18 Chapter 2 Abstract Purpose: In recent years several papers have been published on radiation-induced cardiac toxicity, especially in breast cancer patients. However, in esophageal cancer patients the radiation dose to the heart is usually markedly higher. To determine whether radiation-induced cardiac toxicity is also a relevant issue for this group, we conducted a review of the current literature. Methods: A literature search was performed in MEDLINE for papers concerning cardiac toxicity in esophageal cancer patients treated with radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy. Results: The overall crude incidence of symptomatic cardiac toxicity was as high as 10.8 %. Toxicities corresponded with several dose-volume parameters of the heart. The most frequently reported complications were pericardial effusion, ischemic heart disease and heart failure. Conclusion: Cardiac toxicity is a relevant issue in the treatment of esophageal cancer. However, valid Normal Tissue Complication Probability models for esophageal cancer are not available at present.
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