Challenges and benefits of implementing DIBH for breast cancer radiotherapy: Experiences from Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center

Abstract

Radiation therapy is used for breast cancer treatments to improve local control and overall survival but may also lead to unwanted complications such as cardiac toxicity and pneumonitis. Deep inspirational breath hold (DIBH) has been used to reduce doses to the heart and other organs near the treatment target to lower the risk of radiation-induced complications. In this study, we present our experience on the clinical implementation and application of DIBH for breast cancer patients, its dosimetric benefits in heart and other organ sparing based on comparisons with free breathing plans, effects on the treatment efficiency as represented by treatment imaging, and beam delivery times, as well as challenges during implementation and clinical application at our center.