Screening and Risk Analysis of Atrial Fibrillation After Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer: Protocol for the...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cardiology
• Radiotherapy

Background:

• Atrial fibrillation (AF) following breast cancer radiotherapy (RT) is understudied but increases stroke risk.
• Early screening for AF is vital for managing cardiovascular complications in breast cancer patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the 5-year incidence of symptomatic and asymptomatic AF after RT for breast cancer.
• To determine if cardiac radiation exposure correlates with AF occurrence.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 200 patients over 65, treated with RT for breast cancer, will be monitored for 5 years.
• AF screening uses smartwatch data, ECG, and physician validation; echocardiography assesses cardiac structure.
• Deep learning algorithms will analyze cardiac substructures and link dosimetry to RT treatment.

Main Results:

• The study aims to detect a significant difference in AF incidence between moderately and highly radiation-exposed patients.
• Results are expected by the end of 2026, with 80% statistical power.

Conclusions:

• Findings will inform the inclusion of AF screening in routine clinical practice for breast cancer survivors.
• Identifying dose-risk associations can refine RT protocols and guide AF treatment.