The risk of cardiovascular disease in irradiated breast cancer patients: The role of cardiac calcifications and adjuvant treatment

Background: (Neo) adjuvant treatments including anthracyclines, trastuzumab and (left-sided) radiotherapy (RT) are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Breast cancer patients with pre-existing CVD risk factors have the highest risk of treatment induced cardiotoxicity. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) is a strong independent CVD risk factor and can be quantified on dedicated radiotherapy planning CT scans of the chest. Automated assessment of CAC scores in breast cancer patients planned for RT may be helpful in detecting patients at increased CVD risk.

Source: European Journal of Cancer - September 30, 2020 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: R. Gal, S.G. van Velzen, M.J. Emaus, D.H. van den Bongard, M.L. Gregorowitsch, E.L. Blezer, G. Sofie, N. Lessmann, M.G. Sattler, M.J. Hooning, A.J. Teske, J.J. Penninkhof, H. Meijer, J.P. Pignol, J. Verloop, I. I šgum, H.M. Verkooijen, Bragatston Study G Tags: PLENARY SESSION: Keynote Lecture, Best and Late Breaking Abstract Presentations Source Type: research