MedWorm: External Beam Therapy

Brachytherapy reduces death in high-risk PCa patients

Modern Medicine — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Brachytherapy alone, or in combination with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), significantly reduces mortality rates in patients with high-risk prostate cancer, report the authors of a study from Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia. (Source: Modern Medicine)

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Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation Using Once-Daily Fractionation: Analysis of 312 Cases with Four Years Median Follow-Up

Radiation Oncology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: External beam APBI with once daily fractionation has a low rate of IBF consistent with other published APBI studies. The ASTRO risk stratification did not differentiate a subset of patients with a higher rate of IBF. APBI may be an appropriate treatment for women with DCIS and ILC. (Source: Radiation Oncology)

Most Common Tx for Prostate Ca Not Best Value

MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:43:07 +0100

SAN FRANCISCO (MedPage Today) -- External beam radiation is the most toxic and expensive among common prostate cancer treatments over the long-term, a national registry study suggested. (Source: MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology)

Durable donor engraftment after radioimmunotherapy using {alpha}-emitter astatine-211-labeled anti-CD45 antibody for conditioning in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation

Blood — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, conditioning with 211At-labeled anti-CD45 mAb is safe and efficacious and provides a platform for future clinical trials of nonmyeloablative transplantation with radioimmunotherapy-based conditioning. (Source: Blood)

Androgenic suppression combined with radiotherapy for the treatment of prostate adenocarcinoma: a systematic review

BMC Cancer — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Based on the findings of this systematic review, the evidence supports the use of androgen suppression with goserelin monotherapy as the standard treatment for patients with prostate cancer treated with radiotherapy, which are at high risk of recurrence or metastases. (Source: BMC Cancer)

EBRT More Costly, Toxic Than Other Prostate Cancer TherapiesEBRT More Costly, Toxic Than Other Prostate Cancer Therapies

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:48:37 +0100

External-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) for prostate cancer is more costly and more toxic than either prostatectomy or brachytherapy. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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[Review] Chordoma: current concepts, management, and future directions

The Lancet Oncology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Chordoma is a rare bone cancer that is aggressive, locally invasive, and has a poor prognosis. Chordomas are thought to arise from transformed remnants of notochord and have a predilection for the axial skeleton, with the most common sites being the sacrum, skull base, and spine. The gold standard treatment for chordomas of the mobile spine and sacrum is en-bloc excision with wide margins and postoperative external-beam radiation therapy. Treatment of clival chordomas is unique from other locations with an enhanced emphasis on preservation of neurological function, typified by a general paradigm of maximally safe cytoreductive surgery and advanced radiation delivery techniques. (Source: The Lancet Oncology)

Pathological Predictors for Site of Local Recurrence After Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer

International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:33:53 +0100

Purpose: Rational design of targeted radiotherapy (RT) in prostate cancer (Pca) hinges on a better understanding of spatial patterns of recurrence. We sought to identify pathological factors predictive for site of local recurrence (LR) after external beam RT.Methods and Materials: Prospective databases were reviewed to identify men with LR after RT from 1997 through 2009. Patients with biochemical failure and biopsy-confirmed Pca more than 2 years after RT were evaluated. Prediction for site of recurrence based on the following pretreatment factors was determined on independent and cluster-sextant basis: presence of malignancy, dominant vs. nondominant percentage core length (PCL) involvement, PCL ≥ or 5% for each patient.Results: Forty-one patients with low-intermediate risk Pca constit...

External-Beam Radiation Therapy and High–Dose Rate Brachytherapy Combined With Long-Term Androgen Deprivation Therapy in High and Very High Prostate Cancer: Preliminary Data on Clinical Outcome

International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:33:53 +0100

Conclusions: Intermediate-term results at the 5-year time point indicate a favorable outcome without an increase in the rate of late complications. (Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics)

Skin toxicity from external beam radiation therapy in breast cancer patients: protective effects of Resveratrol, Lycopene, Vitamin C and Anthocianin (Ixor(R))

Radiation Oncology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

IntroductionThis is an observational study and the aim is to evaluate the effect of dietary supplements based on Resveratrol, Lycopene, Vitamin C and Anthocyanins (Ixor(R)) in reducing skin toxicity due to external beam radiotherapy in patients affected by breast cancer. Materials and Methods: 71 patients were enrolled and they were divided in two different groups: a control group (CG) of 41 patients treated with prophylactic topical therapy based on hyaluronic acid and topical steroid therapy in case of occurrence of radiodermatitis, and a Ixor-Group (IG) of 30 patients treated also with an oral therapy based on Resveratrol, Lycopene, Vitamin C and Anthocyanin (Ixor(R)) at a dose of 2 tablets/day, starting from 10 days before the radiation treatment until 10 days after the end of treatmen...

Brachytherapy Alone Or In Combination With External Beam Radiation Therapy May Be An Effective Option For High-Risk Prostate Cancers

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Brachytherapy for high-risk prostate cancers patients has historically been considered a less effective modality, but a new study from radiation oncologists at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson suggests otherwise. A population-based analysis looking at almost 13,000 cases revealed that men who received brachytherapy alone or in combination with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) had significantly reduced mortality rates. Their findings are reported online in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology,Biology,Physics... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Brachytherapy Lowers Prostate Cancer Mortality

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0100

According to a study from radiation oncologists at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson, high-risk prostate cancer patients who receive brachytherapy, alone or together with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) had considerably lower mortality rates. The study is published online January 23 in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics. Brachytherapy is a form of radiotherapy where a radiation source is placed directly at the site of a tumor. The treatment is generally used to treat men with low and intermediate risk prostate cancers... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Brachytherapy Ups Prostate Cancer Survival (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:28:57 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- Treatment of high-grade prostate cancer with brachytherapy significantly reduced prostate cancer-specific mortality compared with external beam radiation alone, results of a large study showed. (Source: MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology)

IMRT Improves Head And Neck Cancer Patients' Long-Term Quality Of Life

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0100

Patients treated with IMRT for head and neck cancer report an increasingly better quality of life post-treatment when compared to patients receiving other forms of radiation therapy, according to a study presented at the Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Symposium, sponsored by AHNS, ASCO, ASTRO and SNM. Intensity modulated radiation therapy, or IMRT, is a highly specialized form of external beam radiation therapy that allows the radiation beam to better target and conform to a tumor. It is a newer treatment that has become widely adopted for treating head and neck cancer... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Brachytherapy reduced death rates in high-risk prostate cancer patients, analysis finds

ScienceDaily Headlines — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:26:26 +0100

A population-based analysis looking at almost 13,000 cases revealed that men who received brachytherapy alone or in combination with external beam radiation therapy had significantly reduced mortality rates. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Brachytherapy reduced death rates in high-risk prostate cancer patients, study finds

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Thomas Jefferson University) A population-based analysis looking at almost 13,000 cases revealed that men who received brachytherapy alone or in combination with external beam radiation therapy had significantly reduced mortality rates. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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The Role of Transabdominal Sonography in Facilitating Successful Brachytherapy Outcomes in Cervical Cancer

Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This article discusses the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of cervical cancer. This article further explains the importance of the brachytherapy technique, the role of transabdominal sonography, and how both can lead to a successful outcome for the patient. (Source: Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography)

Development of a Research Agenda for the Management of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Proceedings from a Multidisciplinary Research Consensus Panel

Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology : JVIR — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:07:49 +0100

This article reports the proceedings from this meeting. (Source: Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology : JVIR)

Reduced growth hormone secretion after cranial irradiation contributes to neurocognitive dysfunction.

Growth Hormone and IGF Research — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study only 21% (4/19) of the patients who received fractionated radiotherapy for a non-endocrine brain tumor were diagnosed with GHD. GHD in these patients was associated with impaired interference control, attentional shifting, and visual long-term memory. The results for interference control and attentional shifting suggest an additional effect of the radiation history. PMID: 22269954 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Growth Hormone and IGF Research)

Comparison of limited‐volume perioperative high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy and wide‐field external irradiation in resected head and neck cancer

Head and Neck — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsComplications and locoregional failure rates were similar to those reported in the reference standards despite a much smaller treatment volume. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012 (Source: Head and Neck)

Increased rectal wall stiffness after prostate radiotherapy: relation with fecal urgency

Neurogastroenterology and Motility — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions & Inferences Irradiation for prostate cancer leads to reduced rectal distensibility. In patients with urgency symptoms, anal sphincter function was also impaired. (Source: Neurogastroenterology and Motility)

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Postoperative vaginal brachytherapy in endometrial cancer.

Bulletin du Cancer — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mazeron R, Khodari W, Gilmore J, Champoudry J, Dumas I, Morice P, Lhommé C, Haie-Méder C Abstract Several randomized studies published in recent years have greatly changed the management of postoperative endometrial cancer, especially for lesions of intermediate prognosis. Vaginal brachytherapy is now standard treatment for these lesions at the expense of external beam radiation, which, despite an improvement in locoregional control, has no impact on overall survival. This review aims to take stock of new indications for vaginal brachytherapy detailing the trials that led to change standards or care. PMID: 22231748 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Bulletin du Cancer)

PET therapy effective for prostate cancer

Health News - UPI.com — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 04:11:10 +0100

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 8 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers suggest proton therapy -- a type of external beam radiation -- is effective for localized prostate cancer with minimal side effects. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

Proton Therapy Effective Prostate Cancer Treatment

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Proton therapy, a type of external beam radiation therapy, is a safe and effective treatment for prostate cancer, according to two new studies published in the January issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology.Biology.Physics (Red Journal), the American Society for Radiation Oncology's (ASTRO) official scientific journal. In the first study, researchers at the University of Florida in Jacksonville, Fla., prospectively studied 211 men with low-, intermediate-, and high-risk prostate cancer... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Studies: Proton therapy effective treatment for prostate cancer

Health Imaging News — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:56:58 +0100

Two studies published in the January issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology•Biology•Physics demonstrated the effectiveness of proton therapy in treating prostate cancer. One study revealed the therapy’s effectiveness while limiting side effects, the other showed that external beam therapy can achieve results comparable to brachytherapy. (Source: Health Imaging News)

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Paraneoplastic neurological and hematological syndromes associated with prostate cancer

International Journal of Urology — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractParaneoplastic neurological syndromes are defined as the remote effects of cancer on the nervous system. Here we report a 68‐year‐old man who initially presented with worsening paresthesia in the lower extremities. Although the culprit lesion remained to be identified, he coincidentally had diagnosis of prostate cancer by an annual prostate‐specific antigen examination. Leukocytosis and elevated granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor in serum were also detected. Neurological symptoms and leukocytosis improved after initiation of androgen‐deprivation therapy followed by external beam radiotherapy. A total of 9 months after treatment, the patient showed no evidence of cancer recurrence or neurological signs. Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes are rare in prostate cancer...

Volumetric changes of the anterolateral thigh free flap following adjuvant radiotherapy in total parotidectomy reconstruction

The Laryngoscope — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:In this prospective study we observed an 8% volume loss in anterolateral thigh free flaps 6 months post‐radiotherapy. This loss of volume should be taken into account when reconstructing large defects of the face and lateral skull base. Intra‐operative water displacement measurement is a useful adjunctive tool for shaping free tissue transfers that are to be used for volume replacement and soft‐tissue fill‐in. (Source: The Laryngoscope)

Proton therapy effective prostate cancer treatment, study suggests

ScienceDaily Headlines — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:42:42 +0100

Proton therapy, a type of external beam radiation therapy, is a safe and effective treatment for prostate cancer, according to two new studies. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Neck Dissection Followed by Definitive Radiotherapy for Small Upper Aerodigestive Tract Squamous Cell Carcinoma, with Advanced Neck Disease: An Alternative Treatment Strategy

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:01:27 +0100

We present the retrospective analysis of 109 patients treated, between 1991 and 2008, by “Neck dissection first approach” for N2, N3 neck node, followed by external beam radiotherapy (RT) with or without chemotherapy for the operated neck and the primary, deemed radiocurable. 94 patients completed the planned treatment and formed the material for this study. The primary (tumor) stage was as follows: T1 (29) and T2 (65) commonly arising from oropharynx; the neck nodes were predominantly N2a (n = 54), followed by N2b (n = 26) and N3 (n = 14) disease. Complete nodal clearence was achieved in 89 patients, with no major post operative complications. With a median follow up of 24 months disease free survival of 70% and overall survival of 61% at 5 ...

Proton therapy effective prostate cancer treatment

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(American Society for Radiation Oncology) Proton therapy, a type of external beam radiation therapy, is a safe and effective treatment for prostate cancer, according to two new studies published in the January issue of the International Journal of Radiation OncologyBiologyPhysics, the American Society for Radiation Oncology's official scientific journal. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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Focal salvage therapy for localized prostate cancer recurrence after external beam radiotherapy

Cancer — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:The results from this study indicated that focal salvage therapy is a potential strategy for localized recurrence after radiotherapy that may reduce the harms resulting from whole‐gland salvage therapies. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society. (Source: Cancer)

[Comment] Hypofractionated radiotherapy for prostate cancer

The Lancet Oncology — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In radiobiology, the α-β ratio, defined as the dose at which killing of cells by linear (α) and quadratic (β) components are equal, is used to quantify the fractionation sensitivity of tissues and tumours. With data from low-dose-rate brachytherapy and external-beam radiotherapy series, Brenner and Hall were the first to report a low α-β ratio of 1·5 for prostate cancer; many investigators have since recorded similar values (lower than those of surrounding normal tissues, such as the rectum and bladder). (Source: The Lancet Oncology)

Motion-compensated estimation of delivered dose during external beam radiation therapy: Implementation in Philips' Pinnacle(3) treatment planning system.

Medical Physics — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This paper presents results from the implementation of an algorithm on a commercially available treatment planning system that quantifies the dosimetric effects of interfractional and intrafractional motion in external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) of prostate cancer. The implementation of this algorithm within a commercial treatment planning system such as Pinnacle(3) enables easy deployment in the existing clinical workflow. The results of the PDD tests validate the implementation of the DiDIT algorithm in Pinnacle(3), in comparison with previously published results. PMID: 22225314 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Medical Physics)

American Brachytherapy Society consensus guidelines for transrectal ultrasound-guided permanent prostate brachytherapy

Brachytherapy — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Updated guidelines for patient selection, workup, treatment, postimplant dosimetry, and followup are provided. These recommendations are intended to be advisory in nature with the ultimate responsibility for the care of the patients resting with the treating physicians. (Source: Brachytherapy)

American Brachytherapy Society consensus guidelines for high-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy

Brachytherapy — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The clinical outcomes for HDR are excellent, with high rates of biochemical control, even for high-risk disease, with low morbidity. HDR monotherapy, both for primary treatment and salvage, are promising treatment modalities. (Source: Brachytherapy)

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American Brachytherapy Society consensus guidelines for locally advanced carcinoma of the cervix. Part II: High-dose-rate brachytherapy

Brachytherapy — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: These guidelines update those of 2000 and provide a comprehensive description of HDR cervical cancer brachytherapy in 2011. (Source: Brachytherapy)

American Brachytherapy Society consensus guidelines for adjuvant vaginal cuff brachytherapy after hysterectomy

Brachytherapy — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Recommendations are made for adjuvant vaginal cuff brachytherapy. Practitioners and cooperative groups are encouraged to use these recommendations to formulate their treatment and dose reporting policies. These recommendations will permit meaningful comparisons of reports from different institutions and lead to better and more appropriate use of vaginal brachytherapy. (Source: Brachytherapy)

American Brachytherapy Society consensus guidelines for interstitial brachytherapy for vaginal cancer

Brachytherapy — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Recommendations are made for interstitial brachytherapy for vaginal cancer and recurrent disease in the vagina. Practitioners and cooperative groups are encouraged to use these recommendations to formulate treatment and dose-reporting policies. Such a process will result in meaningful outcome comparisons, promote technical advances, and lead to appropriate utilization of these techniques. (Source: Brachytherapy)

Radiation-induced damage in different segments of the rat intestine after external beam irradiation of the liver.

Experimental and Molecular Pathology — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Post-irradiation damage to the ileum was delayed and followed by an altered repair process with structural changes of the villi. The observed changes might result from a higher sensitivity to oxidative stress mechanisms with subsequent damage of the regenerative capacity of the crypt-villus axis, accompanied by a sustained "inflammatory response" and vascular damage with a lack of regeneratory cell recruitment. PMID: 22227376 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Experimental and Molecular Pathology)

An evaluation of four CT-MRI co-registration techniques for radiotherapy treatment planning of prone rectal cancer patients.

The British Journal of Radiology — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 18:25:43 +0100

Conclusion: For patients with rectal cancer, MRI acquired in the prone treatment position without fiducial markers can be accurately registered with planning CT. An automated registration technique offered a fast and accurate solution with associated uncertainties within acceptable treatment planning limits. PMID: 22190750 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The British Journal of Radiology)

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Urethra sparing - potential of combined Nickel-Titanium stent and intensity modulated radiation therapy in prostate cancer.

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: A new concept for urethra dose reduction is presented. The method relies on the use of a Ni-Ti stent as a fiducial marker combined with intensity modulated radiotherapy. Theoretical calculations suggest preserved tumour control. PMID: 22197354 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology)

Current therapy of patients with endometrial carcinoma

Strahlentherapie und Onkologie — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 06:44:29 +0100

Abstract Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 18-FDG positron emission tomography (18FDG PET-CT), and computed tomography (CT) have demonstrated disappointing detectability of lymph node metastases in endometrial cancer. The treatment of choice in patients with endometrial cancer is hysterectomy and bilateral salpingoophorectomy. Above all, obese patients with comorbidity have benefited the most from laparoscopically assisted approaches. For inoperable patients in FIGO stage I/II, radiation remains an alternative to hysterectomy. The role of pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy is the most controversial issue in endometrial carcinoma treatment. The current spectrum of treatment ranges from no lymphadenectomy, exclusive pelvic or additional inframesentric paraaortic sampl...

Patterns of Practice in Intensity-modulated Radiation Therapy and Image-guided Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer in Japan

Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions The results of the survey identified current patterns in the treatment planning and delivery processes of external-beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer in Japan. (Source: Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology)

20 Gy Versus 44 Gy of Supplemental External Beam Radiotherapy With Palladium-103 for Patients With Greater Risk Disease: Results of a Prospective Randomized Trial

International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

We report brachytherapy outcomes for patients with higher risk features randomized to substantially different supplemental EBRT regimens.Methods and Materials: Between December 1999 and June 2004, 247 patients were randomized to 20 Gy vs. 44 Gy EBRT followed by a palladium-103 boost (115 Gy vs. 90 Gy). The eligibility criteria included clinically organ-confined disease with Gleason score 7–10 and/or pretreatment prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level 10–20 ng/mL. The median follow-up period was 9.0 years. Biochemical progression-free survival (bPFS) was defined as a PSA level of ≤0.40 ng/mL after nadir. The median day 0 prescribed dose covering 90% of the target volume was 125.7%; 80 men received androgen deprivation therapy (median, 4 months). Multiple parameters were evaluated for t...

[Should the treatment of anal carcinoma be adapted in the elderly? A retrospective analysis of acute toxicities in a French centre and a review of the literature.]

Cancer Radiotherapie — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant radiochemotherapy followed by brachytherapy showed an acceptable toxicity profile, and seems to be adapted in selected elderly patients. It could be recommended as reference treatment in elderly patients with a good physiological status. PMID: 22197192 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Cancer Radiotherapie)

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Advantages And Motivations Uncertain Behind Use Of Brachytherapy For Breast Cancer Radiotherapy

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Accelerated partial breast irradiation using brachytherapy (APBIb) for the treatment of breast cancer has been rapidly increasing over the last several years in the U.S. as an alternative to standard whole-breast irradiation (WBI), according to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Various types of APBI recurrence (external beam radiation, intraoperative radiotherapy, brachytherapy using multiple interstitial catheters, or intracavitary brachytherapy using a balloon catheter) deliver radiation to breast tissue at the highest risk of recurrence... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Prostate cancer treatment ascertained from several sources: analysis of disagreement and error

Annals of Oncology — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Interviews of prostate cancer patients and caregivers are useful alternatives to medical record abstraction, particularly if carried out during, or soon after, treatment. (Source: Annals of Oncology)

Yttrium 90 therapy for HCC; is it any better than conventional external beam radiotherapy?

Hepatology — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Hepatology)

Cancer of the prostate gland

Medicine — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 02:10:11 +0100

Abstract: Prostate cancer constitutes a major health problem. It is estimated that the lifetime risk of western men having prostate cancer is about 30%, with the risk of dying from the cancer being 3%. Increasing age is the strongest pre-determinant for the development of prostate cancer. Virtually all cancers are adenocarcinomas, the grade being indicated by the Gleason score. Often, there are no presenting symptoms. Investigations such as serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), digital rectal examination and biopsies via a transrectal ultrasound probe are required for diagnosis. Staging, if required, consists of magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography for locally advanced disease and/or a bone scan for detection of bony metastases. Management depends largely on the stage of the ...

Successful treatment of adult‐type granulosa cell tumor of the ovary by palliative radiotherapy

Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractA 76‐year‐old woman underwent laparotomy at another hospital because of acute abdomen. Owing to strong attachment and dissemination of the tumor, it was unresectable. Adult‐type granulosa cell tumor (AGCT) was diagnosed based on pathological examination. Considering her poor condition, she was advised to receive total supportive care. However, she was lost to follow‐up after a few months. Subsequently, she visited our hospital with abdominal distension. A large abdominal tumor and liver metastasis was observed on abdominal computed tomography (CT). We selected palliative radiotherapy to relieve her of the symptoms. External beam radiotherapy was delivered to the affected data. No acute adverse effects were observed. We observed reduction in tumor size on postoperative abdom...

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Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy with or without intraoperative radiotherapy for the treatment of resectable locally advanced gastric adenocarcinoma

Radiotherapy and Oncology — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Higher radiation dose may contribute to the improvement of local control, especially in the field encompassed by IOERT. The addition of IOERT to surgery and adjuvant chemoradiation deserves further investigation in a randomized trial. (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology)

Well-differentiated hand liposarcoma with bone metastases treated successfully with zoledronic Acid.

Onkologie — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 22:24:02 +0100

Conclusion: Significant metastatic disease can develop in patients with well-differentiated liposarcomas. The beneficial effect of zoledronic acid observed in this case may be related to its anticancer properties, as described in phase III trials in various tumor types. PMID: 22156451 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Onkologie)

A Single-Dose Conformal Delivery of Radiotherapy Following Osteoplasty

HSS Journal — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:57:08 +0100

We present an innovative approach of delivering targeted intra-operative radiotherapy to a solitary osteolytic metastasis in one application, while sparing healthy bone marrow from radiation toxicity and substantially reducing the overall treatment time. A 78-year-old Caucasian male with MM, previously treated with chemotherapy, who was off chemotherapy for 2 years due to bone marrow suppression, presented with a solitary recurrence at the left anterior superior iliac spine of the left iliac wing as diagnosed by PET-CT scan. This lesion was treated with a minimally invasive osteoplasty and intra-operative brachytherapy with to a dose of 8 Gy delivered to the surgical cavity only, followed by injection of the bone cement into the cavity. Three months after the procedure, the area of ...

Can the risk of secondary cancer induction after breast conserving therapy be reduced using intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) with low-energy x-rays?

Radiation Oncology — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The calculations for maximal doses and volumes of OAR suggest that the risk of secondary cancer induction after IORT is lower than compared to APBI and EBRT. (Source: Radiation Oncology)

Spinal radiosurgery - efficacy and safety after prior conventional radiotherapy

Radiation Oncology — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: By applying spinal radiosurgery relevant radiation doses can be limited to small parts of the myelon. This prevents myelopathic side effects and makes it an effective and safe treatment option for well-suited patients. Especially for previously irradiated patients with local failure or pain salvage SRS represents a valuable treatment option with high local control rates, low toxicity and significant pain reduction. (Source: Radiation Oncology)

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Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy with or without intraoperative radiotherapy for the treatment of resectable locally advanced gastric adenocarcinoma.

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Higher radiation dose may contribute to the improvement of local control, especially in the field encompassed by IOERT. The addition of IOERT to surgery and adjuvant chemoradiation deserves further investigation in a randomized trial. PMID: 22178689 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology)

Palliative radiation therapy for pulmonary metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma

Clinical and Experimental Metastasis — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:51:12 +0100

In conclusion, EBRT with ≤60 Gy appears to be a good palliative therapy with reasonable safety for patients with pulmonary metastases from HCC. However, large-scale randomized clinical trials will be necessary to confirm the therapeutic role of this method. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Research PaperPages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s10585-011-9442-4Authors Wei Jiang, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032 ChinaZhao-Chong Zeng, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032 ChinaJian-Ying Zhang, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032 ChinaJia Fan, Liver Cancer Institute, Zho...

Complications and Long-Term Results of Salvage Cystectomy After Failed Bladder Sparing Therapy for Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

The Journal of Urology — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Salvage cystectomy is associated with acceptable morbidity, although complication rates are slightly higher than for other cystectomy series. Immediate cystectomies have more cardiovascular/hematological complications while delayed cystectomies have more tissue healing complications. (Source: The Journal of Urology)

International Practice Survey on Palliative Lung Radiotherapy: Third International Consensus Workshop on Palliative Radiotherapy and Symptom Control.

Clinical Lung Cancer — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Various patient, tumor, treatment, and logistic factors are associated with the variable use and external beam dose fractionation of palliative lung treatments. The copublication of the ASTRO Guideline for Palliative Lung Cancer Care and International Workshop Consensus statements should assist clinicians by providing evidence-based care. PMID: 22169482 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Lung Cancer)

Single blind randomized Phase III trial to investigate the benefit of a focal lesion ablative microboost in prostate cancer (FLAME-trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Trials — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01168479 (Source: Trials)

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Editorial Comment

Urology — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Urologists are coming under close scrutiny by third-party payers and the government for their ownership of ancillary services, including laboratory services such as blood work and pathology, imaging equipment, treatment facilities including surgicenters, lithotripters, and intensity-modulated radiation therapy. These relationships have not gone unnoticed in the lay press and are frequently recounted on the front pages of the nation's more prominent newspapers. In this article, Hollingsworth and colleagues at the University of Michigan looked at whether urologist investment in lithotripters in the state of Michigan changed practice patterns, specifically with regard to ureteroscopy (URS) and shock wave lithotripsy (SWL). The authors queried the state's ambulatory surgery database to perform...

Effect of Socio-Economic Factors on Delayed Access to Health Care among Chinese Cervical Cancer Patients with Late Rectal Complications after Radiotherapy.

Gynecologic Oncology — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Delayed reporting and late-stage presentation of late rectal sequelae are more prevalent among Chinese cervical cancer patients with 55years or older, low education, poor marital status, or poor financial status. Effective social support and educational programs should be implemented to encourage these patients to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. PMID: 22138228 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Gynecologic Oncology)

Hydroxyurea for recurrent surgery and radiation refractory high-grade meningioma

Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:54:49 +0100

Abstract Hydroxyurea (HU), an orally administered chemotherapy, has become the de facto standard chemotherapeutic agent in patients with surgically and radiation refractory meningiomas based on a limited literature. A retrospective case series of 35 patients with recurrent WHO Grade 2 (n = 22) or 3 (n = 13) meningioma treated with HU following progression after surgery and radiotherapy was collated with primary study objectives of overall response rate, median and progression free survival (PFS) at 6-months. Thirty-five patients (25 women; 10 men: median age 63 years, range 34–86) with recurrent high-grade meningioma were treated with HU (1,000 mg/m2 orally divided twice per day; one cycle operationally defined as 4 weeks of daily HU). Pat...

External Radiation, Brachytherapy Effective in Prostate CancerExternal Radiation, Brachytherapy Effective in Prostate Cancer

Medscape Hematology-Oncology Headlines — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:21:56 +0100

Ten-year survival rates are high when patients with unfavorable localized prostate cancer are treated with external beam radiotherapy boosted with conformal high-dose-rate brachytherapy. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Hematology-Oncology Headlines)

S0356: A Phase II Clinical and Prospective Molecular Trial With Oxaliplatin, Fluorouracil, and External-Beam Radiation Therapy Before Surgery for Patients With Esophageal Adenocarcinoma [Gastrointestinal Cancer]

Journal of Clinical Oncology — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Neoadjuvant oxaliplatin, PI-FU, and EBRT for esophageal adenocarcinoma is active and tolerable. Because the regimen failed to meet the primary end point, it does not define a new standard. However, future trials can be built on this platform to validate the role of ERCC-1 in determining the best systemic regimen for individual patients. (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

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Radiotherapy: technical aspects

Medicine — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 02:35:24 +0100

Abstract: Radiotherapy is involved in the treatment of at least 40% of cancer patients. Whereas palliative radiotherapy is typically given over 1–10 treatments, radical treatments can extend over 4–8 weeks. Radiation is delivered using external beam machines or by inserting radioactive isotopes. Localization of tumours has been transformed with spiral computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography scanning. Modern imaging, computing and delivery systems have led to dramatic improvements in external-beam radiotherapy such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) increases accuracy by imaging moving targets during treatment. Stereotactic radiotherapy allows very high doses to be delivered very precisely in a small numb...

Radiotherapy: practical applications and clinical aspects

Medicine — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 02:35:24 +0100

This article will describe the role of radiation therapy in various clinical situations, including the side effects of treatment. (Source: Medicine)

Endometrial cancer - reduce to the minimum. A new paradigm for adjuvant treatments?

Radiation Oncology — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Recent data from randomised trials indicate that external beam radiation therapy - particularly in combination with extended lymph node dissection - or radical lymph node dissection increases toxicity without any improvement of overall survival rates. Thus, reduced surgical aggressiveness and limitation of radiotherapy to vaginal-vault-brachytherapy only is sufficient for most cases of early stage endometrial cancer. (Source: Radiation Oncology)

Dependence of intrafraction motion on fraction duration for pediatric patients with brain tumors.

Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 18:48:02 +0100

Authors: Beltran C, Merchant TE Abstract The purpose of this study was to quantify the intrafraction motion of pediatric patients with brain tumors during radiation therapy and investigate any correlation between motion, use of general anesthesia, and daily treatment duration. 100 pediatric patients with a mean age of 8.5 years (range: 1.0 to 17.8) were included in this prospective study. Forty-one patients required general anesthesia during treatment, mean age 4.8 years; 59 patients did not, mean age 11.2 years. Each patient had an intracranial tumor and was treated in the supine position with a thermoplastic facemask and headrest for immobilization. A pretreatment localization CBCT was acquired for each treatment fraction and a post-treatment CBCT was acquired every other fractio...

The impact of uncertainties associated with MammoSite brachytherapy on the dose distribution in the breast.

Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 18:48:02 +0100

This study also combines the impact of these uncertainties on the MammoSite treatment efficacy. The current study demonstrates that the combined uncertainties associated with the MammoSite brachytherapy technique - up to the value of 2 mm balloon deformation, 1 mm source deviation, and 15% contrast concentration - have no impact on the tumor control probability. PMID: 22089003 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics)

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Factors Influencing Urinary Symptoms 10 Years After Permanent Prostate Seed Implantation

The Journal of Urology — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Purpose: We investigated the factors that influenced urinary symptoms in the first 10 years after prostate brachytherapy.Materials and Methods: A total of 1,932 men were treated with prostate brachytherapy alone or with external beam irradiation and followed a mean of 6.8 years. The influence of pretreatment American Urological Association symptom score (7 or less, 8 to 19, 20 or greater), external beam radiotherapy, 125I or 103Pd, biological effective dose, age, prostate size and hormone therapy on the change in American Urological Association symptom score (11,491) was compared.Results: The mean change from initial score (7.4) was 11.4, 5.5, 3.3, 2.7, 1.5, 1.2, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1.3 and 1.4 points at 3, 6 months and 1 to 10 years, respectively (p (Source: The Journal of Urology)

Patterns of imaging failures in glioblastoma patients treated with chemoradiation: a retrospective study

Medical Oncology — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:59:29 +0100

This study sought to investigate recurrence patterns of GBM treated with temozolomide-based chemoradiation. Records for 31 patients treated for newly diagnosed GBM between 2007 and 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. Ten patients received maximal surgical resection followed by conventionally fractionated radiation (CFR) to a median dose of 60 Gy with concurrent and planned adjuvant temozolomide. Twelve patients were treated with maximal surgical debulking, intracavitary brachytherapy (ICB), and external beam radiation therapy with concurrent and planned adjuvant temozolomide. The remaining 9 patients had unresectable disease and underwent biopsy followed by a hypofractionated course of radiation to a median dose of 60 Gy over 10 fractions. Tumor failure was classified as l...

Clinical features and prognostic factors in patients with bone metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation

BMC Cancer — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The prognostic factors of bone metastases of HCC following LT are KPS and well-controlled intrahepatic. Even though survival is shorter for these patients, EBRT provides effective palliation of pain. (Source: BMC Cancer)

A simple plan evaluation index based on the dose to critical structures in radiotherapy

Journal of Medical Physics — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, a simple index, Plan Normal tissue complication Index (PNI) has been proposed for treatment plan evaluation based on the dose to surrounding critical structures. To demonstrate the proposed index, four different critical treatment sites that include the prostate, upper abdominal cancer, lung, and head and neck were selected for this study. A software progam (PNIcalc) has been developed to compute the PNI from the exported dose-volume histogram data and from the tissue tolerance data published by Emami et al. and Kehwar et al. The software also shows the parameters that exceed the threshold limits of dose-volume parameters presented in the QUANTEC recommendations (2010). In all the studied cases, PNI gave an overall picture of the dose received by the critical structures and ...

Obesity is associated with castration‐resistant disease and metastasis in men treated with androgen deprivation therapy after radical prostatectomy: results from the SEARCH database

BJU International — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS• Among men treated with early ADT, our results suggest that obese men may have increased risk of PC progression.• These data support the general hypothesis that obesity is associated with aggressive PC, although validation of these findings and further study of the mechanisms linking obesity and poor PC outcomes are required. (Source: BJU International)

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Comprehensive approach to restoration of function in patients with radiation‐induced pharyngoesophageal stenosis: Report of 31 patients and proposal of new classification scheme

Head and Neck — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionClassification of posttreatment stenoses has been applied to this patient group. It is effective in defining the problem and considerations related to treatment planning and surgical access when augmentation pharyngoplasty is required. Patients with an intact larynx have many issues that make recovery of function less consistent, despite segment restoration. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011 (Source: Head and Neck)

Cardiovascular comorbidity and treatment regret in men with recurrent prostate cancer

BJU International — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS• Among men with recurrent prostate cancer, those with cardiovascular comorbidity were >50% more likely to experience treatment regret than men without cardiovascular comorbidity.• These data provide a rationale for men with cardiovascular comorbidity to give additional consideration to active surveillance for their newly diagnosed prostate cancer. (Source: BJU International)

Olfactory Neuroblastoma Treated by Endoscopic Surgery Followed by Combined External Beam Radiation and Gamma Knife for Optic Nerve and Chiasm Sparing: A Case Report

Advances in Pharmacological Sciences — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:04:48 +0100

We describe the multimodality treatment regimen of a 53-year-old man diagnosed with olfactory neuroblastoma (Kadish stage C) in the right nasal cavity extending into the ethmoid sinus and across the cribriform plate. Endoscopic surgery for tumor resection was followed by a combination of external beam radiotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery boost with concurrent chemotherapy. The novel combination of dual radiation therapies allowed for the preservation of the nearby optic structures while providing an adequate dosage to a sufficient volume of the afflicted tissue. (Source: Advances in Pharmacological Sciences)

Whole‐gland salvage high‐intensity focused ultrasound therapy for localized prostate cancer recurrence after external beam radiation therapy

Cancer — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:Salvage whole‐gland HIFU is a high‐risk procedure. Although its use in early cancer control is promising, strategies to better identify metastatic disease prior to salvage therapy and reduce local toxicity are needed to improve on this. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society. (Source: Cancer)

Aggressive Variants of Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Incidence, Characteristics and Predictors of Survival among 43,738 Patients

Annals of Surgical Oncology — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 06:47:21 +0100

Conclusions DSV and TCV are rare, increasing in incidence, and have a worse prognosis than classic PTC. Patients with these variants should be treated aggressively with thyroidectomy and radioiodine, regardless of tumor size. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Endocrine TumorsPages 1-7DOI 10.1245/s10434-011-2129-xAuthors Hadiza S. Kazaure, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USASanziana A. Roman, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USAJulie A. Sosa, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA Journal Annals of Surgical OncologyOnline ISSN 1534-4681Print ISSN 1068-9265 (Source: Annals of Surgical Oncology)

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Dosimetric comparison of three different external beam whole breast irradiation techniques.

Advances in Therapy — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: 2D-RT could not be performed safely on the intact breast in any of the subgroups. FiF-IMRT is a superior technique for breast dosimetry, and normal tissue. For patients with large breast size or separation, further intensive techniques must be investigated. PMID: 22076811 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Advances in Therapy)

Clinical radioimmunotherapy—the role of radiobiology

Nature Clinical Practice Oncology — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Clinical radioimmunotherapy—the role of radiobiology Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology 8, 720 (2011). doi:10.1038/nrclinonc.2011.160 Authors: Jean-Pierre Pouget, Isabelle Navarro-Teulon, Manuel Bardiès, Nicolas Chouin, Guillaume Cartron, André Pèlegrin & David Azria Conventional external-beam radiation therapy is dedicated to the treatment of localized disease, whereas radioimmunotherapy represents an innovative tool for the treatment of local or diffuse tumors. Radioimmunotherapy involves the administration of radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies that are directed specifically against tumor-associated antigens or against the tumor (Source: Nature Clinical Practice Oncology)

Atypia predicting prognosis for intracranial extraventricular neurocytomas.

Journal of Neurosurgery — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions There are at least 2 distinct histological subtypes of EVN, with different prognostic significances. Atypia or MIB-1 labeling index greater than 3% is a significant predictor of poor prognosis for EVNs. Complete resection or more aggressive attempts at providing adjuvant therapy following STR appear to improve the prognosis for patients with EVNs. Although the authors' results are informative, there are limitations to their analysis. Given the relatively modest total number of cases reported, as well as the nature of the disaggregated analysis, the authors were not able to use formal meta-analytical methods to limit the impact of between center heterogeneity. Additionally, they were not able to control for individual differences in data analysis and presentation across the dif...

Generalized Morphea after Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy

Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 01:31:20 +0100

We present a case of a 69-year-old woman who received external beam radiation for the treatment of breast cancer. Seven months later, she developed generalized morphea involving the area of irradiated skin of the breast as well as distant sites of the groin and distal lower extremity. Postirradiation morphea is an uncommon yet well-documented phenomenon, usually confined to the radiated site and the immediate surrounding tissue. To our knowledge, this is only the fourth reported case of morphea occurring distant from the radiation field. While most cases of postirradiation morphea have been shown to either resolve spontaneously or respond to topical corticosteroids, our patient required systemic therapy with methotrexate, which resulted in clinical improvement. With this paper, we hope to ...

Phase II trial of adjuvant pelvic radiation "sandwiched" between ifosfamide or ifosfamide plus cisplatin in women with uterine carcinosarcoma.

Gynecologic Oncology — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Ifosfamide "sandwiched" with RT appears to be an efficacious regimen for surgically staged CS patients with no residual disease, even in patients with advanced stage. The addition of cisplatin to the regimen added toxicity without improving efficacy. Even with ifosfamide alone, the efficacy of this 'sandwich' regimen comes with a moderate but tolerable toxicity profile. PMID: 22055846 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Gynecologic Oncology)

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Oesophageal cancer

Surgery (Medicine Publishing) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Carcinoma of the oesophagus remains one of the most challenging conditions confronting the surgeon today. Oesophagectomy is associated with the highest mortality of any elective general surgical procedure despite advances in perioperative care. Adenocarcinomas account for over two-thirds of oesophageal cancers in the UK, and their incidence has increased dramatically in the past few decades, particularly among white males. Early detection of symptomatic patients and endoscopic surveillance of high-risk groups (such as those with Barrett’s oesophagus) is essential because outcome is strongly dependent on the stage of disease. Accurate disease staging involves endoscopy, CT, endoscopic ultrasound, but may also include bone scintigraphy, PET CT, laparoscopy or endoscopic mucosal r...

Combined transperineal implant and external beam radiation for the treatment of prostate cancer: A large patient cohort in the community setting

Brachytherapy — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Combination treatment using brachytherapy and EBRT is well tolerated, with acceptable overall survival and bRFS rates and should be considered a standard treatment option for patients. Hormones should be considered for high-risk patients. (Source: Brachytherapy)

Pathologic effects of external-beam irradiation on human vocal folds.

The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Radiotherapy results in significant vocal fold tissue changes. Having more precisely defined these changes, we plan continued investigation seeking targeted preventive and therapeutic interventions for improved vocal quality following radiotherapy. PMID: 22224317 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology)

External-beam radiation therapy should be given with androgen deprivation treatment for intermediate-risk prostate cancer: new confirmatory evidence.

Asian Journal of Andrology — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Cooperberg MR PMID: 22036804 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Asian Journal of Andrology)

Infrasellar craniopharyngioma

Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: IC is rare (the present cases account for 0.23% of all retrieved cases). Its chief clinical manifestations include headache, nasal obstruction, polydipsia and polyuria, and visual disorder. Lesions include solid, cystic, and mixed cystic and solid types. It is very difficult to resect the whole diseased region because this disease invades the cranial base, nasal sinuses and nasopharynx. Individualized treatments should be used according to lesion characteristics and invasion range, for example, stereotaxic interstitial brachytherapy. Radical resection or partial resection plus external beam radiation therapy produces better prognosis in IC than intracranial craniopharyngioma. (Source: Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery)

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Prostate Cancer: Prediction of Biochemical Failure after External-Beam Radiation Therapy--Kattan Nomogram and Endorectal MR Imaging Estimation of Tumor Volume [Genitourinary Imaging]

Radiology — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: MR imaging data improve the prediction of biochemical failure with the Kattan nomogram after external-beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer. The number needed to image to improve the prediction of biochemical failure in one patient ranged from three to six. © RSNA, 2011 (Source: Radiology)

Clinical application of CT-guided 125I seed interstitial implantation for local recurrent rectal carcinoma

Radiation Oncology — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: CT-guided 125I seed implantation appeared to be a safe, useful and less complicated interventional treatment option for local recurrent rectal carcinoma . (Source: Radiation Oncology)

Continuing pursuit for ideal systemic anticancer radiotherapeutics

Investigational New Drugs — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:01:14 +0100

Summary Cancer is one of the major causes of death for non-transmissible chronic diseases worldwide. Conventional treatments including surgery, chemotherapy and external beam radiotherapy are generally far from curative. Complementary therapies are attempted for achieving more successful treatment response. Systemic targeted radiotherapy (STR) is a radiotherapeutic modality based on systemic administration of radioactive agents for selectively delivering high doses of energy to destroy cancer cells. For this purpose, diverse tumour-target specific agents including monoclonal antibodies (MoAb), MoAb fragments and peptides have been tested and some of them have already got FDA approval for clinical use. However, MoAbs and their tailored analogues have shown non-homogeneous t...

Bilateral Orbital Metastases from Breast Cancer: A Case Report of Successful Palliation Using Stereotactic Radiotherapy

The Breast Journal — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We present a case of bilateral orbital metastases from breast cancer successfully treated with stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT). A 38‐year‐old woman presented with decreased vision in the right eye for 3 weeks. Eight months previously, she underwent whole‐brain radiotherapy for multiple brain metastases from breast cancer. Visual acuity was hand motion, and the eyelid closed incompletely in the affected eye. Computed tomography scans showed a 3‐cm extraconal mass in the right orbit. She underwent temporary tarsorrhaphy followed by SRT. A total dose of 39 Gy was delivered to the right orbital mass in three daily fractions. Four months later, her visual function was normal in both eyes and the right orbital mass disappeared. A new lesion was detected in the left orbit. She underwe...

Primary Ewing’s sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the vagina in a 54-year-old woman: a case report

Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:01:57 +0100

Conclusion This is the oldest but virgin case, treated with radiation completely, of primitive neuroectodermal tumor located in the vagina reported in the literature. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory General GynecologyPages 1-3DOI 10.1007/s00404-011-2084-6Authors Xiaoyan Pang, Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 Liaoning, People’s Republic of ChinaPan Chen, Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 Liaoning, People’s Republic of ChinaFang Wen, Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 Liaoning, People’s Republic of ChinaYi Zhang, Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliate...

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Two-piece customized mold technique for high-dose-rate brachytherapy on cancers of the buccal mucosa and lip

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our technique is a viable therapeutic option for patients with buccal and lip carcinomas for whom the therapeutic modalities are limited by age, performance status, and other factors. (Source: Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics)

Biochemical outcome after high‐dose‐rate intensity modulated brachytherapy with external beam radiotherapy: 12 years of experience

BJU International — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION• The 10‐year results confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of EBRT with conformal HDR‐BT boost for patients with localised prostate cancer. (Source: BJU International)

ASTRO: Shorter Radiation Course Works in Prostate Cancer (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Urology — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 20:39:36 +0100

MIAMI (MedPage Today) -- At five years, men with prostate cancer treated with higher doses of external beam radiation in a shorter period of time did as well as men given conventional radiation treatment, researchers reported here. (Source: MedPage Today Urology)

Using linked routinely collected health data to describe prostate cancer treatment in New South Wales, Australia: a validation study

BMC Health Services Research — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Cancer Registry and hospital inpatient data accurately captured radical prostatectomy and brachytherapy treatment, but not external beam radiotherapy or disease stage. Medicare claims data substantially improved the accuracy with which all major treatments were recorded. These administrative data combined are valid for population-based studies of some aspects of prostate cancer care. (Source: BMC Health Services Research)

Inferior vena cava graft-enteric fistula after extended hepatectomy with caval replacement

Journal of Vascular Surgery — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

A case of an inferior vena cava (IVC) graft-enteric fistula manifesting with recurrent sepsis 11 years after a right hepatectomy extending to segments I and IV, the extrahepatic bile duct, and IVC followed by chemotherapy and external-beam radiation therapy is described. A preoperative workup revealed graft thrombosis with air bubbles inside the lumen. Laparotomy found a chronic fistula between the graft and the enteric biliary loop. Removal of the graft without further vascular reconstruction, a take-down of the biliary loop, and a redo hepaticojejunostomy were performed successfully. The diagnostic challenges, possible etiology, and therapeutic implications of this case are discussed. (Source: Journal of Vascular Surgery)

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ASTRO: Toxicity Low for Partial Breast Radiation (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 20:59:51 +0100

MIAMI BEACH (MedPage Today) -- Toxicities associated with 3-D conformal external beam radiotherapy for early-stage breast cancer remain low, a large study showed. (Source: MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology)

High‐grade invasive urothelial carcinoma with focal plasmacytoid differentiation successfully treated by transurethral resection followed by chemoradiotherapy

International Journal of Urology — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We report a case of high‐grade invasive urothelial carcinoma with plasmacytoid differentiation of the urinary bladder. A 75‐year‐old woman was referred to our hospital because of macroscopic hematuria. Cystoscopy detected a solid pedunculated bladder tumor, and a transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TUR‐Bt) and the image findings showed pT1N0M0 bladder cancer. The histopathological examination revealed the coexistence of a large component of high‐grade invasive urothelial carcinoma and a small component of plasmacytoid carcinoma. Following the TUR‐Bt, external beam radiotherapy and chemotherapy with gemcitabine and nedaplatin were carried out. The bladder tumor has not recurred for 2 years after the TUR‐Bt. (Source: International Journal of Urology)

In vivo dosimetry with optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters, OSLDs, compared to diodes; the effects of buildup cap thickness and fabrication material.

Medical Physics — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: OSLDs and diodes with appropriate buildup caps can be used to measure dose on the surface of a patient and predict the delivered dose to depth dmax in a range of ±1.3% for 100 cGy. The buildup cap: can be fabricated from any material examined in this work, is best with wall thickness dmax, and causes a perturbation to the delivered dose of 4%-7% when the wall thickness is dmax. OSLDs and diodes with buildup caps can both give accurate measurements of delivered dose. PMID: 21992362 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Medical Physics)

Design, manufacture, and evaluation of an anthropomorphic pelvic phantom purpose-built for radiotherapy dosimetric intercomparison.

Medical Physics — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The phantom constructed for the present study incorporates all characteristics necessary for accurate Level III intercomparison studies. Following use in an extensive Level III dosimetric comparison over a large time scale and geographic area, the phantom retained mechanical stability and did not show signs of radiation-induced degradation. PMID: 21992351 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Medical Physics)

Localised prostate cancer - current treatment options.

Australian Family Physician — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This article outlines the grading and staging of localised prostate cancer and explores the role of each of the treatment options currently available. Discussion Treatment selection in localised prostate cancer depends on life expectancy and comorbidities, risk adapted assessment and patient preference. Risk assessment depends on the grade, stage and prostate specific antigen. Options for treatment of localised prostate cancer include active surveillance, radical prostatectomy, curative external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy. Androgen deprivation therapy in combination with radiation therapy has been shown to increase survival in men with high and high/intermediate risk of occult metastases. Survival rates are essentially equivalent for each modality and are over 90% at 10 years...

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Early Complications of High-dose-rate Brachytherapy in Soft Tissue Sarcoma: A Comparison With Traditional External-beam Radiotherapy.

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: High-dose-rate brachytherapy decreases radiation exposure and allows shorter duration of treatment compared with traditional external-beam radiotherapy but has a higher perioperative wound complication rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. PMID: 21960155 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research)

A randomized controlled trial to investigate the influence of low dose radiotherapy on immune stimulatory effects in liver metastases of colorectal cancer

BMC Cancer — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

DiscussionThis is a randomized controlled patient blinded trial to assess the safety and efficiency of low dose radiotherapy on metastases infiltrating T cells and thus potentially enhance the antitumor immune response.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov - NCT01191632 (Source: BMC Cancer)

Ruthenium-106 Plaque Therapy for Diffuse Choroidal Hemangioma in Sturge-Weber Syndrome

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:39:49 +0100

We present our observations on two cases of diffuse choroidal hemangiomas with exudative retinal detachment associated with SWS treated with Ruthenium-106 plaque therapy. Outcomes included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and regression in tumor thickness measured by ultrasonography. The initial BCVA of the affected eyes was counting fingers at 1 meter and light projection. Pretreatment tumors thickness was 3.5 mm and 4.7 mm. In a follow-up period of 18–24 months, significant reduction in thickness of choroidal hemangiomas up to 1.2 mm and 1.4 mm with prompt resolution of exudative retinal detachment was observed. BCVA achieved 20/200 and 20/400, respectively. The findings in this paper indicate that Ruthenium-106 plaque therapy is effective in treatmen...

Randomized Phase III Trial of Sequential Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy With or Without Erythropoietin Alfa in Patients With High-Risk Cervical Cancer: Results of the NOGGO-AGO Intergroup Study [Gynecologic Cancer]

Journal of Clinical Oncology — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion This study confirms that EPO can be added safely to CRT in patients with cervical cancer, but it failed to demonstrate a significant benefit in RFS and OS. (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

Important Questions About Radiation Therapy

About.com Prostate Cancer — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Radiation therapy is a widely used treatment for prostate cancer. Radiation therapy can be administered from outside the body (external beam radiation therapy) or from inside the body (brachytherapy). What are the important questions about radiation therapy? (Source: About.com Prostate Cancer)

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Radiotherapy for prolactin-secreting pituitary tumors

Pituitary — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 05:46:12 +0100

Abstract Review the medical and surgical management of patients with prolactinomas and provide an in-depth appraisal of the role of radiotherapy in the treatment of prolactinomas. A thorough review of the pertinent literature was carried out and relevant topics were identified. Topics covered in this comprehensive review include: indications for the use of radiotherapy, choice between conventional radiotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery, as well as the benefits and potential complications associated with each modality. Due to the excellent response rates with medical management, and rapid symptom relief afforded by resection or debulking surgery in patients who do not respond or tolerate medical therapy, radiotherapy is reserved for patients who do not respond to dopami...

The role of surgery in high‐risk localised prostate cancer

BJU International — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

• The optimal management of high‐risk localised prostate cancer is a major challenge for urologists and oncologists. It is clear that multimodal therapy including radical local treatment is needed in these men to achieve the best outcomes.• External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is an essential component of therapy either as a primary or adjuvant treatment. However, the role of radical prostatectomy (RP) is more controversial. Both methods are currently valid therapy options.• There have been many individual studies of EBRT and RP in high‐risk disease, but no good quality large prospective randomized trials.• In EBRT, combination with neoadjuvant plus long‐term adjuvant androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT) has been conclusively shown to improve outcomes and is widely consi...

Chemoradiotherapy for maxillary sinus adenoid cystic carcinoma using superselective intra‐arterial infusion via a superficial temporal artery

Head and Neck — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

ConclusionConcurrent chemoradiotherapy using superselective intra‐arterial infusion is a potential option for patients with unresectable maxillary ACC. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011 (Source: Head and Neck)

Charged-Particle Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Seminars in Radiation Oncology — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:10:08 +0100

Historically, the use of external-beam radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been limited by toxicity to the uninvolved liver and surrounding structures. Advances in photon radiotherapy have improved dose conformality to the tumor and facilitated dose escalation, a key contributor to improved HCC radiation treatment outcomes. However, despite these advances in photon radiotherapy, significant volumes of liver still receive low doses of radiation that can preclude dose escalation, particularly in patients with limited functional liver reserves. By capitalizing on the lack of exit dose along the beam path beyond the tumor and higher biological effectiveness, charged-particle therapy offers the promise of maximizing tumor control via dose escalation without excessive liver toxic...

Complications After 1000 Lung Radiofrequency Ablation Sessions in 420 Patients: A Single Center's Experiences

American Journal of Roentgenology — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION. Lung RFA is a relatively safe procedure, but it can be fatal. Risk factors found in this study will help to stratify high-risk patients. (Source: American Journal of Roentgenology)

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Accelerated Hypofractionated Adjuvant Whole Breast Radiotherapy with Concomitant Photon Boost after Conserving Surgery for Early Stage Breast Cancer: A Prospective Evaluation on 463 Patients

The Breast Journal — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Abstract: The current standard therapeutic option for early stage breast cancer (EBC) employs a multimodality treatment approach including conservative surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. The most common adjuvant radiotherapeutic strategy consists of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) delivered to the whole breast using 1.8–2 Gy fractions given five times a week, up to a total dose of 45–50 Gy over a period of 5 weeks. In recent years, altered schedules employing larger dose per fraction delivered in fewer treatment sessions over a shorter overall treatment time began to be explored. We herein present clinical data on accelerated hypofractionated adjuvant whole‐breast radiotherapy delivered on a daily basis for a total treatment time of 20 fractions...

Synchronous bilateral squamous cell carcinoma of the lung successfully treated using intensity-modulated radiotherapy.

The British Journal of Radiology — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We present a case of synchronous bilateral inoperable lung cancer which required treatment with external beam radiotherapy to a radical dose. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) was used. More conformal dose distribution within the planning target volume was obtained using IMRT than the conventional technique. Dose-volume constraints defined for the lungs were met. Treatment was subsequently delivered using a 7-field IMRT plan. The patient remains alive and disease-free 48 months after the completion of radiotherapy. IMRT can be considered an effective treatment for synchronous bilateral lung cancer. PMID: 21937610 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The British Journal of Radiology)

Is single fraction 15Gy the preferred high dose-rate brachytherapy boost dose for prostate cancer?

Radiotherapy and Oncology — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The Single Fraction HDR protocol results in high disease control rate and low toxicity similar to our previous protocol using two HDR insertions, with significant savings in resources. While mature results with longer follow-up are awaited, a single 15Gy may be considered as a standard fractionation regimen in combination with EBRT for men with intermediate risk disease. (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology)

Local recurrences in cervical cancer patients in the setting of image-guided brachytherapy: A comparison of spatial dose distribution within a matched-pair analysis

Radiotherapy and Oncology — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This study examines the dose distribution within the HR CTV and intermediate (IR) CTV in patients with cervical cancer treated with definitive EBRT +/− concomitant chemotherapy and MRI-based IGABT between patients with local recurrence (LR) and patients in continuous complete local remission (CCLR).Material and methods: From 1998 to 2010, 265 patients were treated with definitive EBRT +/− concomitant chemotherapy and IGABT. Twenty-four LRs were documented. For the statistical analysis all patients with LR were matched to patients in CCLR from our database according to the following criteria: FIGO stage, histology, lymph node status, tumour size and chemotherapy.DVH parameters (D50, D90, D98, D100) were reported for HR CTV and IR CTV. In order to report the minimum dose in the region wh...

Image and laparoscopic guided interstitial brachytherapy for locally advanced primary or recurrent gynaecological cancer using the adaptive GEC ESTRO target concept

Radiotherapy and Oncology — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Image and laparoscopic guided interstitial PDR-BT using the GEC ESTRO target concept is applicable for locally advanced primary vaginal or recurrent endometrial and cervical cancer resulting in an excellent local control rate and limited morbidity. (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology)

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Efficacy and safety of intraoperative radiotherapy in breast cancer: A systematic review

Cancer Letters — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) for early breast cancer through a systematic review. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Most studies assessed the combined treatment with IORT (10–24Gy) and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) (45–50Gy) on early stage breast cancer (T0–2). Local control was over 95% for 1 and 4years of follow-up and the 5-year overall survival was 99%. The TARGIT-A study found a similar survival comparing IORT with standard treatment. The incidence of acute and chronic complications was scarce. IORT is well tolerated by patients and acute and late toxicities are low. There are no differences in survival for IORT treated patients versus standard treatment. (Source: Cancer Letters)

Lymphadenectomy influences the utilization of adjuvant radiation treatment for endometrial cancer

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Women who undergo lymphadenectomy are less likely to receive whole pelvic radiotherapy. (Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Image and laparoscopic guided interstitial brachytherapy for locally advanced primary or recurrent gynaecological cancer using the adaptive GEC ESTRO target concept.

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Image and laparoscopic guided interstitial PDR-BT using the GEC ESTRO target concept is applicable for locally advanced primary vaginal or recurrent endometrial and cervical cancer resulting in an excellent local control rate and limited morbidity. PMID: 21924784 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology)

Is single fraction 15Gy the preferred high dose-rate brachytherapy boost dose for prostate cancer?

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The Single Fraction HDR protocol results in high disease control rate and low toxicity similar to our previous protocol using two HDR insertions, with significant savings in resources. While mature results with longer follow-up are awaited, a single 15Gy may be considered as a standard fractionation regimen in combination with EBRT for men with intermediate risk disease. PMID: 21924511 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology)

Local recurrences in cervical cancer patients in the setting of image-guided brachytherapy: A comparison of spatial dose distribution within a matched-pair analysis.

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated significant differences in local outcome according to the delivered dose. In 85% of the LRs systematic low dose regions with less than 87Gy were found at HR CTV contour. Systematic low dose regions leading to local recurrence could be detected even if a D90 HR CTV ⩾87Gy was applied. In addition to DVH parameters, inspection of the spatial dose distribution remains a key point in dose prescription. PMID: 21924510 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology)

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A descriptive study of functions, symptoms, and perceived health state after radiotherapy for prostate cancer.

European Journal of Oncology Nursing — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that prostate cancer treatment presents a challenge with regard to symptom experiences and perceived health state in men with prostate cancer. Therefore, strategies for patient education to assist men to cope with their symptoms and to provide them with support in the initial weeks following treatment are discussed. PMID: 21920818 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Oncology Nursing)

Three-dimensional High Dose Rate Intracavitary Image-guided Brachytherapy for the Treatment of Cervical Cancer Using a Hybrid Magnetic Resonance Imaging/Computed Tomography Approach: Feasibility and Early Results

Clinical Oncology — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This is the first report of three-dimensional high dose rate IGBT for the treatment of cervical cancer using a hybrid MRI/CT approach. Early results have shown the feasibility of this approach with excellent local control. Additional studies are needed to assess long-term outcomes of local control and associated morbidities. (Source: Clinical Oncology)

Thyroarytenoid muscle and vocal fry: a literature review

Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Fonoaudiologia — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 07:31:57 +0100

O trabalho do fonoaudiólogo utiliza-se de exercícios vocais como o som basal (SB), que se origina da grande atividade contrátil do músculo laríngeo intrínseco tiroaritenoideo (TA). O objetivo deste estudo foi revisar a literatura relacionada ao TA e ao SB. Realizou-se levantamento bibliográfico dos últimos 20 anos sobre o assunto nas bases de dados LILACS, SciELO, PubMed, Web of Science e Google Scholar. Verificou-se que o feixe interno do TA apresenta fibras de contração lenta, isotônicas, resistentes à fadiga; o feixe externo apresenta fibras de contração rápida, fatigáveis, isométricas. O SB caracteriza-se pela percepção dos pulsos de vibração glótica durante a emissão nas frequências mais graves da tessitura vocal (crepitação em graves ou vocal fry), principal...

Measuring quality of life in dysphonic patients: a systematic review of content development in patient-reported outcomes measures

Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Fonoaudiologia — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 07:31:57 +0100

Coordination between posture and phonation in vocal effort behavior

Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Fonoaudiologia — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 07:31:57 +0100

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Vocal and speech acoustic measures, perceptual-auditory analysis and communication self-evaluation in dysarthrias

Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Fonoaudiologia — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 07:31:57 +0100

Primary radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy in non‐metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective study

Diseases of the Esophagus — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

[Influence of daily set-up errors on dose distribution during pelvis radiotherapy].

Arhiv za Higijenu Rada i Toksikologiju — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kasabašić M, Rajevac V, Jurković S, Ivković A, Sobat H, Faj D Abstract An external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) using megavoltage beam of linear accelerator is usually the treatment of choice in cancer patients. The goal of EBRT is to deliver the prescribed dose to the target volume, with as low as possible dose to the surrounding healthy tissue. A large number of procedures and different professions involved in radiotherapy, uncertainty of equipment and daily patient set-up errors can cause a difference between the planned and delivered dose.We investigated a part of this difference caused by measuring daily patient set-up errors for 35 patients. These set-up errors were simulated on five patients, using 3D treatment planning software XiO. The simulation investigated diff...

Re: Miocinovic et al.: Avoiding Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Men With High-risk Prostate Cancer: the Role of Radical Prostatectomy as Initial Treatment. (Urology 2011;77:946-950)

Urology — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:02:37 +0100

We read with interest the recent publication by Miocinovic et al. In light of the increasing weight of evidence surrounding the toxic effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), this article examines perhaps the most important clinical dilemma facing clinicians directed at high-risk localized prostate cancer. Although once perceived as the easiest option for the patient (and perhaps also the clinician), the combination of external-beam radiotherapy and ADT should no longer be considered the automatic gold standard therapy for men with high-risk disease. While highlighting the avoidance of ADT, Miocinovic et al also clearly demonstrate the success that can be achieved by initiating a strategy of multimodal therapy with radical surgery. Deferral or avoidance of ADT should perhaps now be c...

External beam radiotherapy combined with intraluminal brachytherapy in esophageal carcinoma.

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Curatively intended radiotherapy alone can be offered to esophageal cancer patients, even when surgery and/or chemotherapy are not feasible. However, we observed severe toxicity in a substantial part of the patients. Given the relatively high rate of severe complications and the uncertainties regarding dose escalation, the addition of brachytherapy, with consequently high surface doses, should be limited to well-selected patients. PMID: 21885139 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology)

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American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria® — Locally Advanced (High-risk) Prostate Cancer

Clinical Oncology — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Abstract: The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every 2 years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances where evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment. This review focuses on locally advanced prostate cancer and the evidence for treatment outcomes, both toxicity and efficacy, across the three major treatment modalities of external beam ra...

A Consensus-based Guideline Defining Clinical Target Volume for Primary Disease in External Beam Radiotherapy for Intact Uterine Cervical Cancer

Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions A consensus-based guideline defining the clinical target volume primary was developed for external beam radiotherapy for intact uterine cervical cancer. This guideline will serve as a template for radiotherapy protocols in future clinical trials. It may also be used in actual clinical practice in the setting of highly precise external beam radiotherapy, including intensity-modulated radiotherapy. (Source: Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology)

Interval to biochemical failure as a biomarker for cause‐specific and overall survival after dose‐escalated external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer

Cancer — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:The relation between the interval to biochemical failure, CSS, and OS was independently validated in patients treated with dose‐escalated EBRT. Further evaluation of the interval to biochemical failure as a surrogate endpoint is warranted. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society. (Source: Cancer)

Residual setup errors and dose variations with less-than-daily image guided patient setup in external beam radiotherapy for esophageal cancer.

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Substantial residual setup errors would occur for treatment fractions without IG even if the most frequent less-than-daily IG strategy was to be used, which could lead to significant daily dose variations for the target volume and adjacent normal tissues. Daily image guidance is recommended throughout the course of treatment in conformal radiotherapy for esophageal cancer. PMID: 21872956 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology)

Low risk prostate cancer in men ≥ 70 years old: To treat or not to treat.

Urologic Oncology — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Rice KR, Colombo ML, Wingate J, Chen Y, Cullen J, McLeod DG, Brassell SA Abstract OBJECTIVES: Prostate cancer (CaP) in the aging male will become an increasingly important and controversial health care issue. We evaluated the outcomes between a variety of treatments for low-risk CaP in patients 70 years of age and older. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 3,650 men diagnosed with CaP between 1989 and 2009 were identified in the Center for Prostate Disease Research database to be 70 years of age or older at time of diagnosis. Of these patients, 770 men met the D'Amico criteria ([13]) for low-risk disease and were treated with radical prostatectomy, external beam radiation therapy, or watchful waiting. Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare clinicopathologic feat...

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Treating intermediate-risk prostate cancer with hypofractionated external beam radiotherapy alone

Radiotherapy and Oncology — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: HyRT to a dose of 66Gy in 22 fractions as a single treatment modality is convenient for patients and for the health care system and appears to provide similar results to other treatment choices. (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology)

Prostate Cancer: Prediction of Biochemical Failure after External-Beam Radiation Therapy-- Kattan Nomogram and Endorectal MR Imaging Estimation of Tumor Volume [Genitourinary Imaging]

Continuous Publishing articles — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Differentiating osteoradionecrosis from nasopharyngeal carcinoma tumour recurrence using 99Tcm-sestamibi SPECT/CT.

The British Journal of Radiology — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 01:25:38 +0100

We present a case where (99)Tc(m)-sestamibi SPECT/CT was used to differentiate ORN from tumour recurrence and in which prior imaging using bone scintigraphy and fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT were equivocal. PMID: 21849357 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The British Journal of Radiology)

MRI-based pre-planning in patients with cervical cancer treated with three-dimensional brachytherapy.

The British Journal of Radiology — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 01:24:39 +0100

Conclusion: MRI-based pre-planning with consecutive CT/MRI data fusion is feasible and safe, with the advantage of increasing the dose to the tumour and decreasing the dose to the organs at risk. PMID: 21849368 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The British Journal of Radiology)

Incidence of second malignancies after external beam radiotherapy for clinical stage I testicular seminoma

BJU International — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS• We confirmed the increased risk of SPMs after EBRT for seminoma, and we identified the specific types of SPMs that develop.• The risk of EBRT‐associated SPM persists for years after the initial seminoma diagnosis, and patients should be informed about these long‐term risks. (Source: BJU International)

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Treating intermediate-risk prostate cancer with hypofractionated external beam radiotherapy alone.

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: HyRT to a dose of 66Gy in 22 fractions as a single treatment modality is convenient for patients and for the health care system and appears to provide similar results to other treatment choices. PMID: 21864925 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology)

Reirradiation of Head and Neck Cancer Focusing on Hypofractionated Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy

Radiation Oncology — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Reirradiation is a feasible option for patients who do not otherwise have treatment options available. Depending on the location and extent of the tumor, reirradiation may be accomplished with external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy, radiosurgery, or intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Although there has been limited experience with hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (hSRT), it may have the potential for curative or palliative treatment due to its advanced precision technology, particularly for limited small lesion. On the other hand, severe late adverse reactions are anticipated with reirradiation than with initial radiation therapy. The risk of severe late complications has been reported to be 20- 40% and is related to prior radiotherapy dose, primary site, retreatmen...

Stability of serrated gold coil markers in prostate localization*.

Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:44:13 +0100

Authors: Gates LL, Gladstone DJ, Kasibhatla MS, Marshall JF, Seigne JD, Hug E, Hartford AC Abstract We investigated the stability of serrated gold coils (Visicoil) implanted within the prostate glands of patients undergoing definitive external beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Radiopaque Visicoils of diameter 0.75 mm and median length 3cm (range 2-4 cm) were implanted, one into each lobe of the prostate glands of 30 patients planned for external beam treatment. The coils were visualized on CT simulation and again after 25 fractions of treatment (5WK). Data from 30 patients were studied, of whom 19 also received androgen ablation therapy. The average change in the distance between the two coils over five weeks of treatment was 0.8mm (± 0.6 mm), with a maximum of 2.5 mm in one ...

Influence of electron density spatial distribution and X-ray beam quality during CT simulation on dose calculation accuracy.

Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:44:13 +0100

Authors: Nobah A, Moftah B, Tomic N, Devic S Abstract Impact of the various kVp settings used during computed tomography (CT) simulation that provides data for heterogeneity corrected dose distribution calculations in patients undergoing external beam radiotherapy with either high-energy photon or electron beams have been investigated. The change of the Hounsfield Unit (HU) values due to the influence of kVp settings and geometrical distribution of various tissue substitute materials has also been studied. The impact of various kVp settings and electron density (ED) distribution on the accuracy of dose calculation in high-energy photon beams was found to be well within 2%. In the case of dose distributions obtained with a commercially available Monte Carlo dose calculation algorith...