A review and analysis of managing commonly seen implanted devices for patients undergoing radiation therapy Review


Authors: Chan, M. F.; Young, C.; Gelblum, D.; Shi, C.; Rincon, C.; Hipp, E.; Li, J.; Wang, D.
Review Title: A review and analysis of managing commonly seen implanted devices for patients undergoing radiation therapy
Abstract: Purpose: This review article aims to consolidate information regarding existing and emerging implanted devices used in patients undergoing radiation therapy and to categorize levels of attention needed for each device, including which devices require monitoring throughout treatment. Methods and Materials: Based on the collective information from scholar searches, manufacturers’ technical reports, and institutional experiences in the past years, commonly present devices in patients with cancer are compiled. This work summarizes cardiac pacemaker, implanted cardiac defibrillator, hepatic pump, intrathecal pain pump, neurostimulator, shunt, loop recorder, and mediport. Three different classifications of implanted devices can be made based on the potential effect of radiation: life-dependent, nonlife-dependent but with adverse effects if overdosed, and devices without electronic circuits. Implanted devices that contain electronic circuits that would be life-dependent or have adverse effects if overdosed, include cardiac pacemakers, implanted cardiac defibrillators, programmable hepatic pumps, pain pumps, neurostimulators, and loop recorders. Results: Dose exposure to these devices need to be calculated or measured in vivo, especially for cardiac implanted devices, and they should be minimized to assure continued healthy functioning. Treatment planning techniques should be chosen to reduce entry, exit and internal scatter dose. Lower energy photon beams should be used to decrease potential neutron contamination. Implanted devices without electronic circuits are less of a concern. If a patient is life-dependent on the implanted device, it is not recommended to treat the patient with proton therapy. Conclusions: This study reviewed the management of patients with commonly seen implanted devices and summarized a workflow for identifying and planning when a patient has implanted devices. Classifications of implanted devices could help clinicians make proper decisions in regard to patients with specific implanted devices. Lastly, the management of such devices in the era of the pandemic is also discussed in this review article. © 2021
Journal Title: Advances in Radiation Oncology
Volume: 6
Issue: 4
ISSN: 2452-1094
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.  
Date Published: 2021-07-01
Start Page: 100732
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2021.100732
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC8361059
PUBMED: 34409216
DOI/URL:
Notes: Review -- Export Date: 1 September 2021 -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Daphna Y Gelblum
    227 Gelblum
  2. Maria F Chan
    190 Chan
  3. Jingdong Li
    37 Li
  4. Elizabeth Hipp
    7 Hipp
  5. Dongxu Wang
    30 Wang
  6. Carolanne Rincon
    1 Rincon
  7. Claire Young
    1 Young