Study: No Long-Term Heart Risks From Breast Radiation

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Findings based on 50 cancer survivors who were followed for 25 yearsMONDAY, Oct. 29 (HealthDay News) -- A new study allays concerns that early-stage breast cancer patients who receive radiation treatment might have a long-term increased risk for heart problems.

The study included 50 stage 1 and stage 2 breast cancer patients who underwent either breast-conservation therapy using radiation (26 patients) or modified radical mastectomy (24 patients). Mastectomy is a type of surgery that involves removing the breast.

More than 25 years after treatment, both groups had similar levels of heart function and rates of heart problems. For example, the rate of heart attack within 10 years of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment was 5.1 percent for breast-conservation patients and 5.7 percent for mastectomy patients.

The study was scheduled for presentation Monday at the annual meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology in Boston.

"Over the past two decades, radiation therapy has become more precise and safer with modern techniques," lead author Dr. Charles Simone II, a radiation oncologist at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, said in a society news release.

"We are pleased to find that early-stage breast cancer patients treated with modern radiation therapy treatment planning techniques do not have an increased risk of long-term cardiac toxicity and that breast-conservation therapy with radiation should remain a standard treatment option," he added.

The data and conclusions of research presented at medical meetings are typically considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.

More information

The U.S. National Cancer Institute has more about breast cancer treatment.

SOURCE: American Society for Radiation Oncology, news release, Oct. 29, 2012

Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

 

2 Comments

drsfelix's profile drsfelix

Wed Oct 31, 2012 10:21 PM

This sample is simply not large enough to draw conclusions , only 26 treated patients ! also it does not say how many of those actually had LEFT breast treated , as those are certainly at higher risk. So many studies , showing long term cardiac complications. How long are we going to spare breast at expenses of hearts or lives ? Do we ask women if they ate happy to pay this price ? This is the least informed decision women ever made in their lives !!!

drsfelix's profile drsfelix

Wed Oct 31, 2012 10:21 PM

This sample is simply not large enough to draw conclusions , only 26 treated patients ! also it does not say how many of those actually had LEFT breast treated , as those are certainly at higher risk. So many studies , showing long term cardiac complications. How long are we going to spare breast at expenses of hearts or lives ? Do we ask women if they ate happy to pay this price ? This is the least informed decision women ever made in their lives !!!
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