Onkologie. 2015:9(1):29-33

Supine versus prone position for adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with pendulous breasts

Andrea Masaryková, David Lederleitner

Oddelenie radiačnej onkológie NOÚ, Bratislava

Adjuvant radiotherapy contributes to better outcomes in patients with breast cancer after breast conserving surgery. Whole breast irradiation

is associated with damage to the heart and lungs, increased cardiovascular mortality, and the development of lung cancer, that

is, with the risks that may occur 15–20 years after treatment. Breast irradiation in the prone position, is one of the way to reduce radiation

toxicity in patients conditioned with large breasts undergoing adjuvant therapy. In case reports point out the differences in the

volume of the heart and lungs at both locations, we compare the dosimetric parameters in breast irradiation in both positions and point

out the differences in their planning. These techniques can not be combined with irradiation of the lymph nodes, but they can be used

in the treatment of bilateral tumors.

Keywords: breast cancer, lung volume, supine, prone position

Published: March 10, 2015  Show citation