Abstract
The clinical decision to include the internal mammary (IM) nodal chain into radiation treatment fields for breast cancer is complex, and the literature surrounding this decision is controversial and even conflicting [1–5]. However, with three high profile papers published in the past year supporting the use of IM radiation even in relatively low-risk women, there will likely be an increasing trend toward IM radiation in the coming years [6]. The primary reasons not to treat these nodes are that it can be technically challenging and may increase exposure to the heart, lung, and contralateral breast. Ultimately, the decision to treat the IM nodes for an individual patient balances the estimated clinical benefit based on the patient’s scenario with the potential additional toxicity that may be conferred by treating this nodal group. This chapter will focus on the various techniques that may be employed to treat the IM nodes, rather than the complex decision-making involved for an individual patient.
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Wright, J., Ng, S.K., Cahlon, O. (2016). Techniques for Internal Mammary Node Radiation. In: Bellon, J., Wong, J., MacDonald, S., Ho, A. (eds) Radiation Therapy Techniques and Treatment Planning for Breast Cancer. Practical Guides in Radiation Oncology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40392-2_3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40392-2_3
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