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The use of bolus in postmastectomy radiation therapy for breast cancer: A systematic review.

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

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Type

Article

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Authors

Dahn, Hannah M 
Boersma, Liesbeth J 
de Ruysscher, Dirk 
Meattini, Icro 
Offersen, Birgitte V 

Abstract

PURPOSE: Post mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) reduces locoregional recurrence (LRR) and breast cancer mortality for selected patients. Bolus overcomes the skin-sparing effect of external-beam radiotherapy, ensuring adequate dose to superficial regions at risk of local recurrence (LR). This systematic review summarizes the current evidence regarding the impact of bolus on LR and acute toxicity in the setting of PMRT. RESULTS: 27 studies were included. The use of bolus led to higher rates of acute grade 3 radiation dermatitis (pooled rates of 9.6% with bolus vs. 1.2% without). Pooled crude LR rates from thirteen studies (n = 3756) were similar with (3.5%) and without (3.6%) bolus. CONCLUSIONS: Bolus may be indicated in cases with a high risk of LR in the skin, but seems not to be necessary for all patients. Further work is needed to define the role of bolus in PMRT.

Description

Keywords

PMRT, bolus, breast cancer, mastectomy, post-mastectomy, radiation therapy, tissue compensator, Breast Neoplasms, Female, Humans, Mastectomy, Neoplasm Recurrence, Local, Neoplasm Staging, Radiodermatitis, Radiotherapy, Adjuvant

Journal Title

Crit Rev Oncol Hematol

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1040-8428
1879-0461

Volume Title

163

Publisher

Elsevier BV

Rights

All rights reserved