Is cardiac toxicity a relevant issue in the radiation treatment of esophageal cancer?

• Published in: Radiotherapy and oncology Vol. 114; no. 1; pp. 85 - 90
• Main Authors: Beukema, Jannet C, van Luijk, Peter, Widder, Joachim, Langendijk, Johannes A, Muijs, Christina T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.01.2015
• Subjects: Cardiac toxicity; Cardiotoxicity - etiology; Esophageal cancer; Esophageal Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Female; Heart - radiation effects; Heart Diseases - etiology; Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine; Humans; Incidence; Male; Radiation Dosage; Radiation Injuries - etiology; Radiotherapy; Radiotherapy Dosage; Radiotherapy; Esophageal cancer; Cardiac toxicity
• ISSN: 0167-8140; 1879-0887
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2014.11.037

Abstract Purpose: In recent years several papers have been published on radiation-induced cardiac toxicity, especially in breast cancer patients. However, in esophageal cancer patients the radiation dose to the heart is usually markedly higher. To determine whether radiation-induced cardiac toxicity is also a relevant issue for this group, we conducted a review of the current literature. Methods: A literature search was performed in Medline for papers concerning cardiac toxicity in esophageal cancer patients treated with radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy. Results: The overall crude incidence of symptomatic cardiac toxicity was as high as 10.8%. Toxicities corresponded with several dose–volume parameters of the heart. The most frequently reported complications were pericardial effusion, ischemic heart disease and heart failure. Conclusion: Cardiac toxicity is a relevant issue in the treatment of esophageal cancer. However, valid Normal Tissue Complication Probability models for esophageal cancer are not available at present.