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<\/p>\nToni just sent me a very important question about breast cancer, radiation therapy and heart valve replacements.\u00a0 Toni asked me, \u201cHi Adam – I have an artificial mitral valve.\u00a0 I just found out that I have breast cancer.\u00a0 Will radiation hurt my new valve replacement? Thanks, Toni\u201d<\/p>\n
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First, my thoughts go out to Toni who is dealing with a lot right now.\u00a0 This is obviously a very difficult time in her life.\u00a0 My prayers are with her and all those around here.<\/p>\n
Second, to help Toni (and everyone in our community) learn more about radiation therapy after heart valve replacement surgery, I reached out to Dr. Luis Castro, a leading cardiac surgeon<\/a>.<\/p>\n As you may know, Dr. Castro is a heart valve specialist that has successfully treated over 200 patients in our community.\u00a0 \u00a0In addition, Dr. Castro has previously addressed this topic of cancer and radiation in a prior post<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n After sending Toni’s question to Dr. Castro, I was happy to see my inbox light-up with a response from Dr. Castro.\u00a0 Here is what he wrote: Toni, I am so sorry to hear that you have breast cancer. Thankfully, we are living in an age where modern medicine can offer cure to many types of malignancies. I wish you all the best in your journey to cure you of breast cancer.<\/p>\n We know from older radiation therapy protocols that this type of energy source can cause injury over a long period of time to the heart structures<\/a>. With this knowledge, most cancer treatment protocols now shield the heart (and artificial valves) from the direct line of radiation. This has significantly reduced the incidence of radiation-induced heart injury.<\/p>\n Nonetheless, it is extremely important to voice your concerns and share all pertinent information about your heart operation with your health care team providing radiation treatment. With modern technology and modification of treatment protocols, your heart can be safely protected from the intended target of radiation and still deliver effective therapy to combat your cancer. I hope this information helps.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Related Link:<\/p>\n![\"Dr.](\"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/profileImages\/326_129_161.jpg\")
Dr. Luis Castro<\/p>\nDr. Castro Says…<\/h2>\n
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\nMany thanks to Toni for her question.\u00a0 My thoughts and prayers are with you!!!\u00a0 Also, a special thanks to Dr. Luis Castro<\/a> for sharing his clinical experience and research with our patient community.<\/p>\n