A Higher Mean Heart Radiation Dose Induces Higher Frequency of Multiple Cardiac Changes

BACKGROUND/AIM: Radiotherapy (RT) induces late changes in all cardiac structures. Most studies of early changes focus on individual parameters. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from eighty early-stage breast cancer patients at baseline, post-RT and three-year follow-up visit were assessed prospectively. Changes in ten cardiac parameters were collected including electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography, and biomarkers. A percentage of abnormal changes was calculated. RESULTS: The mean heart radiation dose (Dmean) was independently associated with the increased incidence of changes post-RT (β=0.403, p