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Updated: Jun 7, 2025
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Voluntary Breath-hold Technique for Reducing Heart Dose in Left Breast Radiotherapy
Published on: July 3, 2014
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Cardiac Complications of Radiation Therapy
Raja Zaghlol1, Lauren Pedersen2, Syed Qamer1
1Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Cardio-oncology Section, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8086, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Cardiology Clinics
|November 17, 2024
Summary
Radiation therapy can harm the heart, causing radiation-induced cardiotoxicity (RICT) in cancer survivors. This review covers RICT
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Radiation therapy is vital for cancer treatment, improving survival rates.
- Thoracic radiation can cause unintended injury to the heart, leading to radiation-induced cardiotoxicity (RICT).
- With increased cancer survival, RICT is a growing concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the spectrum and pathophysiology of radiation-induced cardiotoxicity (RICT).
- To summarize current recommendations for RICT risk stratification, screening, prevention, and management.
- To briefly discuss novel uses of radiation in cardiac conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of radiation-induced cardiotoxicity.
- Synthesis of contemporary guidelines for RICT management.
- Exploration of emerging applications of radiation therapy.
Main Results:
- Radiation-induced cardiotoxicity (RICT) presents a spectrum of cardiac issues.
- Established protocols exist for managing RICT.
- Radiation therapy is being explored for treating cardiac arrhythmias.
Conclusions:
- Radiation-induced cardiotoxicity (RICT) is an important clinical consideration in cancer survivors.
- Comprehensive strategies are available for RICT prevention and management.
- Radiation therapy holds potential for novel cardiac applications.
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