Impact of radiation on inpatient outcomes in patients with breast cancer and atrial fibrillation: A nationwide analysis

Patients with cancer are known to have a significantly increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). Increased systemic inflammation, cancer treatment, and associated comorbidities contribute to atrial remodeling and increased overall risk of AF. Patients with breast cancer (BC) in particular are known to have a lower threshold for the development of AF, with an increased overall incidence. 1 D’Souza M. Smedegaard L. Madelaire C. et al. Incidence of atrial fibrillation in conjunction with breast cancer. Heart Rhythm. 2019; 16: 343-348 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (11) Google Scholar While the association between BC chemotherapy and AF is well established, a growing body of evidence suggests that radiation therapy (RT) may also be associated with an increased risk of AF in these patients. 2 Apte N. Dherange P. Mustafa U. et al. Cancer radiation therapy may be associated with atrial fibrillation. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2021; 8: 610915 Crossref PubMed Scopus (3) Google Scholar We performed the present analysis to study the impact of RT on inpatient outcomes in patients with BC and AF.