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Do you ever use VMAT for breast cancer?

If so, what clinical indications? Are there any advantages of VMAT? Thoughts on concerns regarding lung and heart dose constraints?
Community PollStarted

Among those receiving chest wall/breast and lymph node irradiation, approximately what percentage of your patients receive treatment with VMAT technique?

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4 Answers
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Radiation Oncology · Varian Medical Systems/Allegheny health network
Answered on

We do use it for RNI if can’t meet OAR constraints or when doing SIB boost.

Aim for V 20 < 25% for ipsilateral lung and mean heart dose of <2-3 Gy depending on the importance of covering IMN.

Certainly, coverage and conformity are better with VMAT. Low dose volume is larger with VMAT but prescription...

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Radiation Oncology · Michigan Healthcare Professionals, PC
Answered on · Updated on

“Why is VMAT not considered the standard of care for locoregional radiation therapy for breast cancer patients?”

Kendall et al., Advances in Radiation Oncology 2025


This study tracks with my experience and makes a compelling case that it should be the standard of care.

  • In most cases, it is superio...

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Radiation Oncology · Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh
Answered on

For standard tangents, I do not use VMAT, and use field in field. For locally advanced breast cancer, I almost always use 3DCRT with rare use of IMRT for cases primarily where I am treating IM nodes and reconstruction is present and a 3DCRT plan cannot meet constraints. I have used VMAT in a few of ...

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Radiation Oncology · Mayo Clinic Hospital
Answered on

I consider IMRT/VMAT for complex RNI/PMRT cases when meeting constraints with 3D is challenging (when more comprehensive coverage is desired, unusual anatomy/chest shape). One disclaimer is that Mayo Clinic has proton therapy, which is a really nice solution for many complex/comprehensive plans (bil...

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