Evaluation of normal tissue complications in breast cancer re-irradiation: a meta-analysis study

In recent years, evidence has accumulated that a second method of conserving the breast from cancer with re-irradiation as part of treatment may be feasible and safe. Many oncologists are skeptical of breast re-irradiation due to concerns about late complications, so access to quantitative data on the prevalence of breast re-irradiation complications is very important. In this meta-analysis, we determine the prevalence of complications in normal tissue after breast re-irradiation.

A search was done to recognize qualified studies using EMBASE, MEDLINE, PUBMED, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Collaboration Library electronic databases from 2000 to 2023. In total, ten primary studies were applied in this meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of complications of disorders, skin fibrosis, and chest pain. Heterogeneity was investigated using the I² index and the meta-regression to evaluate variables suspected of causing heterogeneity. Statistical analysis and synthesis were performed using Stata 17.

The average dose received by patients who underwent radiation therapy in two stages was 100.32 Gy, and in these patients, the prevalence of skin fibrosis and disorders was 47% (95% CI 71–22%; I² = 96.76%, P < 0.001) and the prevalence of chest pain was 35% (95% CI 68–8%; I² = 98.13%, P < 0.001).

There is little clinical information about the incidence of complications in breast re-irradiation therapy. This meta-analysis presents the prevalence of complications after breast re-irradiation to help radiation oncologists and physicists make better decisions.