Measuring Changes in Myocardial Perfusion in Left-Sided Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract Left-sided Breast Cancer patients often undergo radiation therapy, including Proton or Photon Therapy, which can affect nearby cardiac structures, causing chronic vascular damage and fibrosing inflammation. This leads to microvascular changes in the heart, manifesting as reduced perfusion and cardiac motion. Advances in 3-dimensional imaging have detailed the actual radiation doses received by critical cardiac structures, revealing the significance of low-dose radiation injury in breast cancer patients. Our study aims to delve deeper into the relationship between changes in myocardial perfusion and heart function (EF), comparing post-treatment images of X-ray (photon therapy) and proton therapy patients. This research highlights the complexity of the relationship between myocardial perfusion and heart function. Understanding these compensatory mechanisms and their impact on perfusion and overall cardiac function is crucial. Our findings emphasize the need for further study to refine our models and improve clinical interventions, ultimately aiming to reduce radiation-induced cardiac injury and improve the survival and quality of life for breast cancer patients undergoing RT.