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Heart volume reduction during radiotherapy involving the thoracic region in children: An unexplained phenomenon

Irma W E M van Dijk1, Jorrit Visser1, Jan Wiersma1

  • 1Department of Radiation Oncology, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Radiotherapy and Oncology : Journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology
|April 29, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Thoracic radiotherapy in children significantly reduced heart volume, particularly within the first week. Further studies are needed to understand the long-term effects of this cardiac volume change.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Radiation Oncology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Thoracic radiotherapy is linked to cardiotoxicity in childhood cancer survivors.
  • Early detection of cardiac changes is crucial for long-term outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Quantify heart volume changes during thoracic radiotherapy in pediatric patients.
  • Investigate correlations between heart volume reduction and patient/treatment characteristics.

Main Methods:

  • Analyzed 114 CBCTs from 34 children (<18 years) treated between 2010-2016.
  • Measured relative heart volume changes and calculated cardiac radiation dose parameters.
  • Categorized chemotherapy agents (anthracyclines, alkylating agents, vinca-alkaloids).

Main Results:

  • Median heart volume reduction was 5.5% (p < 0.001).
  • Significant decrease observed between baseline and week 1 (p=0.002).
  • Univariate analysis suggested a correlation between heart volume reduction and alkylating agents.

Conclusions:

  • Significant heart volume reduction occurs in children during thoracic radiotherapy.
  • Prospective follow-up is required to elucidate mechanisms and long-term clinical relevance.
Abstract

Keywords:
Childhood cancerNormal tissueRadiotherapy

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