Protective effects of lead collars on the thyroid in radiotherapy after breast cancer surgery

Xuemei Chen; Xiaobo Jiang; Fuqiang Chen; Jiawei WU; Weixun Cai; Meijuan Zhou

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Protective effects of lead collars on the thyroid in radiotherapy after breast cancer surgery

VernacularTitle:铅围脖在乳腺癌术后放疗中对甲状腺的保护作用
Author: Xuemei CHEN ¹ ; Xiaobo JIANG ² ; Fuqiang CHEN ³ ; Jiawei WU ² ; Weixun CAI ² ; Meijuan ZHOU ³
Author Information

1. School of Public Health , Southern Medical University/Department of Radiotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center
2. Department of Radiotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center
3. School of Public Health , Southern Medical University
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Breast cancer radiotherapy; Breast-conserving surgery; Lead collar; Radiation protection
From: Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2022;31(1):1-5
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Objective　:To investigate the protective effects of different types of lead collars on the thyroid during radio- therapy after breast-conserving surgery.
Methods:Forty breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy after breast-con- serving surgery were randomly divided into four groups to wear different lead collars for thyroid protection: control group (0 mm Pb), common material group (0.5 mm Pb), common material group (2 mm Pb), and new radiation-shielding material group (2 mm Pb). Radiation doses inside and outside lead collars were monitored. A questionnaire survey was conducted to acquire information on patient acceptance of the lead collars.
Results:All the groups (except the control group) showed significant differences between scattered radiation doses inside and outside lead collars (P < 0.05). The scattered radiation was attenuated by 33.64% on average in the 2-mm new material group, which was significantly higher than in the other groups (P < 0.05). After radiotherapy, there was no significant change in the color and appearance of skin under lead collars in any group. All the patients were normal at the first thyroid ultrasound re-examination. The 2-mm new material lead collar was the most acceptable.
Conclusion　 :The lead collar made of the new radiation-shielding material has a good protective effect on the thyroid gland, and is easily accepted by patients, which can be promoted for application.