Cardiological side-effects in breast-cancer patients treated by curative radiotherapy

Authors prospectively examined breast-cancer patients treated by postoperative telecobalt or electron therapy. The total dose for cobalt irradiation was 48 Gy in average, and that of electron irradiation by Neptune linac and betatron sources was 45 Gy, in 2.0 and 2.5 Gy daily fractions, respectively. The cardiological side-effects caused by ionizing radiation were studied by ECG, echocardiography and measurement of the systolic time intervals before, immediately, 6 weeks, 6 months, one and 1.5-2 years after the completion of radiotherapy. It is concluded that the effect of ionizing radiation, mainly of telecobalt therapy is possibly a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and it is suggested to consider planning of radiation therapy accordingly. (R.P.) 27 refs.; 9 figs.; 1 tab