我国东南沿海地区4所医院中乳腺癌放射治疗变化的调查

目的 了解近十年来我国乳腺癌放射治疗的变化及发展趋势.方法 对东南沿海地区4所医院,在1999年和2006年因乳腺癌接受放射治疗患者的临床特点、治疗目的 、放疗技术等内容进行调查.结果 2006年接受保乳治疗(BCT)患者占全部乳腺癌放疗患者的13%,而1999年只有3%.与1999年相比,2006年有明显增加的内容有:采用乳腺专用体架固定(80%和46%)、CT模拟定位(14%和O%)、治疗计划系统剂量计算(70%和23%)、根治性手术后胸壁照射(90%和67%);而腋窝和内乳淋巴区受到照射的比例明显减少,分别是37%和69%及30%和76%;总剂量与分次方式则没有不同.结论 接受保乳治疗的患者虽有较明显增多,但在我国目前仍以根治性手术后放射治疗为主.较先进放疗设备与技术的应用明显增加,但在模拟定位、治疗计划设计、照射靶区选择等方面有待进一步提高.     

我国东南沿海地区4所医院中乳腺癌放射治疗变化的调查

目的 了解近十年来我国乳腺癌放射治疗的变化及发展趋势.方法 对东南沿海地区4所医院,在1999年和2006年因乳腺癌接受放射治疗患者的临床特点、治疗目的 、放疗技术等内容进行调查.结果 2006年接受保乳治疗(BCT)患者占全部乳腺癌放疗患者的13%,而1999年只有3%.与1999年相比,2006年有明显增加的内容有:采用乳腺专用体架固定(80%和46%)、CT模拟定位(14%和O%)、治疗计划系统剂量计算(70%和23%)、根治性手术后胸壁照射(90%和67%);而腋窝和内乳淋巴区受到照射的比例明显减少,分别是37%和69%及30%和76%;总剂量与分次方式则没有不同.结论 接受保乳治疗的患者虽有较明显增多,但在我国目前仍以根治性手术后放射治疗为主.较先进放疗设备与技术的应用明显增加,但在模拟定位、治疗计划设计、照射靶区选择等方面有待进一步提高.     

左乳腺癌保乳术后放疗健侧皮肤剂量分析

乳腺癌是一种严重危害女性身心健康的常见恶性肿瘤.早期乳腺癌(Ⅰ -Ⅱ期)局部治疗模式已由传统的切除全乳的根治术或改良根治术转变为乳腺肿瘤局部切除或扩大切除术+术后放射治疗.早期乳腺癌患者保乳手术后实施全乳放射治疗的技术,主要包括目前临床广泛应用的常规切线野放疗(CRT)、三维适形放疗(3D-CRT)和词强适形放疗(IMRT).本研究采用热释光测量方法,在临床治疗剂量条件下,实测患者健侧乳腺入射皮肤剂量,观察左乳腺癌保乳术后在仰卧位摆位条件下不同放射治疗技术时的健侧乳腺皮肤入射剂量的变化,为临床治疗提供参考.     

乳腺癌保乳术后放射治疗的疗效观察

目的观察乳腺癌保乳术后放射治疗的疗效和美观效果。方法109例保乳术后在我科接受全乳外照射和瘤床加量(boost)放疗,79例应用高剂量率插植技术,T1肿瘤用单排插植,针距为1.5cm,T2以上肿瘤用双排或三排插植。针距间单次剂量(DB)10～12Gy,靶区周边剂量为85%DB。30例采用电子线常规外照射15Gy。全乳照射应用6MV直线加速器,采用双切线半野照射技术,靶区剂量为45～52Gy(平均48.6Gy)。采用医生评分与患者问卷方法评价美观效果。结果全组109例应用KaplanMeier方法统计5年实际生存率为93.8%。局部复发率为6.5%。全组无放射性溃疡发生,5例出现位于插植针孔周围急性皮肤炎症。在经临床随访体检的75例中,医生打分和患者自评满意度为优的比例分别为87%和81%,无统计学意义(P>0.05)。48例经组织间插植加量放疗;27例经电子线外照加量放疗。两组满意度医生总评为优的患者比例分别为81.2%和85.2%,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论乳腺癌保乳术后放疗可降低局部复发率,并发症少。不同的瘤床加量放疗方法不影响美观效果。     

容积旋转调强放疗和常规调强放疗技术在乳腺癌保乳术后同步推量中的剂量学比较

 目的 比较容积旋转调强放疗(VMAT)和常规调强放疗(IMRT)两种技术在乳腺癌保乳术后同步推量放疗中剂量学差异。方法 随机选择10例左侧乳腺癌保乳术后患者,使用MONACO 5.1计划系统,分别设计VMAT和IMRT计划,处方剂量均为PTV_50Gy/25 f、PGTVtb60 Gy/25 f,评估两种计划靶区剂量适形指数(CI)、均匀性指数(HI),以及正常器官受照剂量(Gy)、机器跳数(MU)及治疗时间。结果 VMAT计划中靶区剂量的适形度明显优于IMRT(P<0.05),而患侧肺V₅、V₁₀、V₂₀及健侧肺V₅稍高于IMRT组(P<0.05)。结论 对于乳腺癌保乳术后同步推量放疗,VMAT和IMRT计划都可以满足临床剂量学的要求,VMAT在适形度方面对于IMRT计划有优势,并缩短了治疗时间。     

乳腺癌保留乳房手术后的放射治疗观察

目的探讨保留乳房手术联合术后放射治疗早期乳腺癌的临床疗效。方法对42例在我院接受保乳手术治疗患者按照数字表法随机分为研究组和对照组,每组各21例,其中对照组因无法配合放射治疗采用单纯保留乳房手术治疗,研究组则采用保留乳房手术联合术后放射治疗,比较两组患者的临床治疗效果。结果研究组患者的缓解率(85.71%)与对照组(80.95%)相比较无明显差异。研究组患者的3年复发率(4.76%)明显低于对照组(28.57%),且差异具有统计学意义。另外,研究组患者的3年死亡率(0.00%)明显低于对照组(14.29%),且差异具有统计学意义。而两组患者的1年死亡率比较则无明显差异。结论保留乳房手术联合术后根治性放疗近期缓解率和远期复发率及生存率明显优于单纯保留乳房手术,不良反应较轻,对符合条件的早期乳腺癌患者可推广此治疗方法。     

早期乳腺癌保乳术后全乳腺调强放疗的临床分析

目的 观察分析早期乳腺癌保乳术后全乳腺调强放疗剂量学优势、临床疗效及不良反应。方法 搜集2004年10月至2005年8月收治的103例早期乳腺癌保乳术后患者,比较全乳腺逆向调强和常规切线野治疗计划靶区的均匀性和心脏、肺受照剂量,以及调强放疗临床不良反应、美容效果及疗效。结果 调强放疗、常规放疗临床靶区的95%~107%处方剂量的平均体积百分比分别为95.8%±4.90%、84.0%±20.7% (t=9.60,P<0.01);同侧受照剂量>20 Gy正常肺组织占全肺体积(V₂₀)的百分比分别为15.70%±4.64%、23.11%±7.88% (t=-13.3,P<0. 01);63例左侧乳腺癌患者心脏V₃₀分别为4.44%±3.93%、15.55%±10.89% (t=-11.3,P<0. 01)。1、2年美容效果优良率均为100%。1、2、3年局部控制率分别为99%、99%、98%;1、2、3年无瘤生存率分别为99%、99%、96%。放疗结束时急性皮肤反应1级98例,2级5例。结论 乳腺癌保乳术后全乳腺调强与常规切线野照射相比,能明显改善靶区剂量分布、保护周围正常组织;局部疗效好,临床不良反应小。     

腮腺癌术后高危复发区放疗的不同治疗计划剂量学比较

目的 探讨腮腺癌术后高危复发区用何种照射方法可以更有效的使靶区剂量均匀及更好的保护危及器官.方法 对8例腮腺癌术后患者设计治疗计划,处方剂量为95%计划靶区(PTV)60 Gy/30次.对常规放疗、二维适形放疗(2D-CRT)、三维适形放疗(3D-CRT)和调强放疗(IMRT)等放射治疗技术的腮腺癌术后靶区进行放疗计划设计,分析比较各种治疗计划靶区适形度和在保护危及器官等方面的优劣.结果 在2D-CRT时,以计算点深度取3.5 cm,电子线能量采取12 MeV及X射线/电子射线(X/E)剂量比为1∶2时靶区的适形度和均匀度较好,危及器官的受量较低.与2D-CRT比较,常规放疗照射野能够较好地包括CT断层图像上勾画的靶区.与2D-CRT及3D-CRT相比,IMRT计划有最好的靶区适形度及均匀度,同时对危及器官有较好的保护作用.结论 X射线与电子线混合线束照射时,剂量计算点深度取3.5 cm左右、电子线能量采取12 MeV及X/E剂量比为1∶2时,靶区的适形度和均匀度较好,对正常组织的保护较好,但具体患者最好用计划系统来选择以上指标.常规放疗按解剖标志确定的照射野能够较好地包括三维靶区.IMRT计划的靶区适形度及均匀度最好,并且危及器官受量较低,在腮腺癌术后放射治疗中IMRT技术是值得推广并普及的放射治疗技术.     

基于深度学习的乳腺癌保乳术后调强放疗剂量分布预测

目的研究基于深度学习的方法预测乳腺癌保乳术后调强放疗(IMRT)剂量分布, 并评估其预测精度。方法回顾性分析2018年1月至2023年3月在上海国际医学中心接受IMRT的110例左侧乳腺癌保乳术后患者的调强放疗数据, 随机固定选择80例作为训练集, 随机固定10例作为验证集, 剩余20例作为测试集。首先将患者的计算机体层成像(CT)图像、感兴趣区、体素与靶区距离和对应的剂量分布四通道特征作为输入数据, 然后使用U-net网络进行训练得到预测模型, 利用该模型对测试集进行剂量预测, 验证体素与靶区距离特征在剂量预测中的影响, 并将剂量预测结果与实际手动计划剂量进行比较。结果加入体素与靶区距离特征的模型使预测精度更高, 测试集中20例患者的剂量评分和剂量体积直方图(DVH)评分分别为2.10±0.18和2.28±0.08, 与手动计划剂量分布更加接近(t=2.52、2.40, P<0.05)。靶区和危及器官(OAR)的剂量预测结果与手动计划剂量的偏差在4%以内, 健侧乳腺平均剂量增加了13 cGy, 均在临床可接受范围内。除PTV60的D2、D98(Di为i%的PTV体积接受的剂量)...     

早期乳腺癌保乳术后加速部分乳腺放射治疗新进展

目前保乳手术＋放射治疗这一保乳治疗模式已成为欧美国家早期乳腺癌的标准治疗模式,且在我国大中城市已成为一种趋势。保乳术后放疗分为全乳腺放疗和部分乳腺放疗,而部分乳腺放疗与传统的全乳腺放疗比较,有降低乳腺癌局部复发率、保持乳房良好外观、提高患者生存质量等优点。因而得到了迅速地应用及发展。本研究就早期乳腺癌保乳术后的部分乳腺放射治疗技术及研究新进展进行综述。     

Breast cancer: improving outcome following adjuvant radiotherapy

In the treatment of early breast cancer adjuvant irradiation improves local control following both mastectomy and breast-conserving surgery. For women at high risk of relapse it also increases survival. Breast radiotherapy is usually given using simple planning techniques and serious morbidity is unusual. The greatest concern following adjuvant breast irradiation is of an increase in cardiovascular mortality after 15-20 years. New techniques of breast irradiation including conformal radiotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) have been shown to reduce cardiac and lung irradiation. In addition, improved dosimetry within the breast may improve both local control and cosmesis. To replace current radiotherapy techniques with those requiring more complex planning would demand an increase in resources including both machinery and staff. In this review we outline the indications and benefits of breast radiotherapy along with the planning process. Technical advances are discussed within the context of improving outcome at a time of limited national resources.     

Late Effects and Cosmetic Results of Conventional Versus Hypofractionated Irradiation in Breast-Conserving Therapy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Breast irradiation after lumpectomy is an integral component of breast-conserving therapy (BCT). As the prognosis is general good following BCT, late morbidity and cosmesis are important. The present study compares two different radiation schedules with respect to these two endpoints. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 129 breast cancer patients (pT1-2 pN0-1 cM0) were irradiated between 09/1992 and 08/1994 with either a 22-day fractionation schedule (2.5 Gy to 55 Gy, 4x/week, n = 65) or with a conventional fractionation schedule (28 days, 2.0 Gy to 55 Gy, 5x/week, n = 64), both without additional boost. The equivalent dose of 2-Gy fractions (EQD2) was 55 Gy and 62 Gy, respectively. Late toxicity, assessed according to the LENT-SOMA criteria, and cosmetic outcome, graded on a 5-point scale, were evaluated after a median of 86 months (range 72-94 months) in tumor-free breast cancer patients. RESULTS: LENT-SOMA grade 2/3 toxicity (2.5 Gy vs. 2.0 Gy): breast pain (18% vs. 11%; p = 0.3), fibrosis (57% vs. 16%; p < 0.001), telangiectasia (22% vs. 3%; p = 0.002), atrophy (31% vs. 3%; p < 0.001). Medication to breast pain was taken by 8% versus 9% of patients. Cosmesis was very good/good/acceptable in 75% versus 93% (2.5 Gy vs. 2.0 Gy; p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Late morbidity was significantly frequent and cosmesis was significantly worse after hypofractionated radiotherapy (2.5 Gy to 55 Gy). However, morbidity was not associated with major implications on daily life.     

Role of irradiation in breast conservation therapy for breast cancer

Despite a worldwide consensus on the indication for breast conservation therapy (BCT), the proportion of patients treated with BCT in Japan was only 29.2% in 1997. Indications of BCT and opinions against increasing the number of BCT in Japan are discussed along with the concept of evidence-based medicine (EBM). It is evident that in Japan as well, 70% to 90% of patients with breast cancer can be treated with BCT. The main aim of irradiation in BCT is to reduce inbreast recurrences (IBR), and randomized controlled trials have confirmed that irradiation to the breast reduces IBR. Currently, much concern is being directed to the issue of surgical margins in partial mastectomy, i.e., the definition of positivity of margins and how to treat margin-positive cases. The role of boost irradiation to the tumor bed and irradiation to lymph node areas are also discussed.     

Comparison of Various Radiation Therapy Techniques in Breast Cancer Where Target Volume Includes Mammaria Interna Region

In breast cancer radiotherapy, the internal mammary lymphatic chain is treated in the target volume in a group of patients with high-risk criteria. Because of the variability of the anatomic region and structures in the irradiation field, there are a number of different techniques in breast radiotherapy. While irradiating the target volume, we also consider minimizing the dose to critical structures such as heart, lung, and contralateral breast tissue. In this study, we evaluated the dose distribution of different radiotherapy techniques in patients with left-sided breast cancer who had breast-conserving surgery. A three-dimensional computerized planning system (3DCPS) was used for each patient to compare wide-field, oblique photon-electron, and perpendicular photon-electron techniques in terms of dose homogeneities in the target volume; the doses received by the contralateral breast, heart, and lung; and the coverage of the internal mammary chain. Data from 3DCPS were controlled by the Rando-phantom and thermoluminescence dosimetry. Critical structures were irradiated with acceptable dose percentages in addition to the internal mammary chain with both wide-field and photon-electron techniques. We detected more frequent hot spots in the oblique photon-electron technique than in the other techniques, and this situation necessitated changing the junctions. The wide-field technique was easy to perform and exposed less radiation dose to the heart than photon-electron techniques. In conclusion, we suggest the use of the wide-field technique in breast irradiation when the internal mammary area is in the target volume.     

Radiotherapy of Internal Mammary Lymph Nodes in Breast Cancer Principle Considerations on the Basis of Dosimetric Data

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy of internal mammary lymph nodes (IMN) in breast cancer is discussed controversially due to its potential toxicity and debatable efficacy. Aim of the present study was to assess the cardiac and lung dose in 3-D planned radiotherapy and to discuss these results with regard to arguments pro and contra IMN irradiation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 32 patients underwent 3-D planning (Helax TMS) for irradiation of breast and IMN in three different techniques either using separate IMN fields (A, B) or a wide tangent (C). For each technique the respective doses to the heart (including the base of the aorta and the ostium of the coronary arteries) and lung were analyzed in dose volume histograms. RESULTS: The mean dose to the heart (left side irradiation) was 6.4 Gy (A), 8.1 Gy (B) and 3.8 Gy (C). The mean dose to the lung was 11.7 Gy (A), 15.4 Gy (B) and 10.2 Gy (C). The 10-Gy isodose comprised 19.5% (A), 32.9% (B) and 5.6% (C) of the heart (left breast). The respective values for the 20-Gy isodose were 7.8, 11.5 and 4.4%. The irradiated volumes of the lung were 37.7% (A), 52.7% (B) and 20% (C) in the 10-Gy isodose. The 20-Gy isodose comprised 16.7% (A), 28.3% (B) and 17.8% (C). CONCLUSION: Whether radiotherapy of the IMN may improve treatment results in breast cancer is currently unresolved. However, the present data indicate that relevant cardiovascular side effects are unlikely to occur. Thus, the indication should be considered on the basis of individual risk factors.     

保乳术后固定野动态调强与容积调强放疗的剂量学比较

目的 比较早期乳腺癌保乳术后固定野动态调强与容积调强放疗治疗靶区和危及器官的剂量学差异.方法 20例左侧乳腺癌患者(均女性,24～75岁)保乳术后接受放疗,在同一患者CT影像上分别进行2野共面动态调强和容积调强(RapidArc)两种治疗计划设计.在剂量-体积直方图中读取两种计划的靶区剂量分布参数,心脏、双侧肺及对侧乳腺受照剂量和体积,对各参数的均数进行比较;并比较两者平均机器跳数和平均治疗时间的差异.结果 RapidArc较IMRT计划CTV V95%增加了0.65%(t=5.16,P=0.001),V105%下降了10.96%(t=-2.05,P=0.055),V110%下降了1.48%(t=-1.33,P=0.197).RapidArc计划的适形指数(CI)和均匀性指数(HI)均优于IMRT治疗计划,分别为0.88±0.02 vs 0.74±0.03(t=18.54,P＜0.001),1.11±0.01 Vs 1.12±0.02(t=-2.44,P=0.025).两种计划中左肺V20和Dmax比较差异无统计学意义,但在RapidArc计划中V10、V5、Dmix、Dmean明显增高,V5增高了接近30%.心脏V30和Dmax在两计划中无明显差异,而RapidArc计划的V10增加了18%,V5增加50%.RapidArc计划的右乳V5和右肺V5较IMRT分别增加了9.33%(t=9.31,P＜0.001)和3.04%(t=5.64,P＜0.001).RapidArc和IMRT平均机器跳数分别是608和437 MU(t=10.86,P＜0.001),平均治疗时间111.3和103.6 s(t=3.57,P=0.002).结论 早期乳腺癌保乳术后全乳腺RapidAre放疗与2野动态调强放疗相比,能明显改善靶区剂量分布均匀性.对于危及器官,高剂量区两种治疗计划之间无明显差异,低剂量区RapidArc的照射范围明显增加.与2野动态调强相比,RapidArc放疗机器跳数增加,治疗时间延长.

Abstract：

Objective To compare the dosimetric difference between volumetric are modulation with RapidArc and fixed field dynamic IMRT for breast cancer radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery.Methods Twenty patients with early left-sided breast cancer received radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery.After target definition,treatment planning was performed by RapidAre and two fixed fields dynamic IMRT respectively on the same CT scan.The target dose distribution,homogeneity of the breast,and the irradiation dose and volume for the lungs,heart,and eontralateral breast were read in the dosevolume histogram (DVH) and compared between RapidAre and IMRT.The treatment delivery time and monitor units were also compared.Results In comparison with the IMRT planning,the homogeneity of clinical target volume (CTV) ,the volume proportion of 95% prescribed dose (V95%) was significantly higher by 0.65% in RapidAre (t =5.16,P = 0.001) ,and the V105% and V110% were lower by 10.96% and 1.48 % respectively,however,without statistical significance (t =-2.05 ,P =0.055 and t =-1.33 ,P =0.197).The conformal index of planning target volume (PTV) by the Rap~dAre planning was (0.88±0.02),significantly higher than that by the IMRT planning [(0.74±0.03),t = 18.54,P < 0.001].The homogeneity index (HI) of PTV by the RapidArc planning was 1.11±0.01,significantly lower than that by the IMRT planning (1.12±0.02,t =-2.44,P =0.02).There were no significant differences in the maximum dose (Dmax) and V20 for the ipsilateral lung between the RapidArc and IMRT planning,but the values of V10,V5 ,Dmin and Dmean by RapidArc planning were all significantly higher than those by the IMRT planning (all P < 0.01).The values of max dose and V30 for the heart were similar by both techniques,but the values of V10 and V5 by the RapidArc planning were significantly higher (by 18% and 50% ,respectively).The V5 of the contralateral breast and lung by the RapidArc planning were increased by 9.33% and 3.04% respectively compared to the IMRT planning.The mean MU of the RapidArc was 608 MU,significantly higher than that by the IMRT planning (437 MU,t = 10.86,P < 0.001).The treatment time by the RapidArc planning was 111.3 s,significantly longer than that by IMRT planning (103.6 s,t = 3.57,P = 0.002).Conclusions The RapidArc planning improves the dose distribution of CTV and homogeneity of PTV for breast cancer radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery.However,it significantly enlarges the volume of normal tissues irradiated in low dose areas,prolongs the treatment delivery time,and increases the MU value in comparison with IMRT.     

DEGRO practical guidelines: radiotherapy of breast cancer I

Background and purpose

The aim of the present paper is to update the practical guidelines for postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy of breast cancer published in 2007 by the breast cancer expert panel of the German Society for Radiooncology (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Radioonkologie, DEGRO). The present recommendations are based on a revision of the German interdisciplinary S-3 guidelines published in July 2012.

Methods

A comprehensive survey of the literature concerning radiotherapy following breast conserving therapy (BCT) was performed using the search terms “breast cancer”, “radiotherapy”, and “breast conserving therapy”. Data from lately published meta-analyses, recent randomized trials, and guidelines of international breast cancer societies, yielding new aspects compared to 2007, provided the basis for defining recommendations according to the criteria of evidence-based medicine. In addition to the more general statements of the DKG (Deutsche Krebsgesellschaft), this paper addresses indications, target definition, dosage, and technique of radiotherapy of the breast after conservative surgery for invasive breast cancer.

Results

Among numerous reports on the effect of radiotherapy during BCT published since the last recommendations, the recent EBCTCG report builds the largest meta-analysis so far available. In a 15 year follow-up on 10,801 patients, whole breast irradiation (WBI) halves the average annual rate of disease recurrence (RR 0.52, 0.48–0.56) and reduces the annual breast cancer death rate by about one sixth (RR 0.82, 0.75–0.90), with a similar proportional, but different absolute benefit in prognostic subgroups (EBCTCG 2011). Furthermore, there is growing evidence that risk-adapted dose augmentation strategies to the tumor bed as well as the implementation of high precision RT techniques (e.g., intraoperative radiotherapy) contribute substantially to a further reduction of local relapse rates. A main focus of ongoing research lies in partial breast irradiation strategies as well as WBI hypofractionation schedules. The potential of both in replacing normofractionated WBI has not yet been finally clarified.

Conclusion

After breast conserving surgery, no subgroup even in low risk patients has yet been identified for whom radiotherapy can be safely omitted without compromising local control and, hence, cancer-specific survival. In most patients, this translates into an overall survival benefit.     

Left-sided breast cancer irradiation using rotational and fixed-field radiotherapy

The 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) technique is the standard for breast cancer radiotherapy. During treatment planning, not only the coverage of the planning target volume (PTV) but also the minimization of the dose to critical structures, such as the lung, heart, and contralateral breast tissue, need to be considered. Because of the complexity and variations of patient anatomy, more advanced radiotherapy techniques are sometimes desired to better meet the planning goals. In this study, we evaluated external-beam radiation treatment techniques for left breast cancer using various delivery platforms: fixed-field including TomoDirect (TD), static intensity-modulated radiotherapy (sIMRT), and rotational radiotherapy including Elekta volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and tomotherapy helical (TH). A total of 10 patients with left-sided breast cancer who did or did not have positive lymph nodes and were previously treated with 3DCRT/sIMRT to the entire breast were selected, their treatment was planned with Monaco VMAT, TD, and TH. Dosimetric parameters including PTV coverage, organ-at-risk (OAR) sparing, dose-volume histograms, and target minimum/maximum/mean doses were evaluated. It is found that for plans providing comparable PTV coverage, the Elekta VMAT plans were generally more inhomogeneous than the TH and TD plans. For the cases with regional node involvement, the average mean doses administered to the heart were 9.2 (± 5.2) and 8.8 (± 3.0) Gy in the VMAT and TH plans compared with 11.9 (± 6.4) and 11.8 (± 9.2) Gy for the 3DCRT and TD plans, respectively, with slightly higher doses given to the contralateral lung or breast or both. On average, the total monitor units for VMAT plans are 11.6% of those TH plans. Our studies have shown that VMAT and TH plans offer certain dosimetric advantages over fixed-field IMRT plans for advanced breast cancer requiring regional nodal treatment. However, for early-stage breast cancer fixed-field radiotherapy is potentially more beneficial in terms of OAR sparing.