Synchronous bilateral chest wall irradiation with regional nodal irradiation: A literature review of techniques and a case study

• Published in: Physica medica 2022-09, Vol.101, p.50-61, Article 50
• Main Authors: Maria, Protopapa, Theodoros, Stroumbinis, Anna, Zygogianni, Michael, Psarras, Vassilis, Kouloulias, Kalliopi, Platoni
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dosimetry; PRISMA guidelines; SBBC; Synchronous bilateral breast cancer; Systematic review
• ISSN: 1120-1797; 1724-191X; 1724-191X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2022.07.005

•Systematic review on synchronous bilateral breast cancer (SBBC) radiotherapy.•Dosimetric comparison studies included in the review follow the PRISMA guidelines.•Modern radiotherapy techniques deliver safe and efficient plans for SBBC patients.•Case report comparing IMRT and VMAT for SBBC with Truebeam-Edge. The optimal radiotherapy technique for patients requiring both breasts or chest walls simultaneous irradiation with or without regional nodal irradiation is currently under investigation. In the last decade several publications present case reports and case series of patients treated with adjuvant radiotherapy in both breasts or chest walls for synchronous bilateral breast cancer (SBBC) with modern radiotherapy techniques. This article presents a systematic review of relevant literature as well as a case report of a SBBC patient who received bilateral chest wall radiotherapy with regional nodal irradiation at our institution with Truebeam – Edge Linear Accelerator. Solid evidence is provided that the practice of avoiding adjuvant radiotherapy in SBBC out of fear of toxicity with older radiotherapy techniques is outdated. Modern techniques can safely and effectively deliver treatment to patients requiring both sides irradiation and even in mastectomy patients in need of regional nodal irradiation.