Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT)

Aetna considers IORT medically necessary for cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, soft tissue sarcoma (including retroperitoneal), and uterine cancer, and will cover single‑fraction electron‑beam IORT at the time of lumpectomy for early‑stage (0–II) breast cancer only if nodes are negative, surgical margins are technically clear, and the tumor is ≤5 cm. Aetna considers IORT experimental/investigational (not covered) for indications where effectiveness is unestablished, including brain tumors/metastases, cholangiocarcinoma, conjunctival neoplasms, gastric cancer, and certain head and neck cancers (e.g., esophageal, middle ear).

"Aetna considers intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) medically necessary for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma (including retroperitoneal sarcoma)."

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