Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy in the Treatment of Breast Cancer: An Updated Review

Abstract

Radiation therapy (RT) plays a critical role in breast cancer treatment. In the modern technological era, innovations and progress in breast RT and delivery techniques have greatly improved the clinical outcomes. Intensity-modulated RT (IMRT) is a modern RT technology that permits the modulation of RT beams, ensuring a more uniform dose distribution through the target tissue and better avoidance of underlying critical structures. Recently, several studies have been published on breast IMRT. However, the interpretation of these results can be challenging because of the wide diversity of patients and treatment. The purpose of this study was to review these studies, focusing on the impact of IMRT on reducing toxicity and increasing convenience, as well as addressing concerns regarding breast IMRT.