Changes in lung volume parameters regarding the received dose in the lobes of the lungs after locoregional radiotherapy of breast cancer

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate Delta LVP1 and correlate them with MLD2 and V20(3) in the lobes of the lung. Background: Radiation-induced lung injury after breast irradiation is controversial. The incidence of such an injury could have negative consequences on breast cancer patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty-three women treated with Breast-conserving surgery, chemotherapy, and locoregional RT4 underwent body plethysmography pre-RT and 3 and 6 months post-RT. Statistical analysis was used to evaluate Delta LVP over time and relate them with MLD, V20, age, and concurrent hormonal therapy. Results: LVP decreased after 3 months and then showed a slight improvement by returning partially to their pre-RT values after 6 months. The mean Delta LVP was -0.64 for one Gy increase of MLD and -0.34 for one percent increase of V20 after 3 months. After 6 months, only Delta VC5 showed 0.45 reduction with MLD in the upper lobe. Finally, there was no significant correlation between Delta LVP with respect to age and concurrent hormonal therapy. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that lung volume changes were not a cause for concern in breast cancer patients. There are three reasons to support this conclusion. Lung volume changes and percentage reductions in LVP for each Gy increase of MLD and each percentage increase of V20 in each lobe were small; patients were asymptomatic during the follow-up period; and LVP showed partial improvements after 6 months. (C) 2019 Greater Poland Cancer Centre. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.