The evolution of cardiac changes after breast cancer adjuvant radiotherapy - A six-year follow-up study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

This prospective study investigated the long-term effects of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) on cardiac function and biomarkers in early breast cancer patients over a six-year follow-up.

Methods

Seventy-three women treated with RT alone, without chemotherapy, were included. Cardiac radiation doses were quantified, and echocardiography and serum biomarkers (high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T [hscTnT] and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide [proBNP]) were assessed before RT and at three- and six-years post-treatment.

Results

Cardiac biomarkers increased significantly during follow-up. Median hscTnT rose from 4 to 6 ng/L (p<0.001), correlating with higher radiation doses to the heart in left-sided patients. ProBNP increased from 78 to 118 ng/L (p<0.001). Le

SUBMITTER: Moisander M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12666111 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature