Deep Inspiration Breath Hold in Breast Cancer Treatment

Overview

Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) is a technique used in radiation therapy that involves taking a deep breath and holding it. This action causes the diaphragm, a large dome-shaped muscle located beneath the lungs, to gently move the heart away from the chest. In the event that breast cancer is diagnosed, you and your healthcare provider will work together to create a personalized treatment plan. This plan will consider factors such as the size and location of the tumor, laboratory test results, and the stage of the disease.

During DIBH, the patient holds their breath for approximately 20-30 seconds while receiving treatment. This deep inhalation expands the lungs, pushing the heart downward and away from the radiation field. As a result, DIBH effectively reduces the heart’s exposure to radiation, thereby minimizing the risk of potential damage.

Reasons for undergoing the procedure

If diagnosed with breast cancer, radiation therapy may be suggested as a treatment option. This method utilizes high-energy X-rays to precisely target and destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. It is commonly administered after a lumpectomy (partial mastectomy) and typically lasts between one to six weeks to effectively treat any remaining breast tissue.

Radiation therapy aims to target not only the affected breast but also, in some instances, the lymph nodes under the arm or above the collarbone. Many women with small, early-stage cancers tend to respond positively to this treatment approach.

Risk

Radiation therapy for left breast cancer carries a risk of heart disease due to the heart’s proximity to the treatment area. This closeness means that the heart may be exposed to radiation, and there is also a possibility that the lungs could fall within the radiation field.

Women undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer may face an increased likelihood of developing coronary heart disease. This risk can be heightened if the patient is receiving chemotherapy concurrently or if she already has a higher baseline risk of heart disease.

The extent of cardiac damage related to radiation therapy depends on several factors, including the radiation dose administered and the level of exposure the heart receives. Importantly, this risk persists regardless of whether the radiation dose is high or low.

Procedure

Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) is an effective technique for protecting your heart during radiation therapy. This method focuses the radiation on the breast while you hold your breath for approximately 20-30 seconds, thereby reducing the amount of radiation exposure to the heart.

To assist patients in maintaining their breath hold during radiation treatment for breast cancer, commercial devices are available. These devices allow patients to practice deep breathing before their radiation sessions and provide physical support to help sustain the breath hold throughout the treatment.

To prepare for DIBH during radiation therapy, practicing deep breathing exercises at home before your sessions can be beneficial. Research shows that regular daily practice can significantly improve your ability to perform DIBH effectively.

Outcome

Utilizing Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) during radiation therapy for breast cancer effectively shifts the heart out of the “danger zone” of radiation exposure. Compared to normal breathing, this technique can reduce radiation exposure to the heart by approximately half.

If you’re interested in learning more about DIBH, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare providers. They can offer detailed information about the technique, its benefits, and how it can enhance your radiation treatment. Your healthcare team will help you understand how DIBH applies to your specific situation and its potential to improve the safety and effectiveness of your breast cancer therapy.