Program Information

Management of RT Patients with Implanted Cardiac Devices: From Recommendation to Practical Implementation

CW Hurkmans, Department of Radiation Oncology, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands

WE-G-218-3 Wednesday 4:30:00 PM - 6:00:00 PM Room: 218

Guidelines for the management of patients with an internal cardiac pacemaker (ICP) or internal cardiac defibrillator (ICD) referred for radiotherapy exist but are outdated, as both ICP and ICD technology and radiation therapy techniques have evolved. (ICPs and ICDs are both CIEDs). Furthermore, the clinical practice of patient management varies widely and the number of patient with a ICP or ICD referred for radiation therapy is increasing. There is thus a clear need for updated guidelines, which are currently developed by the new AAPM TG 203.
An overview of the literature, existing recommendations and dose measurement methods has been given the previous speakers of this session. In this presentation, the focus will be more on the management aspects. Which questions need to be answered to decide if a patient can receive radiation therapy? How can this be weighted against e.g. CIED relocation or replacement? It is clear that good communication between the patient, the treating cardiologist and radiation therapy department is of importance to come to the best multidisciplinary treatment approach. When radiotherapy is given, the practical measures that need to be taken should preferably be categorised based on the chance on CIED failure combined with the consequence for the patient in case of such failure. Thus, an important distinction may be made between pacing dependent and pacing independent patients. Examples of such risk classifications with corresponding practical implications will be presented, including the new Dutch national guideline recently authorised by the national cardiology, pacemaker technologists, medical physics and radiation oncology societies.

Learning objectives:
1) Understand and list the questions that need to be answered to tailor the treatment to the individual patient and whom should be involved in this process.
2) Appreciate the reasons why only a crude categorisation of risks can be given.
3) Know how to interpret new CIED guidelines, their strengths and weaknesses and have sufficient knowledge to translate and incorporate these guidelines into your own institution.

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