title: Dose to the cardiac vascular and conduction systems in primary breast irradiation.
abstract: Using computerized tomography (CT) in which cardiac anatomy was defined, doses delivered to the cardiac compartments, vascular and conduction systems were assessed for various standard techniques of primary breast irradiation. Included in the analysis were 6 MV photon tangents (T) alone, or in conjunction with a separate internal mammary field (IMF). Beams evaluated in the IMF were 6 MV photons, 12 MeV electron beam, and mixed photon/electron beam; Cobalt 60 was also analyzed as an alternate photon beam. Treatment of the IMF with photons, either alone or in combination with electron beam, delivered doses ranging between 30 Gy to 50 Gy to all chambers of the heart, coronary arteries and branches of the conduction system. Complete sparing of the posterior cardiac structures and volume is accomplished with treatment plans using tangents alone or in combination with 12 MeV electron beam irradiation to the IMF. Sparing of the anterior wall of the left ventricle, Bundle of His and left anterior descending coronary artery is also achieved in treatment with tangents and 12 MeV electron beam IMF. Doses to this region with tangents alone ranged from 20 Gy to 45 Gy compared to 0 to 30 Gy with tangents and 12 MeV electron beam IMF. Clinical significance of these findings will be discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226.
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Janjan
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Gillin
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Prows
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Arnold
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Haasler
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Thorsen
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jennings
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005260:Female; D006321:Heart / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; D011882:Radiotherapy, High-Energy