Dose distribution in the entire body after the application of various treatment methods for breast cancer patients with good prognosis

According to the guidelines for the treatment of patients with breast cancer, one or more irradiation treatments of different complexities are recommended, depending on the risk factor profile. However it has been demonstrated in various studies that the incidence of cancer and diseases of the cardiovascular system increases after radiation exposure. Current analyses partly show significant variation in the dose distribution for organs close to the irradiation target volume however less is known on how the various techniques differ with regards to the dose distributions for more remote organs. In order to achieve better therapeutic results with less side effects, complex treatment methods are being used. An accurate assessment of the dose distribution is necessary for an evaluation of late health effects.

The objective of WP2 is the comparison of the dose distributions in the body after various irradiation techniques for breast cancer patients with good prognosis, considering patient-specific as well as machine-dependent parameters. To this end, (1) phantoms are to be developed which embody essential parameters of the anatomy of distinct groups of patients and (2) planning studies of (a) 3D-conformal radiotherapy techniques, (b) interstitial brachytherapy and (c) intraoperative radiation therapy are to be performed using common planning systems for the area close to the planning target volume as well as comparative dose calculations and phantom measurements for more remote organs and tissues.

Involved partners:
Klinik und Poliklinik für Strahlentherapie, Universität Rostock
Klinik für Strahlentherapie und Radioonkologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig
Abteilung für Medizinische Strahlenphysik und Diagnostik, Helmholtz Zentrum München