Impact of Prophylactic Breast Irradiation on Cardiac Toxicity in Prostate Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Carsten Nieder, Adam Pawinski, Nicolaus H Andratschke, Michael Molls
Primary Institution: Nordlandssykehuset HF, Norway and Technische Universität München, Germany
Hypothesis
Can prophylactic breast irradiation contribute to cardiac toxicity in patients with prostate cancer receiving androgen suppressing drugs?
Conclusion
The study suggests that prophylactic breast irradiation may contribute to cardiac side effects in prostate cancer patients undergoing androgen suppression therapy.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with cardiac morbidity had smaller distances between the skin and heart.
- 10% of younger and 15% of older non-cancer patients received high doses to the heart.
- None of the prostate cancer patients received high doses when using CT-determined beam energy.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether radiation therapy to prevent breast swelling in prostate cancer patients could also harm their hearts. It found that it might be a problem for some patients.
Methodology
The study evaluated CT scans of 40 non-cancer patients and 17 prostate cancer patients to assess heart exposure during prophylactic breast irradiation.
Limitations
The study is preliminary and does not establish a causal relationship between PMRT and cardiac morbidity.
Participant Demographics
40 non-cancer patients (20 aged 65 and 20 aged 75) and 17 prostate cancer patients with a median age of 72 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website