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Updated: May 12, 2026
11:38
Voluntary Breath-hold Technique for Reducing Heart Dose in Left Breast Radiotherapy
Published on: July 3, 2014
Cardiac complications after radical radiotherapy
1Guy's & St. Thomas' Cancer Centre, London, UK.
Seminars in Oncology
|April 2, 2013
Summary
Radiotherapy to the chest can cause serious heart problems, including coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy. Close monitoring is essential for cancer survivors treated with mediastinal irradiation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Radiotherapy
Background:
- Cancer therapies, including radiotherapy, are improving, leading to more survivors.
- Long-term complications of cancer treatments are increasingly recognized.
- Cardiovascular effects of chest radiotherapy are a significant concern for cancer survivors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the adverse cardiovascular effects of chest radiotherapy.
- To identify potential cardiac complications and influencing factors.
- To emphasize the need for clinical monitoring in patients receiving mediastinal irradiation.
Main Methods:
- Conducted Medline literature searches.
- Focused on cardiac complications of radiotherapy and patient prognosis.
- Synthesized information on adverse cardiovascular effects.
Main Results:
- Mediastinal irradiation can lead to coronary artery disease, pericarditis, cardiomyopathy, and valvular disease.
- Damage is influenced by radiation dose, irradiated heart volume, age at exposure, irradiation technique, and patient factors.
- Newer radiotherapy techniques are expected to reduce cardiovascular disease incidence.
Conclusions:
- Patients undergoing mediastinal irradiation are at risk for significant cardiovascular complications.
- Multidisciplinary clinical monitoring is crucial for these patients.
- Technological advancements may mitigate future risks, but vigilance remains necessary.
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