Breast-conserving therapy (BCT), including lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy (RT), is a standard treatment for early-stage breast cancer. In patients with large, pendulous breasts, traditional supine positioning can increase treatment field size and elevate radiation doses to critical organs. This study evaluates the effectiveness of breast cups in improving RT outcomes in such cases.
METHODS
Simulations and treatment plans were performed with and without the Alderson Treatment Brassiere,
a transparent plastic breast cup designed to shape the breast and reduce field expansion. Dosimetric
parameters were compared between setups.
RESULTS
Eighteen patients with large, pendulous breasts were included. Use of the breast cup significantly reduced
radiation doses to organs at risk, including the lungs and heart. Statistically significant reductions
were observed in lung NTCP (p=0.001), mean lung dose (p<0.001), V20 and V5 (both p<0.001), heart
NTCP (p=0.008), mean heart dose (p<0.001), heart V25 (p<0.001), and LAD dose (p=0.008). Target
coverage remained similar; however, boost D95 (p=0.033) and TCP (p=0.001) improved.
CONCLUSION
Breast cups may enhance RT precision by improving target conformity and reducing critical organ exposure.
Further validation with larger cohorts and modern techniques is warranted.