# Development of a model to guide the decision for radiotherapy in deep-inspiration breath-hold in patients with left-sided breast cancer

## TL;DR

A model was developed to help decide if patients with left-sided breast cancer should use a breath-hold technique during radiotherapy to protect the heart.

## Contribution

The study introduces a new model combining anatomical and clinical factors to guide DIBH use in left-sided breast cancer radiotherapy.

## Key findings

- The model includes tumor localization, lung volume, heart distance, age, and ECOG status.
- It aims to guide DIBH decisions after CT scans in free breathing.
- This could reduce cardiac toxicity risks in radiotherapy planning.

## Abstract

Patients with left-sided breast cancer receiving radiotherapy are at risk of developing chronic cardiac toxicities. Cardiac dose-sparing techniques such as deep-inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) can reduce this risk. In this study, a model has been developed including tumor localization, left lung volume, and the distance between the heart and medial chest wall as well as age and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, which may help to guide the decision for or against DIBH after planning computed tomography (CT) in free breathing directly before initiation of radiotherapy planning.