TITLE:
Enhancing Target Volume Coverage and Minimizing Radiation Induced Cardiotoxicity in 3DCRT Hypo-Fractionated Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer Patients
AUTHORS:
Meher Nigar Sharmin, Hussain Reza, Deepak Shankar Ray
KEYWORDS:
Hypo Fractionated Radiotherapy, Breast Cancer, 3DCRT, Cardiotoxicity, Dosimetric Analysis, Target Volume Coverage
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Breast Cancer Research,
Vol.14 No.3,
July
9,
2025
ABSTRACT: Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, and radiation therapy plays a critical role in its treatment. Hypo-fractionated radiotherapy has gained attention due to its shorter treatment schedules and comparable outcomes. The use of 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy (3DCRT) in hypo-fractionated radiotherapy has shown significant promise in breast cancer treatment. However, balancing effective target volume coverage while minimizing the risk of radiation-induced cardiotoxicity remains a critical challenge. This paper reviews the technical advancements, clinical strategies, and innovative approaches aimed at achieving optimal therapeutic outcomes. By following dose-volume constraints, advanced imaging techniques, and adaptive planning strategies, this paper offers a comprehensive understanding of how 3DCRT can be optimized for breast cancer patients, particularly in low-resource settings. However, the challenge remains in achieving optimal target volume coverage while minimizing radiation-induced cardiotoxicity, particularly in left-sided breast cancers. Hypo fractionated radiotherapy using three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) is a well-established treatment for breast cancer patients, offering shorter treatment durations and comparable clinical outcomes to conventional fractionation. However, achieving optimal target volume coverage while minimizing radiation-induced cardiotoxicity remains a significant challenge. This paper also examines innovative approaches, practical techniques, and clinical strategies for enhancing target volume coverage and reducing cardiac exposure in hypo fractionated breast radiotherapy. It focuses on dosimetric parameters, imaging advancements, and patient positioning techniques, emphasizing their relevance in low-resource settings. Advanced imaging techniques, cardiac sparing protocols, and treatment planning innovations are reviewed, providing a roadmap for achieving better clinical outcomes in resource-limited settings.