Efficacity of Deep Inspiration Breath Hold and Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy in Preventing Perfusion Defect for...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cardiology
• Radiation Oncology

Background:

• Breast radiotherapy, especially for left-sided tumors, poses a risk of radiation-induced cardiac disease.
• Subclinical cardiac lesions, including myocardial perfusion deficits, can manifest early post-radiotherapy.
• The standard opposite tangential field radiotherapy technique delivers high radiation doses to the anterior interventricular coronary artery in left breast cancer patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate novel radiotherapy techniques for reducing cardiac radiation exposure in left breast cancer patients.
• To assess the efficacy of deep inspiration breath hold radiotherapy combined with intensity modulated radiation therapy in preventing myocardial perfusion defects.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, single-center study design.
• Utilizing deep inspiration breath hold radiotherapy and intensity modulated radiation therapy.
• Employing stress and resting myocardial scintigraphy to monitor myocardial perfusion at 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment.

Main Results:

• The study aims to demonstrate a reduction in cardiac radiation dose.
• The primary outcome is the prevention of early (3-month) and medium-term (6- and 12-month) myocardial perfusion disorders.

Conclusions:

• Implementing advanced radiotherapy techniques may mitigate the risk of radiation-induced heart disease in breast cancer patients.
• Reducing cardiac dose is crucial for preserving cardiac function and preventing perfusion deficits after left breast irradiation.