Two-year Follow-up of Volumetric-modulated Arc Therapy for Treating Internal Mammary Nodes in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

Anticancer Res. 2016 Sep;36(9):4847-51. doi: 10.21873/anticanres.11047.

Abstract

Background/aim: We evaluated dosimetric and clinical results of volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treating internal mammary nodes (IMNs) in patients with locally advanced breast cancer.

Patients and methods: Between July 2012 and December 2013, treatment outcomes of 31 patients with stage III breast cancer treated with postoperative radiotherapy including the IMN field using VMAT were analyzed.

Results: The median follow-up was 25.2 months. VMAT showed good homogeneity and improved conformity. The incidence of lung toxicity of grade 2 or more was 3.2%, and cardiac toxicity was not observed. No patient developed local recurrence.

Conclusion: VMAT appears safe for the treatment of locally advanced breast cancer including the IMN field.

Keywords: VMAT; breast cancer; internal mammary nodes.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Lymph Nodes / radiation effects
  • Mammary Glands, Human / pathology
  • Mammary Glands, Human / radiation effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / radiotherapy*
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated*