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Radiation-Induced Coronary Artery Disease in Lung and Breast Cancer Patients: Insights from PET Imaging and Long-Term
Dev Patel1, Chitra Parikh1, Daniel Gharavi2
1Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA; Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Abstract:
Radiation-induced coronary artery disease (RI-CAD) is a significant cardiovascular complication for cancer survivors treated with thoracic radiation therapy (RT). Despite advances in RT techniques, exposure to the heart during treatment remains a critical factor influencing long-term cardiac outcomes, particularly in patients with breast and lung cancer. RI-CAD develops due to radiation-induced endothelial injury, inflammation, and accelerated atherosclerosis, presenting a unique and aggressive disease profile. This review explores the pathophysiology, risk factors, and diagnostic advancements for RI-CAD, emphasizing the role of PET in improving patient outcomes.
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