India’s only hospital offering Intraoperative Electron Radiation Therapy (IOeRT) crosses 140 successful procedures in one year, redefining cancer care with faster recovery, lower costs, and zero severe skin toxicity.
NFAPost, Bengaluru: In a landmark achievement for Indian oncology, Aster Whitefield Hospital has become the first and only hospital in India to complete over 140 successful Intraoperative Electron Radiation Therapy (IOeRT) procedures — setting a new benchmark in precision cancer treatment and clinical innovation.
Introduced just a year ago, this breakthrough technology — which delivers targeted radiation during surgery — is transforming cancer care by improving precision, minimizing damage to healthy tissue, and drastically reducing treatment time and cost.
Revolutionizing Cancer Care with IOeRT
IOeRT represents one of the most advanced evolutions in modern radiotherapy. Unlike conventional external beam radiation that requires multiple hospital visits, IOeRT delivers a concentrated dose of electron radiation directly to the tumor site during surgery, immediately after tumor removal.
This direct intraoperative delivery enables oncologists to target residual microscopic cancer cells with exceptional accuracy while sparing surrounding organs and tissues. The result: faster recovery, fewer complications, and better cosmetic and functional outcomes.
“IOeRT has allowed us to bring unprecedented precision into the operating room,” said Dr. Somashekhar, Global Director – Aster International Institute of Oncology, and Lead Consultant – Surgical & Gynaecological Oncology, Robotic Surgeon, HIPEC & PIPAC Super-specialist, Aster Whitefield Hospital.
“Delivering radiation during surgery ensures optimal control over margins while protecting healthy structures. Crossing 140 procedures is a testament to our patient-centric innovation and commitment to pushing the boundaries of cancer care in India.”
Clinical Success: Faster Recovery, Fewer Side Effects
Aster Whitefield’s oncology team has demonstrated remarkable clinical outcomes through its pioneering IOeRT program. A prospective study of 113 breast cancer patients revealed zero cases of Grade 3 skin toxicity, significantly reduced postoperative complications, and a notable decline in seroma and infection rates.
In addition to its success with breast cancer, Aster Whitefield has effectively expanded IOeRT’s application to oligorecurrent tumors and retroperitoneal sarcomas, further validating its clinical versatility. These outcomes were recently presented at the Federation of Asian Organizations for Radiation Oncology (FARO), one of Asia’s premier oncology forums.
“This achievement reflects the expertise and dedication of our multidisciplinary team,” said Dr. M. S. Belliappa, HOD and Lead Consultant – Radiation Oncology, Aster Whitefield Hospital.
“IOeRT reduces overall treatment time, improves quality of life, and enhances cosmetic outcomes. We are proud to pioneer this technology in India and remain committed to expanding its benefits to more patients battling complex cancers.”
Cost-Effective and Patient-Friendly Innovation
For many patients, IOeRT has not only proven clinically superior but also economically viable. In Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) cases, patients typically avoid 15–20 post-surgery radiation sessions, as a single intraoperative dose replaces weeks of conventional therapy. This reduces treatment cost by nearly 50%, offering both medical and financial relief.
Similarly, in Intraoperative Boost Therapy cases, costs are reduced by up to 25%, while maintaining excellent cosmetic results and minimal skin and tissue damage — even among high-risk patients such as those with diabetes or prior chemotherapy exposure.
The milestone was made possible under the leadership of Dr. Prashanth N, Chief Executive Officer, Karnataka Cluster, and Mr. Srikant Subudhi, Chief Operating Officer, Aster Whitefield Hospital, who have championed Aster’s mission to make advanced oncology care accessible and affordable.
A Game-Changer for India’s Rising Cancer Burden
According to GLOBOCAN, India is projected to witness a 57.5% increase in cancer cases by 2040. Against this backdrop, Aster Whitefield’s success with IOeRT provides a scalable and effective solution for early-stage and complex cancers alike — including breast, gastrointestinal, colorectal, pancreatic, and lung cancers.
Originally developed in Japan and Europe, IOeRT has evolved with advances in mobile electron accelerators, allowing for precise depth control and negligible exit dose, significantly reducing risks to nearby organs. Aster Whitefield’s continued research into long-term outcomes and survival rates underscores its dedication to advancing oncological science and patient welfare.
Pioneering Care Meets Compassionate Innovation
The achievement coincides with November’s Cancer Awareness observances, including National Cancer Awareness Day, Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and World Pancreatic Cancer Day, underscoring Aster Whitefield’s leadership in both treatment innovation and public health advocacy.
“This milestone is not just about numbers—it’s about redefining possibilities for patients and families facing cancer,” said Dr. Somashekhar.
“With IOeRT, we are not only improving survival rates but also ensuring that recovery is faster, safer, and more humane.”
About Aster Whitefield Hospital
Aster Whitefield Hospital, part of the Aster DM Healthcare network, is a leading multi-speciality hospital known for clinical excellence, innovation, and compassionate care. With a strong emphasis on evidence-based practices and patient outcomes, the hospital continues to pioneer cutting-edge medical technologies in India.
Aster Whitefield’s multidisciplinary oncology program, supported by world-class infrastructure and internationally trained specialists, exemplifies its vision — to make world-class cancer care accessible to every Indian patient.
