Key result
Radiation therapy links to ~4% CIED electrical reset risk driven by neutron-producing radiation.
Why the study?
With increasing numbers of patients needing both radiation therapy and CIEDs, this study evaluated the DEGRO/DGK guideline, assessing real-world complications, risk factors, and lead function for predicting device malfunction.
Does radiation therapy cause device malfunction or lead parameter deviations in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices?
Observational (n=54)
No
Does radiation therapy cause device malfunction or lead parameter deviations in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices?
Radiation therapy causes temporary lead parameter deviations in a notable proportion of CIED patients, but actual device malfunctions are rare (3.7%) and primarily associated with neutron-producing radiation.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Neutron-producing RT may elevate CIED malfunction risk; leaves open optimal beam strategies for prospective trials.
Warmbrunn et al. (2025) conducted an observational in Patients with pacemakers or ICDs undergoing radiation therapy (n=54). Radiation therapy was evaluated on Device malfunctions (electrical resets). Radiation therapy in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices resulted in device malfunctions in 3.7% of cases, both involving electrical resets and neutron-producing radiation.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: