Aster DM launches India’s first Intra-Operative Electron Radiation Therapy for enhanced cancer treatment

New Delhi: Aster DM Healthcare has become the first healthcare facility in India to implement Intra-Operative Electron Radiation Therapy (IOeRT) at the Aster International Institute of Oncology (AIIO) in Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru. This marks an advancement in cancer treatment, reinforcing the hospital’s dedication to delivering top-tier care for cancer patients.

IOeRT is a revolutionary type of radiotherapy that administers concentrated radiation directly to the tumor site during surgery. This technique reduces the necessity for multiple post-operative radiation sessions while safeguarding surrounding healthy tissues from excessive exposure.

By targeting residual microscopic cancer cells immediately after tumor removal, this therapy enhances the likelihood of successful treatment and improves patient outcomes and recovery times. The addition of IOeRT at AIIO elevates its reputation as a center of excellence for comprehensive cancer care, specializing in state-of-the-art treatments and robotic surgery.

Alisha Moopen, Deputy Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare, spoke about the importance of this technological advancement, stating, “With the integration of this advanced technology, our hospital is stepping into a new frontier of precision oncology, offering treatments that are more targeted, effective, and less invasive thus enabling faster recovery for patients. By integrating cutting-edge innovations, we strive to reduce recovery time enabling a quicker return to normal life for our patients. We believe that the future of healthcare lies in combining precision, efficiency, and patient comfort, and we are dedicated to leading that transformation.”

Dr. Somashekhar S P, Global Director of Aster International Institute of Oncology and Chairman of the Medical Advisory Board at Aster DM Healthcare, emphasized, “With IOeRT, we can offer new hope to patients facing complex and advanced cancers, where conventional treatments often fall short. The precision of this technology allows us to target residual cancer cells with unparalleled accuracy, leading to fewer side effects and a better chance of recovery. This breakthrough is set to significantly impact cancer care, reducing recurrence rates and improving long-term outcomes.”

With cancer cases in India projected to increase by 57.5% by 2040, according to the GLOBOCAN report, IOeRT provides a crucial solution to tackle this growing healthcare challenge. This therapy is particularly effective for complex cancers such as breast, gastrointestinal, and lung cancer, where precision and timely intervention are essential for successful treatment.

Dr. M S Beliappa, HOD and Lead Consultant in Radiation Oncology at Aster Hospitals, remarked, “This technology not only enhances treatment outcomes but also allows patients to experience faster recovery with fewer side effects, revolutionizing how we approach cancer care in India.”

Dr. Felipe Calvo, Co-Director of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Cancer Centre Clinica Universidad de Navarra in Madrid, added, “This technology, which has proven highly effective in Europe, is now set to transform outcomes for Indian patients. By delivering targeted radiation during surgery, IOeRT reduces the risk of recurrence and significantly improves the quality of life for those facing difficult-to-treat cancers.”

Francesco Zanetti, President and CEO of SIT, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with Aster Whitefield Hospital in bringing IOeRT to India is a pivotal moment in the advancement of cancer care. At SIT, we are dedicated to developing state-of-the-art cancer treatment technologies, and IOeRT stands out as one of the most promising innovations in recent years. This precision-focused equipment will empower oncologists in India to offer more effective, personalized treatments, ultimately improving survival rates and quality of care.”