Improving cardiac safety for breast cancer patients through a Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) - Research • Breast Cancer Foundation NZ

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Improving cardiac safety for breast cancer patients through a Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH)

Christchurch Hospital
Christchurch Hospital
March 2016
Medical Equipment

What is the problem and who is affected?

Around half of breast cancers are left-sided, and many patients receive radiation therapy after surgery to help prevent the cancer coming back. Until now, patients have been asked to hold their breath while the radiation dose is delivered, but inevitably, vital organs like the heart and lung receive some radiation. This can lead to cardiac problems down the track.

What is this research hoping to achieve?

Several overseas studies have shown DIBH can reduce average radiation dose to the heart by 50% or more, with a lesser but still significant reduction in radiation to the lung. Christchurch is the first public hospital to offer DIBH to its patients. The DIBH programme uses the Elekta Active Breathing Coordinator.