Revista da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992)
-
Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992) · Aug 2021
Radiation therapy with elective lymph node irradiation for breast cancer: dosimetric study and impact on cardiovascular risk and second neoplasms.
The aim of this study was to perform dosimetric analysis of radiotherapy (RT) plans with or without elective nodal irradiation (ENI) and estimate whether the increase in mean doses (MDs) in the heart and lungs with ENI may lead to late side effects that may surpass the benefits of treatment. ⋯ ENI increases the heterogeneity and the doses at the lungs. When recommending ENI, the risks and benefits must be taken into account, considering the oncology factors and the plan of each patient. Special attention must be given to patients who smoke as ENI may lead to a significant increase in MD in the lung and the increased risk of radiation-induced lung cancer may surpass the benefits from this treatment.