Abstract ED8-1: Overview of the current state of the art – what patients and oncologists need to know

Abstract

Abstract While radiation therapy plays a significant role in the treatment of breast cancer for many patients, the nuances of modern day radiation therapy are often poorly understood by both patients and referring providers. Radiation therapy techniques to reduce toxicity and improve treatment accuracy have rapidly evolved in the past decade. This session will introduce non-radiation oncologists to recent innovations that allow increased personalization of treatment based on anatomical variations. Methods to improve patient positioning will be discussed. Frequently utilized dosimetric techniques for breast radiotherapy will be described and compared, including Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), and 3D conformal planning. New methods for patient monitoring during treatment and the purpose of respiratory gating will be reviewed. Finally, the impact of surgical therapies on radiation planning and delivery will also be examined. Attendees should leave the session having a greater understanding of the current available options for radiotherapy and rationale for the choice of treatment technique. Citation Format: Rachel Jimenez. Overview of the current state of the art – what patients and oncologists need to know [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr ED8-1.