Pulmonary fibrosis and its rehabilitation after radiation therapy for breast cancer

OBJECTIVES: Postoperative radiotherapy (RT) for breast cancer (BC) improves survival by preventing local recurrence but can lead to radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF). RIPF typically appears within 6-12 months post-RT and may progress over 2 years. This study assessed RIPF development in BC patients undergoing hypofractionated RT and evaluated the effects of rehabilitation interventions. METHODS: A total of 209 BC patients were observed: 106 in the study group received rehabilitation, while 103 in the control group followed the standard protocol. Rehabilitation included medications (Aquadetrim, Adenorin, Contimax, Magnesium B6) and topical sodium nucleonate spray. All patients received an average dose of 42.56 Gy over 16 sessions. RESULTS: RIPF developed in 90.3% of patients, with an average onset at 8.7 months post-RT. Rehabilitation delayed RIPF onset-by 8.9 months in the control group vs. 9.8 months in the rehabilitation group-showing a 9.9% improvement (P = .034). Body mass index (BMI) was a significant factor: patients with BMI >25 developed RIPF earlier (7.5 months) than those with BMI