Radiotherapy for patients with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators: A review of the recommendations and practical application

Abstract

Radiotherapy is a common treatment in the oncological management of patients. Each year, approximately 98,000 patients receive an implanted cardiac device. The integrity and safety of this device must be considered during radiotherapy. Recommendations established by scientific societies have been implemented, particularly to assess the risk of damage to pacemakers or defibrillators based on the dependency on the implanted cardiac device, the energy, and the type of irradiation used. In this article, we review the main recommendations, establish a procedure, and provide guidelines for the management and monitoring of these patients during radiotherapy. The aim is to offer a clear and practical framework for the management of implanted cardiac devices within a radiotherapy department.