New and Modern Radiotherapy Techniques to Prevent Radiation-induced Cardiotoxicity

Significant advances in technology have allowed radiation therapy to be administered in a way that minimizes cardiac dose and the risk of late cardiovascular complications while providing tumor control. Various treatment methods can be used to reduce the heart dose in the treatment of breast cancer and thoracic tumors with radiation. Deep inspiration breath hold technique, application of radiotherapy in the prone position, accelerated partial breast irradiation are frequently used methods in the treatment of breast cancer. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy and proton therapy have been shown to reduce the cardiac dose in many diseases such as breast cancer, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, mesothelioma, bilateral lung irradiation, lymphoma, and craniospinal irradiation. The best cardioprotective technique should be used by evaluating patient characteristics (age, comorbid diseases, and patient's anatomy) and technical possibilities.