A patient-friendly summary of a scientific review published in 2026.
What did the publication examine?
Published in 2026 in Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology, this review led by Gustavo Nader Marta brought together scientific evidence on breathing control during breast cancer radiotherapy. It is a narrative scientific review of existing research, not a new clinical trial.
How does DIBH work?
DIBH stands for deep-inspiration breath hold. During treatment, the patient takes a deep breath and holds it for a few seconds while the team monitors the process. Expanding the lungs can increase the distance between the heart and the breast or chest wall being treated.
What could this mean for clinical care?
DIBH can reduce the radiation dose received by the heart, particularly in left-sided breast radiotherapy and in selected cases involving regional lymph nodes. Whether it is helpful depends on individual anatomy, the patient’s ability to hold their breath, and a comparison of treatment plans. This is one way to improve protection of healthy tissues during treatment.
An important distinction
Lower cardiac dose is supported by treatment-planning and dosimetric evidence. It does not mean that all heart-related risks disappear or that fewer long-term cardiovascular events have been proven for every patient. DIBH is not necessary or feasible for everyone; its suitability should be assessed individually.
Marta GN, Kaidar-Person O, Meattini I, Hijal T, Pimenta Neves Junior WF, Correa AGS, Lee SF, Wong HCY, Chow E, Poortmans P. Respiratory control and radiation therapy in breast cancer: Technical foundations, clinical evidence, and future directions. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2026;223:105354. doi:10.1016/j.critrevonc.2026.105354.
Educational information; not individual medical advice.
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