Nationwide Trends in Heart-Sparing Techniques Utilized in Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Radiation dose to the heart correlates with cardiac-related deaths and may partially diminish the benefit of radiation for breast cancer. This study assessed the current nationwide trends in heart-sparing techniques for breast cancer radiation.

Methods and materials

In November 2017, an institutional review board-approved survey was sent to radiation oncologists in the United States. Questions assessed demographics and the type and frequency of heart-sparing techniques. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and χ² tests.

Results

In total, 530 responses (13%) were obtained. Most physicians had practiced >15 years (46%), with most in a private setting (59%). Eighty-three percent of physicians offered prone positioning and/or deep inspiration

SUBMITTER: Desai N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6460327 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr-Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature