This leaflet is to provide further information about holding your breath for radiotherapy treatment and a new technique called “SGRT”.
It has been given to you in addition to the Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer leaflet that you have already received.
What is SGRT?
Surface Guided Radiotherapy or SGRT, is a patient setup and monitoring tool. It uses cameras in the CT and treatment room to ensure you are in the same position each time you attend for treatment. Using SGRT for treatment means that you won’t need to have permanent tattoo marks for your Radiotherapy.
What is vDIBH?
vDIBH (voluntary deep inspiration breath hold) is a process by which you hold your breath for short periods of time during your radiotherapy planning CT scan and treatment. This is offered if you are receiving radiotherapy to the left breast or chest wall, or the lymph nodes alongside your breast bone. We use vDIBH in these cases because the heart sits behind the left breast and chest wall. When you hold your breath, your lungs fill with air and your chest moves away from the heart. Therefore, vDIBH minimises the amount of heart tissue that will be in the treatment area.
Coming for your planning scan
You will have a planning CT scan whilst breathing normally. This will be followed by a second CT scan during which you hold your breath.
When you attend for your CT scan, the radiographers will explain the breath hold technique. You will have time to practise holding your breath for 20-25 seconds. The photograph below shows an example of the CT scanner.
There is an SGRT camera mounted on the ceiling which monitors your breath hold. There is also a screen for you to look at. This is called a “coaching screen” and can help you achieve a consistent breath each time. The photograph below shows an example of the coaching screen
During the breath hold scan, you will be asked to hold your breath for the whole scan (usually around 15 seconds). The radiographers will talk to you through an intercom. They will let you know when to hold your breath and when to breathe normally.
Coming back for treatment
Your radiotherapy will start a couple of weeks after your planning scan. Although the treatment machine will be different to the CT scanner, the method of holding your breath will be the same as when you have your CT scan. There will also be a coaching screen in the room to help you with this. The position that you are in will be the same as for your CT scan.
You will be asked to hold your breath for short periods (usually about 25 seconds) whilst the radiotherapy treatment is delivered. The photograph below shows an example of what the treatment room will look like.
There are cameras in the treatment room which monitor your breath hold and position throughout the treatment. These cameras are linked to the treatment machine. Therefore, if you release your breath without being told to, the treatment beam will automatically stop until you are back in the required position. The radiographers will explain this in more detail to you before your first treatment.
Useful resources
For further information on vDIBH, including helpful tips, you may find it useful to visit the Respire website www.respire.org.uk
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