Heeling E, van de Kamer JB, Methorst M, Bruining A, van de Meent M, Vrancken Peeters MJTFD, Lok CAR, van der Ploeg IMC. The Safe Use of
125I-Seeds as a Localization Technique in Breast Cancer during Pregnancy.
Cancers (Basel) 2023;
15:3229. [PMID:
37370839 DOI:
10.3390/cancers15123229]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Some aspects of the treatment protocol for breast cancer during pregnancy (PrBC) have not been thoroughly studied. This study provides clarity regarding the safety of the use of 125I-seeds as a localization technique for breast-conserving surgery in patients with PrBC.
METHODS
To calculate the exposure to the fetus of one 125I-seed implanted in a breast tumor, we developed a model accounting for the decaying 125I-source, time to surgery, and the declining distance between the 125I-seed and the fetus. The primary outcome was the maximum cumulative fetal dose of radiation at consecutive gestational ages (GA).
RESULTS
The cumulative fetal dose remains below 1 mSv if a single 125I-seed is implanted at a GA of 26 weeks. After a GA of 26 weeks, the fetal dose can be at a maximum of 11.6 mSv. If surgery takes place within two weeks of implantation from a GA of 26 weeks, and one week above a GA of 32 weeks, the dose remains below 1 mSv.
CONCLUSION
The use of 125I-seeds is safe in PrBC. The maximum fetal exposure remains well below the threshold of 100 mSv, and therefore, does not lead to an increased risk of fetal tissue damage. Still, we propose keeping the fetal dose as low as possible, preferably below 1 mSv.
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