Using the Bolus in Post-mastectomy Radiation Therapy (PMRT): A National Survey on Behalf of the Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO) Breast Cancer Group

Abstract

Background/aim: This study aimed to investigate the bolus practice among Italian radiation oncologists.

Patients and methods: In 2018, a survey on bolus application was sent to all members of the Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology.

Results: The survey was joined by 102 radiation oncologists. Not all respondents answered to every question. A 69.5% of 82 respondents used bolus in case of skin infiltration and 52 of 68 respondents (76.5%) applied it every day. Skin was included as part of chest wall Clinical Target Volume both in the absence or the presence of breast reconstruction. Five mm bolus was the most used. 3D Conformal radiotherapy was the most used technique, in 73.5% of cases. Acute RTOG G2-G3 skin toxicity was recorded by 93.9% physicians.

Conclusion: There was heterogeneity in the use of bolus, though an agreement was found in some topics. The achievement of a National Consensus may represent an interesting future goal.

Keywords: Breast cancer; bolus; clinical practice; mastectomy; radiotherapy.