Late Pulmonary Side Effects: Contemporary Breast Radiation Does Not Take Our Breath Away

Adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) is a critical component of breast cancer management for many patients. During the past 2 decades, advances in technology have enabled refinement of this treatment to improve its efficacy and toxicity profile. Most recently, emphasis has been placed on the avoidance of cardiac toxicity.1 Deep inspiration breath hold, intensity modulated radiation therapy, and proton therapy are examples of approaches that can be used to minimize cardiac radiation exposure. Radiation-induced lung toxicity is another concern for physicians, given the morbidity and mortality historically associated with pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis.
Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research