{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Dosimetric risk factors for radiation esophagitis in patients with breast cancer following regional nodal radiation.
{Author}: Ji MC;Li ZJ;Li K;Wang YX;Yang B;Lv LL;Su Y;Zhang ZW;Huo ZC;Qi Q;Lu YC;Cui ZQ;Liu YB;
{Journal}: World J Clin Cases
{Volume}: 12
{Issue}: 17
{Year}: 2024 Jun 16
{Factor}: 1.534
{DOI}: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i17.2995
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Radiation esophagitis (RE) is one of the most common clinical symptoms of regi-onal lymph node radiotherapy for breast cancer. However, there are fewer studies focusing on RE caused by hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT).<BR><B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To analyze the clinical and dosimetric factors that contribute to the development of RE in patients with breast cancer treated with HFRT of regional lymph nodes.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Between January and December 2022, we retrospectively analysed 64 patients with breast cancer who met our inclusion criteria underwent regional nodal intensity-modulated radiotherapy at a radiotherapy dose of 43.5 Gy/15F.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Of the 64 patients in this study, 24 (37.5%) did not develop RE, 29 (45.3%) developed grade 1 RE (G1RE), 11 (17.2%) developed grade 2 RE (G2RE), and none developed grade 3 RE or higher. Our univariable logistic regression analysis found G2RE to be significantly correlated with the maximum dose, mean dose, relative volume 20-40, and absolute volume (AV) 20-40. Our stepwise linear regression analyses found AV30 and AV35 to be significantly associated with G2RE (P < 0.001). The optimal threshold for AV30 was 2.39 mL [area under the curve (AUC): 0.996; sensitivity: 90.9%; specificity: 91.1%]. The optimal threshold for AV35 was 0.71 mL (AUC: 0.932; sensitivity: 90.9%; specificity: 83.9%).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>AV30 and AV35 were significantly associated with G2RE. The thresholds for AV30 and AV35 should be limited to 2.39 mL and 0.71 mL, respectively.