M.D.

INTRABEAM treatments are performed at Sutter Capitol Pavilion on the Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento Campus.

Learn More About Breast Cancer

Visit these pages to learn more about breast cancer and the Sutter Cancer Center, Sacramento Breast Cancer Program.