December 2, 2020Journal of Thoracic Oncology248 citationsOpen Access
Cardiac Toxicity of Thoracic Radiotherapy: Existing Evidence and Future Directions
Key Result
Thoracic radiotherapy for lung cancer is associated with cardiac toxicity, though consistent dose-volume constraints and evidence for patients with cardiovascular comorbidities remain lacking.
Structured PICO
What is the existing evidence on cardiac toxicity of thoracic radiotherapy in lung cancer patients, and what are strategies to avoid and manage it?
P
Population
Patients undergoing treatment for lung cancer, including those with risk factors for cardiovascular disease or known cardiac comorbidities
I
Intervention
Thoracic radiotherapy
O
Outcome
Cardiac toxicity and survivalsafety
This review highlights the need for consistent cardiac dose-volume constraints and better management strategies for cardiac toxicity in lung cancer patients undergoing thoracic radiotherapy.
Abstract
The impact of radiotherapy on the heart has become an area of interest in recent years. Many different cardiac dose-volume constraints have been associated with cardiac toxicity and survival; however, no consistent constraint has been found. Many patients undergoing treatment for lung cancer have risk factors for cardiovascular disease or known cardiac comorbidities; however, there is little evidence on the effects of radiotherapy on the heart in these patients. We aim to provide a summary of the existing literature on cardiac toxicity of lung cancer radiotherapy, propose strategies to avoid and manage cardiac toxicity, and suggest avenues for future research.