• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.27-35
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• 2017

Purpose: On the left side, breast cancer patients have more side effects than those on the right side because of unnecessary doses in normal organs such as heart and lung. DIBH is performed to reduce this. To evaluate the dose of peripheral organs in the left breast cancer including supraclavicular lymph nodes and internal mammary lymph nodes according to the treatment planning method of Conventional Radiation Therapy, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy. Materials and Methods: We performed CT-simulation using free breathing and deep inspiration breath-hold technique for 8 patients including left supraclavicular lymph nodes and internal mammary lymph nodes. Based on the acquired CT images, the contour of the body is drawn and the convention is performed so that $95%{\leftarrow}PTV$, $Dmax{\leftarrow}110%$. Conventional Radiation Therapy used a one portal technique on the supraclavicular lymph node and used a field in field technique tangential beam on the breast. Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy was composed of 7 static fields. Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy was planned using 2 ARC with a turning radius of $290^{\circ}$ to $179^{\circ}$. The peripheral normal organs dose was analyzed by referring to the dose volume of Eclipse. Results: By applying the deep inspiration breath-hold technique, the mean interval between the heart and chest wall increased $1.6{\pm}0.6cm$. The mean dose of lung was $19.2{\pm}1.0Gy$, which was the smallest value in Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy. The V30 (%) of the heart was $2.0{\pm}1.9$, which was the smallest value in Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy. In the left anterior descending coronary artery, the dose was $25.4{\pm}5.4Gy$, which was the smallest in Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy. The maximum dose value of the Right breast was $29.7{\pm}4.3Gy$ at Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy. Conclusion: When comparing the values of surrounding normal organs, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy were applicable values for treatment. Among them, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy is considered to be a suitable treatment planning method.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.641-646
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• 2015

Breast cancer (BC) is potentially a traumatic stressor which may be associated with negative outcomes, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or positive changes, such as post-traumatic growth (PTG). This study aims to identify the core issues of BC related PTSD, PTG and psychological distress by interrogating the literature in BC survivors. We have also highlighted issues related to the assessment, diagnosis and clinical management of PTSD and PTG. The authors systematically reviewed studies published from 1985 to 2014 pertaining to PTSD, psychological distress and PTG in BC survivors with particular attention paid to incidence rates and causative factors. Multiple studies intimated that women with BC have evidence of PTSD at the initial stages of diagnosis, whereas PTG develops once patients undergo treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment of PTSD/PTG is paramount from literature review but the previously mentioned relationship between PTSD and PTG in BC patients could not be verified. It is evident from the literature that a small percentage of BC patients experience PTSD, while the majority experience PTG after BC diagnosis and treatment. Future research should include prospective studies focusing on high-risk patients, causative factors and the development of psychological interventions.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.60-65
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• 2019

Purpose: The quality assurance (QA) chart rounds are multidisciplinary meetings to review radiation therapy (RT) treatment plans. This study focus on describing the changes in RT management based on QA round reviews in a single institution. Materials and Methods: After 9 full years of implementation, a retrospective review of all patients whose charts passed through departmental QA chart rounds from 2007 to 2015. The reviewed cases were presented for RT plan review; subcategorized based on decision in QA rounds into: approved, minor modifications or major modifications. Major modification defined as any substantial change which required patient re-simulation or re-planning prior to commencement of RT. Minor modification included treatment plan changes which didn't necessarily require RT re-planning. Results: Overall 7,149 RT treatment plans for different anatomical sites were reviewed at QA rounds. From these treatment plans, 6,654 (93%) were approved, 144 (2%) required minor modifications, while 351 (5%) required major modifications. Major modification included changes in: selected RT dose (96/351, 27%), target volume definition (127/351, 36%), organs-at-risk contouring (10/351, 3%), dose volume objectives/constraints criteria (90/351, 26%), and intent of treatment (28/351, 8%). The RT plans which required major modification according to the tumor subtype were as follows: head and neck (104/904, 12%), thoracic (12/199, 6%), gastrointestinal (33/687,5%), skin (5/106, 5%), genitourinary (16/359, 4%), breast (104/2387, 4%), central nervous system (36/846, 4%), sarcoma (11/277, 4%), pediatric (7/251, 3%), lymphoma (10/423, 2%), gynecological tumors (2/359, 1%), and others (11/351, 3%). Conclusion: Multi-disciplinary standardized QA chart rounds provide a comprehensive and an influential method on RT plans and/or treatment decisions.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.138-146
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• 2013

Purpose: To analyze the results of locoregional and systemic therapy in the breast cancer patients with locoregional recurrence (LRR) after mastectomy. Materials and Methods: Seventy-one patients who received radiotherapy for isolated LRR after mastectomy between January 1999 and December 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Among the 71 patients, 59 (83.1%) underwent wide excision and radiotherapy and 12 (16.9%) received radiotherapy alone. Adjuvant hormonal therapy was given to 45 patients (63.4%). Oncologic outcomes including locoregional recurrence-free survival, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) and prognostic factors were analyzed. Results: Median follow-up time was 49.2 months. Of the 71 patients, 5 (7%) experienced second isolated LRR, and 40 (56%) underwent distant metastasis (DM). The median DFS was 35.6 months, and the 3- and 5-year DFS were 49.1% and 28.6%, respectively. The median OS was 86.7 months, and the 5-year OS was 62.3%. Patients who received hormone therapy together showed better 5-year DFS and OS than the patients treated with locoregional therapy only (31.6% vs. 22.1%, p = 0.036; 66.5% vs. 55.2%, p = 0.022). In multivariate analysis, higher N stage at recurrence was a significant prognostic factor for DFS and OS. Disease free interval (${\leq}30$ months vs. >30 months) from mastectomy to LRR was also significant for OS. The patients who received hormone therapy showed superior DFS and showed trend to better OS. Conclusion: DM was a major pattern of failure after the treatment of LRR after mastectomy. The role of systemic treatment for LRR after mastectomy should be investigated at prospective trials.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.331-337
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• 1997

Purpose : To evaluate our experience in the breast-conserving treatment for early breast cancer with special regard to recurrence Pattern and related risk factors. Materials and Method :Two hundred and sixteen patients with AJC stage 1and 11 breast cancer who received breast conserving treatment between January 1991 and December 1994 were evaluated A9e distribution ranged from 23-80 year old with a median a9e of 44. One hundred and seventeen Patients had 71 lesions and 99 Patients had 72 lesions. Axillary lymph nodes were involved in 73 patients. All patients received a breast conserving surgery (wide excision to quadrantectomy) and axillary node dissection followed by radiotherapy. Ninety six patients received chemotherapy before or after radiotherapy. Results : During the follow-up period (3-60 months, median 30 months), local recurrences were noted in six Patients (true: 3, elsewhere; 1, skin: 2). Sixteen patients developed distant metastases as the first sign of recurrence at 8-38 months (median 20 months) after surgery. Among them, three patients simultaneously developed local recurrence with distant metastases. Contralateral breast cancer developed in one Patient and non-mammary cancers developed in three patients. The actuarial 5 year survival rate was $88.4\%\;(stage\;I\;96.7\%,\;stage\;IIa\;95.2\%,\;stage\;IIb\;69.9\%)$. Age, I stage, number of involved axillary lymph nodes. and AJC stage were risk factors for distant metastases in univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis, the number of involved axillary lymph nodes was the most significant risk factor for metastases. Conclusion : Local recurrence was not common in the early years after radiotherapy. Distant metastases occurred at a steady rate during the first three years and was more common in the Patients with larger tumors, higher number of involved axillary nodes, and younger age.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.222-226
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• 2012

Background : Immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy and delayed breast reconstruction with post-supplementary treatment are the two types of breast reconstruction currently performed when treating breast cancer. Post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) not only reduces local recurrence but also improves overall survival. However, the complications and survival rates associated with PMRT need to be clear when determining the timing of breast reconstruction. Accordingly, we investigated the optimal timing of breast reconstruction by observing patients who underwent mastectomy followed by PMRT, based on their overall health and aesthetic satisfaction. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed 21 patients who underwent breast reconstruction with PMRT between November 2004 and November 2010. We collected data regarding the various methods of mastectomy, and the modality of adjuvant therapy, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and radiotherapy. Telephone interviews were conducted to study the general and aesthetic satisfaction. Results : Patients who received PMRT after breast reconstruction showed a greater complication rate than those undergoing breast reconstruction after PMRT (P=0.02). Aesthetic satisfaction was significantly higher in the groups undergoing breast reconstruction after PMRT (P=0.03). Patients who underwent breast reconstruction before PMRT developed complications more frequently, but they expressed greater aesthetic satisfaction with the treatment. Conclusions : It is recommended that the complication rates and aesthetic satisfaction after breast reconstruction be carefully considered when determining the optimal timing for radiotherapy.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.204-207
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• 2015

We are reporting an unusual case of dural arteriovenous fistula (AVF) of the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) after tamoxifen treatment for breast cancer. A 30-year-old female arrived at the emergency room with a sudden headache and left sided weakness and sensory loss. In her past medical history, she was diagnosed with breast cancer 1 year prior, and subsequently underwent a breast conserving mastectomy with whole breast radiation and adjuvant chemotherapy with tamoxifen. At the time of admission, computed tomography showed a small acute intracerebral hemorrhage at the right parietal cortex, and magnetic resonance imaging showed that a dural AVF at the SSS with a prominent and tortuous venous enhancement along the centrum semiovale was present. Cerebral angiography showed that the dural AVF at the mid-portion of the SSS with meningeal arterial feeding vessels entering the wall of the SSS, then draining through the dilated cortical veins. Our patient had no signs of active malignancy or any abnormalities in her coagulation profile, so it can be concluded that the tamoxifen was the likely cause of the SSS thrombosis and dural AVF. The dural AVF was treated by an endovascular coil embolization for the arterialized segment of the SSS. The patient dramatically recovered favorably from left side motor and sensory deficit. The best clinical approach is to screen potential patients of tamoxifen hormonal therapy and educate them on the sign and symptoms of life threatening thromboembolic events while taking tamoxifen.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.329-336
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• 2014

Purpose : To evaluate the dose on a contralateral breast and the usefulness of shielding according to the distance between the contralateral breast and the side of the beam by breast size when patients who got breast implant receive radiation therapy. Materials and Methods : We equipped 200 cc, 300 cc, 400 cc, and 500 cc breast model on the human phantom (Rando-phantom), acquired CT images (philips 16channel, Netherlands) and established the radiation treatment plan, 180 cGy per day on the left breast (EclipseTM ver10.0.42, Varian Medical Systems, USA) by size. We set up each points, A, B, C, and D on the right(contralateral) breast model for measurement by size and by the distance from the beam and attached MOSFET at each points. The 6 MV, 10 MV and 15 MV X-ray were irradiated to the left(target) breast model and we measured exposure dose of contralateral breast model using MOSFET. Also, at the same condition, we acquired the dose value after shielding using only Pb 2 mm and bolus 3 mm under the Pb 2 mm together. Results : As the breast model is bigger from 200 cc to 500 cc, The surface of the contralateral breast is closer to the beam. As a result, from 200 cc to 500 cc, on 180 cGy basis, the measurement value of the scattered ray inclined by 3.22 ~ 4.17% at A point, 4.06 ~ 6.22% at B point, 0.4~0.5% at C point, and was under 0.4% at D point. As the X-ray energy is higher, from 6 MV to 15 MV, on 180 cGy basis, the measurement value of the scattered ray inclined by 4.06~5% at A point, 2.85~4.94% at B point, 0.74~1.65% at C point, and was under 0.4% at D point. As using Pb 2 mm for shield, scattered ray declined by average 9.74% at A and B point, 2.8% at C point, and is under 1% at D point. As using Pb 2 mm and bolus together for shield, scattered ray declined by average 9.76% at A and B point, 2.2% at C point, and is under 1% at D point. Conclusion : Commonly, in case of patients who got breast implant, there is a distance difference by breast size between the contralateral breast and the side of beam. As the distance is closer to the beam, the scattered ray inclined. At the same size of the breast, as the X-ray energy is higher, the exposure dose by scattered ray tends to incline. As a result, as low as possible energy wihtin the plan dose is good for reducing the exposure dose.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.249-254
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• 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the setup accuracy for tangential breast treatment patients using electronic portal image and 2-D reconstruction image Twenty two patients undergoing tangential breast treatment. To explore the setup accuracy, distances between chosen landmarks were taken as reference parameters. The difference between measured reference parameters on simulation films and electronic portal images (EPIs) was calculated as the setup error. A total of 22 simulation films and 110 EPIs were evaluated. In the tangential fields, the calculated reference parameters were the central lung distance (CLD), central soft-tissue distance (CSTD), and above lung distance (ALD), below lung distance (BLD). In the medial tangential field, the average difference values for these parameters were 1.0, -6.4, -2.1 and 2.0, respectively; and the ${\sigma}$ values were 1.5, 2.3, 4.1 and 1.1, respectively. In the lateral tangential field, the average difference values for these parameters were -1.5, -4.3, -2.7 and -1.3, respectively; and the ${\sigma}$ values were 3.3, 2.1, 2.9 and 2.5, respectively. CLD, CSTD, ALD and BLD in the tangential fields are easily identifiable and are helpful for detecting setup errors using EPIs in patients undergoing tangential breast radiotherapy treatment.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.297-303
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• 2014

Purpose : The purpose of this study is reproducibility evaluation of deep inspiration breath-hold(DIBH) technique by respiration data and heart position analysis in radiation therapy for Left Breast cancer patients. Materials and Methods : Free breathing(FB) Computed Tomography(CT) images and DIBH CT images of three left breast cancer patients were used to evaluate the heart volume and dose during treatment planing system( Eclipse version 10.0, Varian, USA ). The signal of RPM (Real-time Position Management) Respiratory Gating System (version 1.7.5, Varian, USA) was used to evaluate respiration stability of DIBH during breast radiation therapy. The images for measurement of heart position were acquired by the Electronic portal imaging device(EPID) cine acquisition mode. The distance of heart at the three measuring points(A, B, C) on each image was measured by Offline Review (ARIA 10, Varian, USA). Results : Significant differences were found between the FB and DIBH plans for mean heart dose (6.82 vs. 1.91 Gy), heart $V_{30}$ (68.57 vs. $8.26cm^3$), $V_{20}$ (76.43 vs. $11.34cm^3$). The standard deviation of DIBH signal of each patient was ${\pm}0.07cm$, ${\pm}0.04cm$, ${\pm}0.13cm$, respectively. The Maximum and Minimum heart distance on EPID images were measured as 0.32 cm and 0.00 cm. Conclusion : Consequently, using the DIBH technique with radiation therapy for left breast cancer patients is very useful to establish the treatment plan and to reduce the heart dose. In addition, it is beneficial to using the Cine acquisition mode of EPID for the reproducibility evaluation of DIBH.