Radiation-Induced Cardiovascular Disease: Mechanisms, Prevention, and Treatment

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Despite the advancements of modern radiotherapy, radiation-induced cardiovascular disease (RICVD) remains a common cause of morbidity and mortality among cancer survivors.

RECENT FINDINGS

Proposed pathogenetic mechanisms of RICVD include endothelial cell damage with accelerated atherosclerosis, pro-thrombotic alterations in the coagulation pathway as well as inflammation and fibrosis of the myocardial, pericardial, valvular, and conduction tissues. Prevention of RICVD can be achieved by minimizing the exposure of the cardiovascular system to radiation, by treatment of underlying cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular disease, and possibly by prophylactic pharmacotherapy post exposure. Herein we summarize current knowledge on the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of RICVD and propose prevention and treatment strategies.

Reirradiation of recurrent breast cancer with proton beam therapy: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Locoregional recurrence of breast cancer is challenging for clinicians, due to the various former treatments patients have undergone. However, treatment of the recurrence with systemic therapy and subsequent reirradiation of chest wall is accompanied by increased toxicities, particularly radiation-induced cardiovascular disease. Reirradiation by proton beam therapy (PBT) enables superior preservation of adjacent organs at risk as well as concurrent dose escalation for delivery to the gross tumor. This technology is expected to improve the overall outcome of recurrent breast cancer.

CASE SUMMARY

A 47-year-old female presented with an extensive locoregional recurrence at 10 yr after primary treatment of a luminal A breast cancer. Because of tumor progression despite having undergone bilateral ovarectomy and systemic therapy, the patient was treated with PBT BE total dose of 64.40 Gy to each gross tumor and 56.00 Gy to the upper mediastinal and retrosternal lymphatics including the entire sternum in 28 fractions. Follow-up computed tomography showed a partial remission, without evidence of newly emerging metastasis. At 19 mo after the PBT, the patient developed a radiation-induced pericardial disease and pleural effusions with clinical burden of dyspnea, which were successfully treated by drainage and corticosteroid. Cytological analysis of the puncture fluid showed no malignancy, and the subsequent computed tomography scan indicated stable disease as well as significantly decreased pericardial and pleural effusions. The patient remains free of progression to date.

CONCLUSION

PBT was a safe and effective method of reirradiation for locoregionally recurrent breast cancer in our patient.