Avoiding Late Cardiac Effects of Radiation of Treatment of Breast Cancer by Simple Respiratory Maneuvers
Abstract
The present proposal is aimed at developing a special treatment technique for radiotherapy treatment of left-sided breast cancer patients. This technique is based on the findings that holding one's breast after a deep inspiration can significantly reduce the volume of cardiac tissue in the treatment fields and thus reduce long-term cardiac risks for these patients. Specifically, the grant is for developing 1) a patient posture and position monitoring system based on infrared tracking technology to ensure treatment accuracy and therefore to maximize the benefit of the technique and 2) a special breast simulation tool to promptly and accurately evaluate the benefit of this technique for a particular patient. Both developments have been completed. Tests on phantom and radiation therapy patient volunteers have shown that the patient posture and position system is accurate, efficient, and practical as a routine clinical tool. However, it was found that patients occasionally deviate significantly from their normal breath-holding patterns that could affect the treatment accuracy. New patient visual feedback component is added to the system and remains to be tested on patients.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA421792
Entities
People
- Hsiao-ming Lu
Organizations
- Dana–Farber Cancer Institute