Radiation and the Heart

Radiation doses to the heart that occur during radiation therapy treatments for lung cancer, breast cancer and lymphoma may increase fatigue and cause difficulty breathing in cancer patients, according to research presented by Sheela Krishnan, MD, et al., one of the top abstract awardees at the Advancing the Cardiovascular Care of the Oncology Patient course.

However, engaging in more physical activity prior to treatment may improve these symptoms.

Krishnan and colleagues examined 130 patients with either breast cancer, lung cancer or mediastinal lymphoma who were treated with radiation to the chest, and assessed thoracic radiation therapy as it impacted quality of life.

They collected data before radiation therapy was administered, immediately after the patient had received therapy, and five to nine months after the completion of radiation therapy.

Results showed that lung cancer and lymphoma participants reported an increase in fatigue and dyspnea immediately post radiation therapy, which later improved.

Breast cancer participants, on the other hand, reported significant increases in physical activity and decrease in fatigue over time. In this group, results showed a nonsignificant trend toward increased fatigue with increasing radiation dose.

"While our study is a small study, it suggests that high levels of physical activity prior to initiation of radiation therapy for cancer are associated with better physical functioning and quality of life with cancer treatment," Krishnan said.

"Additional work is still needed to understand the types and timing of exercises that can bring about the greatest benefit."

Congratulations to the other top abstract authors: Diego Sadler, MD, FACC; Isabela Bispo Costa, MD; Ilana Schlam, MD; Carolyn Wu, MD, MS; Courtney Campbell, MD, PhD; Luke Joseph, MD; and Nicolas Palaskas, MD.