Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. Among those diagnosed, left-sided breast cancer presents unique treatment challenges due to the close proximity of the heart to the breast tissue. At Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad, we utilize cutting-edge technology to enhance treatment outcomes for breast cancer patients while minimizing risks. One such innovation is the Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) technique, which is particularly valuable for patients with left-sided breast cancer.
What is DIBH and Why is it Needed?
Radiation therapy is an essential component of breast cancer treatment, helping to destroy cancer cells and prevent recurrence. However, for left-sided breast cancer, there is a risk of exposing the heart to radiation, which may increase the risk of heart disease in the long term. DIBH addresses this concern by creating a safer environment for radiation delivery.
When a patient takes a deep breath and holds it, the lungs expand, and the Heart moves away from the chest wall. This increased distance between the heart and the breast reduces the amount of radiation exposure to the heart, protecting it from potential long-term damage. DIBH is, therefore, crucial for improving patient safety without compromising the effectiveness of the treatment.
Clinical Benefits of DIBH
- Heart protection: By reducing the radiation dose to the heart, DIBH minimizes the risk of cardiovascular complications, a concern for many patients undergoing radiation therapy for left-sided breast cancer.
- Lung dose reduction: DIBH also helps protect the lungs by reducing the radiation dose to the lung tissue.
- Enhanced precision: The controlled breath-hold technique ensures that the target breast tissue is in the same position during each radiation session, allowing for highly accurate and reproducible treatment.
DIBH with VersaHD LINAC and ABC Technique at Sarvodaya Hospital
At Sarvodaya Hospital, we use the advanced VersaHD Linear Accelerator for radiation therapy, combined with the Elekta Active Breathing Coordinator™ (ABC), technique to deliver DIBH treatments. The ABC technique helps patients maintain a consistent breath hold during radiation, synchronizing their breathing with radiation delivery.
This advanced technology allows us to:
- Monitor breathing in real time: Ensuring radiation is delivered only when the patient holds their breath at the correct level.
- Improve patient comfort: With guided breath-hold support, the ABC technique allows patients to breathe naturally between breath holds, making the experience more comfortable.
- Ensure precise targeting: By focusing on the correct treatment area while sparing surrounding healthy tissues, we can deliver more effective and safer radiation therapy.
Why is DIBH with ABC the Gold Standard?
Compared to conventional radiation therapy, DIBH with ABC offers superior heart and lung sparing while maintaining excellent cancer control. By minimizing the dose to critical organs like the heart, this technique lowers the risk of side effects, making it the gold standard for treating left-sided breast cancer.
Several studies have shown that patients treated with DIBH have significantly reduced radiation exposure to the heart and lungs, leading to improved long-term outcomes and quality of life. At Sarvodaya Hospital, we are dedicated to offering the best technology available to provide our patients with safe, effective, and personalized care.
Our Expert Team
At Sarvodaya Hospital, our highly skilled team of radiation oncologists, physicists, and therapists work together to deliver the highest quality care using the latest techniques in cancer treatment. With vast experience in breast cancer management, our team is dedicated to providing a patient-centric approach that ensures both safety and effectiveness.
Take-Home Message
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we highlight the importance of innovative treatments like DIBH, which enhance both the safety and quality of care for breast cancer patients. By utilizing DIBH with the VersaHD LINAC and ABC techniques, Sarvodaya Hospital is proud to offer a cutting-edge approach that minimizes risks and maximizes treatment precision.
At Sarvodaya Hospital, we are committed to leading the way in breast cancer treatment, ensuring that our patients receive world-class care with the latest innovations in radiation oncology.
