Safety Review of Radiotherapy for Tumor Patients with Implantable Cardiac Pacemaker.

Abstract

Permanent pacemaker implantation is one of the most effective treatments for chronic arrhythmia. However, there is a certain risk associated with radiation therapy in cancer patients with implantable cardiac pacemakers. To prevent radiotherapy-induced pacemaker failure, there are established medical guidelines for the use of pacemakers in patients undergoing radiotherapy. With advancements in science and technology, the variety of available pacemakers has considerably increased, and radiotherapy equipment has also been updated. Given the variations in irradiation methods and the types of radiation used in clinical practice, there is a pressing need for international consensus on the regulations governing the use of cardiac pacemakers in cancer patients. Currently, many countries lack clinical guidelines for radiotherapy in cancer patients with cardiac pacemakers. This review summarizes recent reports and studies from PubMed (National Center for Biotechnology Information) regarding the safety of radiotherapy in cancer patients with implanted cardiac pacemakers, and provides valuable insights for clinical practice.