Radiation-induced Esophagitis in Breast Cancer Patients Treated With Supraclavicular Field Irradiation.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The objective of this research was to assess the frequency and intensity of radiation-induced esophagitis in breast cancer patients treated with supraclavicular radiotherapy field irradiation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study involved 100 patients with positive lymph nodes receiving radiotherapy to the breast or chest wall along with supraclavicular field irradiation, with toxicity levels assessed weekly. Treatment utilized the 3D conformal technique, and variables, such as mean and maximum dose to the cervical esophagus, mean dose to the entire esophagus, and length of the esophagus within the treated area were recorded.

RESULTS

The occurrence of grade 2 or higher esophagitis was 48%, with patients facing the risk of developing such esophagitis at an average dose of 13 Gy. The probability of grade 2 esophagitis occurring at doses exceeding 13 Gy was statistically significantly higher (p<0.001) with an odds ratio of 24.4.

CONCLUSION

Limiting the mean cervical esophagus dose to <13 Gy could help reduce the frequency and severity of grade 2 or higher toxicity.