Physico-dosimetric aspects of radiotherapy treatment of breast cancer patients with an established tissue expander

Abstract

According to the data for 2019, breast cancer occupies a leading position among malignant neoplasms in the female population in the Russian Federation.
 Currently, there is an increase in the number of young breast cancer patients. In this regard, the requirements for the quality of life of patients, in particular the aesthetic results of special treatment, are increasing, which contributes to the introduction of methods of reconstructive surgery in oncomammology.
 The two-stage installation of a silicone breast implant is the most common method of breast reconstruction in oncological practice, in which a tissue expander is installed in patients at the first stage after mastectomy, and at the second stage it is replaced with a permanent implant.
 At the same time, the issue of radiotherapy in patients who have undergone the surgical stage of breast cancer treatment with reconstructive plastic surgery remains relevant to date. As is known, radiotherapy plays an important role in the combined and complex treatment of breast cancer, increasing, in general, locoregional control in operated patients. On the other hand, it may increase the risk of late complications of breast reconstruction, such as the development of capsular contractures and protrusions.
 It should also be emphasized that at present, the impact of hypofractive radiotherapy regimes, which are the most promising in clinical development, primarily on endoprostheses in patients during two-stage reconstruction, remains insufficiently studied. This article presents a brief analysis of the physical and dosimetric planning of radiotherapy in patients with breast cancer after the installation of a tissue expander who were treated on the basis of the RNCRR.