Study of linear energy transfer effect on rib fracture in breast cancer patients receiving pencil-beam-scanning proton therapy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In breast cancer patients treated with pencil-beam scanning proton therapy (PBS), the increased linear energy transfer (LET) near the end of the proton range can affect nearby ribs. This may associate with a higher risk of rib fractures.

Purpose

To study the effect of LET on rib fracture in breast cancer patients treated with PBS using a novel tool of dose-LET volume histogram (DLVH).

Methods

From a prospective registry of patients treated with post-mastectomy proton therapy to the chest wall and regional lymph nodes for breast cancer between 2015 and 2020, we retrospectively identified rib fracture cases detected after completing treatment. Contemporaneously treated control patients who did not develop rib fracture were matched to patients 2:1 considering

SUBMITTER: Yang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12059513 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature