[Respiratory synchronization and breast radiotherapy]

Abstract

Adjuvant radiation therapy following breast cancer surgery continues to improve locoregional control and overall survival. But the success of highly targeted-conformal radiotherapy such as intensity-modulated techniques, can be compromised by respiratory motion. The intrafraction motion can potentially result in significant under- or overdose, and also expose organs at risk. This article summarizes the respiratory motion and its effects on imaging, dose calculation and dose delivery by radiotherapy for breast cancer. We will review the methods of respiratory synchronization available for breast radiotherapy to minimize the respiratory impact and to spare organs such as heart and lung.

Keywords: Assurance qualité; Blocage inspiratoire profond; Breast cancer radiotherapy; Cardiac sparing; Deep inspiration breast-hold techniques; Intensity modulated radiotherapy; Modulation d’intensité; Mouvements thoraciques; Quality assurance; Radiothérapie des cancers du sein; Respiratory motion; Épargne cardiaque.