A Randomized Comparison of Radiation Therapy Techniques in the Management of Node-Positive Breast Cancer: Primary Outcomes Analysis

Summary: In a randomized trial in patients with left-sided node-positive breast cancer receiving regional nodal radiotherapy, we observed lower doses to the heart and lungs with IMRT and deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) as compared to free-breathing three-dimensional conformal therapy. Patients treated with IMRT-DIBH experienced a lesser difference in left ventricular ejection fraction between baseline and one year. This should motivate larger studies evaluating whether such approaches may result in better preservation of cardiac left ventricular function.
Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: Clinical Investigation Source Type: research