MedWorm: Radiation Therapy

Fat injection reconstruction combo shows promise

Modern Medicine — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:47:51 +0100

A new technique involving injections of fat followed by implant placement may prove a viable alternative for breast cancer patients who have undergone radiation therapy. (Source: Modern Medicine)

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Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer: Benefits Overblown?Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer: Benefits Overblown?

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:18:43 +0100

A society for radiation oncologists touts new studies on the benefits of proton radiation therapy in prostate cancer, but is the evidence really solid? Dr. Gerald Chodak discusses the issue. Medscape Urology (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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)

Navigating Treatment Decisions

Kidney Cancer Association — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:54:52 +0100

This article focuses on treatment for clear cell disease, but some of these treatments are also appropriate for patients with non-clear cell disease. Some patients may have only a single metastatic tumor that can be removed by surgery. But most patients with metastatic disease have tumors in many parts of the body. In order to treat all of these tumors, patients are given systemic therapies, which are drugs that travel through the bloodstream and can directly reach cells throughout the body. Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that gives a boost to the immune system. The goal of immunotherapy is to help the patient’s immune system attack the cancer cells. Immunotherapy treatments have been available for decades and have generated renewed interest for treating metastatic RCC ...

A National Survey of the Availability of Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy and Stereotactic Radiosurgery in Canada

Radiation Oncology — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The survey showed a growing adoption of IMRT and SRS in Canada, although the latter was available in less than half of responding centers. Barriers to implementation differed for IMRT compared to SRS. Enhancing human resources is an important consideration in the implementation of new RT technologies, due to the multidisciplinary nature of the planning and treatment process. (Source: Radiation Oncology)

London Cancer New Drugs Group Rapid Review: SIRT WITH YTTRIUM-90 MICROSPHERES FOR THE THIRD LINE TREATMENT OF LIVER METASTASES FROM COLORECTAL CANCER

NeLM - Drug Specific Reviews — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Source: London Cancer New Drugs Group Area: Evidence > Drug Specific Reviews Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT; micro-brachytherapy or 'radio-embolisation') is used for the treatment of non-resectable hepatic metastases secondary to colorectal cancer, with limited or no extrahepatic disease. It may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy. It aims to deliver radiation directly into the metastases, minimising the risk of radiation damage to healthy surrounding tissues. Under local anaesthesia, glass or resin microspheres containing a small radioactive source (yttrium-90) designed to embolise into small vessels around the metastases, are injected into branches of the hepatic artery (usually via a percutaneous femoral approach). In this way the microspheres can be selec...

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Rhabdomyolysis after heterotopic ossification: an unusual complication in a spinal cord injured patient

European Spine Journal — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:37:04 +0100

Conclusions We report the case of our patient to increase awareness among physicians and training staff working with patients with a spinal cord injury to expedite the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis in the setting of HO and SCI. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportPages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s00586-012-2174-6Authors Mustafa Citak, Department of General and Trauma Surgery, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, GermanyEduardo M. Suero, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USAManuel Backhaus, Department of General and Trauma Surgery, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, GermanyRenate Meindl, Division...

Radiation port dermatophytosis: Tinea corporis occurring at the site of irradiated skin.

Dermatol Online J — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:54:18 +0100

Authors: Casamiquela KM, Cohen PR Abstract Radiation port dermatophytosis is the occurrence of tinea corporis within the area of radiation therapy delivery. A 68-year-old man, while receiving proton beam radiation for adenocarcinoma of the prostate, developed a dermatophyte infection in the area of the radiotherapy port. Including this patient, 4 patients with radiation port dermatophytosis have been reported in the world literature. The epidemiology, clinical manifestations, histopathology, diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment of this condition are discussed. The diagnosis of radiation port dermatophytosis may be missed because it is misinterpreted as radiation-induced dermatitis. Thus, it is possible that radiation port dermatophytosis may be more prevalent in patients receivin...

Postradiation Cutaneous Angiosarcoma After Breast CancerPostradiation Cutaneous Angiosarcoma After Breast Cancer

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0100

This study compared MYC expression in these patients with control cases. Modern Pathology (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Changes in lung tumor shape during respiration.

Physics in Medicine and Biology — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:37:48 +0100

Authors: Kyriakou E, McKenzie DR Abstract Evidence that some lung tumors change shape during respiration is derived from respiratory gated CT data by statistical shape modeling and image manipulation. Some tumors behave as rigid objects while others show systematic shape changes. Two views of lung motion are presented to allow analysis of the results. In the first, lung motion is viewed as a wave motion in which inertial effects arising from mass are present and in the second it is a quasistatic motion in which the mass of the lung tissues is neglected. In the first scenario, the extremes of tumor compression and expansion are expected to correlate with maximum upward and downward velocity of the tumor, respectively. In the second, they should occur at end exhale and end inhale, re...

PET after radiation therapy predicts NSCLC survival

AuntMinnie.com Headlines — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

PET can provide strong indicators of overall and disease-free survival among (more) (Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines)

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High dose stereotactic body radiotherapy using three fractions for colorectal oligometastases

Journal of Surgical Oncology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:15:32 +0100

ConclusionsHigh dose SBRT for colorectal oligometastases was found to produce results comparable with surgical series. To improve local control, dose higher than 48 Gy are recommend when possible, but further study will be required to define the optimal normal tissue constraints and acceptable toxicity. J. Surg. Oncol © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Journal of Surgical Oncology)

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)

IMRT Superior to Conventional Radiotherapy in Prostate CancerIMRT Superior to Conventional Radiotherapy in Prostate Cancer

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:18:36 +0100

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) was associated with fewer adverse effects and reduced disease recurrence than conformal radiation therapy. Benefits of proton-beam therapy remain unclear. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Defects In The Packaging Of DNA In Malignant Brain Tumors

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Glioblastomas grow extremely aggressively into healthy brain tissue and, moreover, are highly resistant to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Therefore, they are regarded as the most malignant type of brain tumor. Currently available treatment methods are frequently not very effective against this type of cancer. Glioblastoma can affect people of all ages, but is less common in children than in adults... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Brain metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma: Clinical features and prognostic factors

BMC Cancer — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: BM from HCC is rare and associated with an extremely poor prognosis. However, patients with a low RPA class may benefit from aggressive treatment. The clinical implication of extracranial metastases in HCC patients with BM needs further assessment. (Source: BMC Cancer)

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Stereotactic body radiation therapy for liver tumours using flattening filter free beam: dosimetric and technical considerations.

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

Purpose: To report the initial institute experience in terms of dosimetric and technical aspects in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) delivered using flattening filter free (FFF) beam in patients with liver lesions.Methods and Materials: From October 2010 to September 2011, 55 consecutive patients with 73 primary or metastatic hepatic lesions were treated with SBRT on TrueBeam using FFF beam and RapidArc technique. Clinical target volume (CTV) was defined on multi-phase CT scans, PET/CT, MRI, and 4D-CT. Dose prescription was 75Gy in 3 fractions to planning target volume (PTV). Constraints for organs at risk were: 700 cc of liver free from the 15Gy isodose, Dmax (Source: Radiation Oncology)

[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)

Chemotherapy alone improves long-term survival in Hodgkin's lymphoma

MedWire News - Oncology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Chemotherapy alone improves long-term survival in patients with stage IA or IIA nonbulky Hodgkin's lymphoma compared with treatment that includes both chemotherapy and subtotal nodal radiation therapy, research shows. (Source: MedWire News - Oncology)

Life Quality in Head and Neck Cancer Gets Lift from IMRT

MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0100

PHOENIX (MedPage Today) -- Intensity modulated radiation therapy was better than other treatments in boosting long-term quality of life in head-and-neck cancer patients, investigators reported here. (Source: MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology)

Brain Tumors in Children- Current Therapies and Newer Directions

Indian Journal of Pediatrics — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:47:55 +0100

Abstract Brain tumors are the second most common malignancy and the major cause of cancer related mortality in children. Though significant advances in neuroimaging, neurosurgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy have evolved over the years, overall survival rate remains less than 75%. Malignant gliomas, high risk medulloblastoma with recurrence and infant brain tumors continue to be a major cause of therapeutic frustration. Even today diffuse pontine gliomas are universally fatal. Though tumors like low grade glioma have an overall excellent survival, recurrences and progression in eloquent areas pose therapeutic challenges. As research continues to unravel the biology including key molecules and signaling pathways responsible for the oncogenesis of different childhood ...

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Oral Shield Cuts Radiation to Normal Tissue

MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0100

PHOENIX (MedPage Today) -- Patients with head and neck cancer had substantial sparing of oral mucosa when they used custom-made dental stents to shield normal tissue from radiation therapy, data from a small clinical series showed. (Source: MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology)

German hospital deploys IntraOp Mobetron for IOERT

Hospital Management — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Helios Berlin Buch, a German hospital, has deployed IntraOp Medical's Mobetron system for intra-operative electron radiation therapy (IOERT). (Source: Hospital Management)

Intraoperative Radiation Therapy

Cancercompass News: Breast Cancer — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

For selected patients IORT provides quick and precisely targeted treatment. (Source: Cancercompass News: Breast Cancer)

IMRT Slows Radiation-Related OsteoradionecrosisIMRT Slows Radiation-Related Osteoradionecrosis

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:58:28 +0100

Osteoradionecrosis appears delayed with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT); however, some complications still occur. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Identification of distinct subgroups of breast cancer patients based on self-reported changes in sleep disturbance

Supportive Care in Cancer — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:06:02 +0100

Conclusions A high percentage of women has significant sleep disturbance prior to surgery that persists during subsequent treatments (i.e., radiation therapy and chemotherapy). Clinicians need to perform routine assessments and initiate appropriate interventions to improve sleep prior to and following surgery. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00520-012-1381-3Authors Christina Van Onselen, Department of Physiological Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California, 2 Koret Way-N631Y, San Francisco, CA 94143-0610, USABruce A. Cooper, Department of Physiological Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California, 2 Koret Way-N631Y, San Francisco, CA 94143-0610, USAKathryn Lee, Department of Physiological Nursing, School ...

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Issue Highlights

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

In this study the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group-endorsed brachial plexus contouring atlas was used to guide three radiation oncologists to independently delineate this particular structure on treatment planning CT scans from representative head-and-neck cancer patients undergoing IMRT. Inter-observer differences were remarkably small and thus this atlas appears to provide a consistent set of guidelines for contouring with essentially no learning curve. (Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics)

Are the Results of RTOG 0617 Mysterious?

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

On June 17, 2011, two of the four arms in the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 0617 protocol were closed to accrual when a planned interim analysis showed that the higher radiation dose being tested, 74 Gy, could not produce an overall survival benefit compared with the lower, standard dose of 60 Gy . This four-arm study was designed to test radiation with carboplatin and paclitaxel, with or without cetuximab, for Stage III non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Survival was compared between the two 74-Gy groups and the two 60-Gy groups, and overall survival was found to be better in the lower dose groups (1-year overall survival rate, 70.4% in the 74-Gy groups vs. 81% in the 60-Gy groups—both respectable rates for this stage of disease). However, even though 17 patients died in th...

Dose Constraints to Prevent Radiation-Induced Brachial Plexopathy in Patients Treated for Lung Cancer

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

Conclusions: For lung cancers near the apical region, brachial plexopathy is a major concern for high-dose radiation therapy. We developed a computer-assisted image segmentation method that allows us to rapidly and consistently contour the brachial plexus and establish the dose limits to minimize the risk of brachial plexopathy. Our results could be used as a guideline in future prospective trials with high-dose radiation therapy for unresectable lung cancer. (Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics)

Validating Fiducial Markers for Image-Guided Radiation Therapy for Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation in Early-Stage Breast Cancer

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

Conclusion: Fiducial markers are stable throughout the course of APBI. Planning target volume margins when using bony landmarks should be 10 mm and can be reduced to 6 mm if using fiducials. (Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics)

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)

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Features of extramedullary myeloma relapse: high proliferation, minimal marrow involvement, adverse cytogenetics: a retrospective single-center study of 24 cases

Annals of Hematology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:32:07 +0100

Abstract Extramedullary (e) relapse in multiple myeloma (MM) has an adverse prognosis, but knowledge concerning biological features and preferred treatment is scarce. We screened the myeloma registry of our institution for eMM relapses and identified 24 cases among 357 patients (pts). Only 8% of eMM relapses occurred after initial therapy, but 54% occurred after third-line or subsequent therapy. Baseline molecular cytogenetics revealed high-risk features in 10 of 19 evaluable patients. Most frequently, eMM presented as soft tissue (67%) and organ involvement (25%) or malignant effusion (12.5%). Incidence of leptomeningeal/CNS involvement was 21%. At eMM relapse, bone marrow infiltration was absent in 46% and low in 21%. Ten eMM biopsies were available showing increased pro...

Angiosarcoma of skull in a pregnant woman: case report and review of the literature.

Turkish Neurosurgery — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:02 +0100

Authors: Samadian M, Rakhshan M, Haddadian K, Rezaei O, Zamani S, Khormaee F Abstract Angiosarcoma is a rare tumor of bone that uncommonly involves the skull. Primary neoplasms of the skull represent 2.6% of primary neoplasms of bone. We wish to report a case of angiosarcoma of he skull in an 18-year-old pregnant woman who presented with a rapidly growing left frontotemporal mass. Neuroimaging revealed a left frontotemporal mass with destruction of diploic space and both tables and with extension to the subgaleal and epidural spaces. The patient underwent surgery and the tumor was removed totally. Histological features of angiosarcoma were seen in the pathology study. She received adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy. She has remained well during 6 years of f...

Reoxygenation of Glioblastoma Multiforme Treated with Fractionated Radiotherapy Concomitant with Temozolomide: Changes Defined by 18F-fluoromisonidazole Positron Emission Tomography: Two Case Reports

Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Two glioblastoma multiforme patients underwent 18F-FMISO (fluoromisonidazole) positron emission tomography study to access the tumor oxygenation status before and immediately after fractionated radiotherapy concomitant with temozolomide chemotherapy. In both cases, a prominent 18F-FMISO tumor accumulation observed in the first study was notably decreased in the second study, which was supposed to be a reoxygenation of the tumor. As far as we investigated, this is the first report of the changes of oxygenation status in glioblastoma multiforme treated through radiation therapy with temozolomide. (Source: Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology)

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...

Modeling the Spatial Distribution of Chronic Tumor Hypoxia: Implications for Experimental and Clinical Studies

Advances in Pharmacological Sciences — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:41:46 +0100

Tumor oxygenation status is considered one of the important prognostic markers in cancer since it strongly influences the response of cancer cells to various treatments; in particular, to radiation therapy. Thus, a proper and accurate assessment of tumor oxygen distribution before the treatment may highly affect the outcome of the treatment. The heterogeneous nature of tumor hypoxia, mainly influenced by the complex tumor microenvironment, often makes its quantification very difficult. The usual methods used to measure tumor hypoxia are biomarkers and the polarographic needle electrode. Although these techniques may provide an acceptable assessment of hypoxia, they are invasive and may not always give a spatial distribution of hypoxia, which is very useful for treatment planning. An altern...

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Brain metastasis from colorectal cancer: Prognostic factors and survival

Journal of Surgical Oncology — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:15:24 +0100

ConclusionsThe prognosis of patients with BM from CRC was associated with the curability of the therapy for BM, number of metastatic organs, and the serum CEA level. The modality of treatment had no significant impact on the outcome. J. Surg. Oncol © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Journal of Surgical Oncology)

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)

[Comment] Adjuvant therapy for gastric cancer after D2 gastrectomy

LANCET — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Although adjuvant therapy for gastric cancer is known to improve prognosis, controversies remain about the choice of chemotherapeutic regimens, the use of radiation therapy, and the selection of patients who are likely to benefit from different therapies. Adjuvant therapy is used to eradicate potential micrometastases after curative surgery and, therefore, therapeutic strategies vary dependent on anticipated locoregional disease control after surgery, and by institution and country. It seems reasonable to apply adjuvant chemoradiotherapy, providing a combination of radiation therapy for local control and chemotherapy to achieve systemic control and radiosensitisation, to patients with less locoregional control; and systemic adjuvant chemotherapy to those with greater local control after su...

Palliative and Supportive Care in Acrometastasis to the Hand: Case Series

Indian Journal of Palliative Care — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Narendra Kumar, Ritesh Kumar, Anjan Bera, Pankaj Kumar, Shabab L Angurana, Sushmita Ghosal, Radhika Srinivasan, Suresh Chander SharmaIndian Journal of Palliative Care 2011 17(3):241-244Acrometastasis to the hand is an unusual presentation which might mimic an infectious, inflammatory, or a metabolic pathology. We herein describe a case series of three patients of acrometastasis to the hand. We encountered three cases of acrometastasis to the hand attending the departmental clinics from 2007 to 2010. The median age at presentation was noted to be 55 years. All were males. The primaries included squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, larynx, and esophagus. In two patients, acrometastasis was detected at presentation and in one it was detected 2 years postcompletion of radical therapy. Two pati...

Neuropathic pain due to fibromatosis: Does anticancer treatment help?

Indian Journal of Palliative Care — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report a patient with desmoid fibromatosis of the chest wall causing brachial plexus infiltration. As the tumor was locally invasive and unresectable, he was treated with radiation therapy and oral tamoxifen. On follow-up, there was significant pain relief, sustained reduction in the tumor size, and reduced analgesic requirement. Antineoplastic treatments like local radiation therapy and targeted systemic therapy with hormones or other agents can be considered in the management of selected unresectable desmoid fibromatosis to improve symptom control and reduce polypharmacy. (Source: Indian Journal of Palliative Care)

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Combined Therapy Results Mixed in High-Risk Head, Neck Cancer

MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:31:08 +0100

PHOENIX (MedPage Today) -- Adding chemotherapy to radiation therapy failed to improve disease control or survival in patients with high-risk head and neck cancer, long-term follow-up of a randomized trial showed. (Source: MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology)

IMRT offers better outcome for head/neck cancer patients

AuntMinnie.com Headlines — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:38:48 +0100

Patients treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for head (more) (Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines)

Accuray touts CyberKnife study

AuntMinnie.com Headlines — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:06:10 +0100

Radiation therapy firm Accuray said recent research found its CyberKnife robotic (more) (Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines)

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)

Severe left main coronary stenosis in a young female patient, 6 years after mediastinal radiation therapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma: assessment by coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound

Clinical Research in Cardiology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:53:45 +0100

Severe left main coronary stenosis in a young female patient, 6 years after mediastinal radiation therapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma: assessment by coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorsPages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s00392-012-0413-9Authors Grigorios Korosoglou, Department of Cardiology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, GermanyArnt V. Kristen, Department of Cardiology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, GermanyMartin Andrassy, Department of Cardiology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, GermanyHugo A. Katus, Department of Cardiology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, GermanyStefan E. Hardt, ...

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In HIV-Positive Patients, Standard Treatments For Head And Neck Cancer Are Less Effective

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

Radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy is less effective for patients with HIV when compared to the recurrence and overall survival rates in patients who do not have HIV, according to a study presented at the Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Symposium, sponsored by AHNS, ASCO, ASTRO and SNM. Treating head and neck cancer in HIV-positive patients is a challenge for oncologists. Because of the advancements in treating HIV, these patients are living much longer and therefore have a much higher chance of developing an HIV-related cancer... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Long-Term Positive Results From Radiation Plus Chemotherapy For Head And Neck Cancer Patients

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

A select subgroup of advanced head and neck cancer patients treated with radiation therapy plus the chemotherapy drug cisplatin had more positive outcomes than patients treated with radiation therapy alone and continued to show positive results 10 years post-treatment, according to a study presented at the Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Symposium, sponsored by AHNS, ASCO, ASTRO and SNM. Researchers analyzed two subgroups totaling 410 patients who had advanced head and neck cancer and received radiation therapy or radiation therapy plus cisplatin... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Side Effect Severity Predicted In Head And Neck Cancer Patients By Thermal Imaging To Detect Oral Temperature Changes

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

Slight temperature increases of the oral mucus membranes early in a head and neck cancer patient's chemotherapy and radiation therapy (chemoradiotherapy) treatment is a predictor of severe mucositis later in treatment, according to a study presented at the Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Symposium, sponsored by AHNS, ASCO, ASTRO and SNM. Mucositis, or mouth sores, is a common side effect of chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer that is painful and can be very severe... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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)

Study: IMRT boosts quality of life for head and neck cancer patients

Health Imaging News — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:30:17 +0100

Patients with head and neck cancers who have been treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) enjoy a better quality of life than those treated with 3D conformal radiation therapy, according to a study presented Jan. 27 at the Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Symposium in Phoenix. (Source: Health Imaging News)

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Critical discussion of evaluation parameters for inter-observer variability in target definition for radiation therapy

Strahlentherapie und Onkologie — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:00:41 +0100

Conclusion A combination of descriptive statistics, overlap measure, and statistical measure of agreement or reliability analysis is required to fully report the interrater variability in delineation. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original articlePages 160-167DOI 10.1007/s00066-011-0027-6Authors I. Fotina, Div. Medical Radiation Physics, Department of Radiotherapy, Medical University Vienna/AKH Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18–20, 1090 Vienna, AustriaC. Lütgendorf-Caucig, Div. Medical Radiation Physics, Department of Radiotherapy, Medical University Vienna/AKH Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18–20, 1090 Vienna, AustriaM. Stock, Div. Medical Radiation Physics, Department of Radiotherapy, Medical University Vienna/AKH Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18–20, 1090 Vienna...

Viability of full‐thickness skin grafts used for correction of cicatricial ectropion of lower eyelid in previously irradiated field in the periocular region

Head and Neck — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionOur findings suggest that full‐thickness skin grafts are a nice option for correction of cicatricial lower eyelid ectropion in a previously radiated field; 100% of the grafts survived. The majority of patients had improvement of ocular surface damage and symptoms, with a decreased dependence on topical lubricants. All evaluable patients had improvement in the degree of cicatricial lower eyelid ectropion, although close to one‐half of patients had some mild residual ectropion. The majority of patients had excellent appearance of the skin graft. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012 (Source: Head and Neck)

Newer radiation therapy technology improves patients' quality of life, research finds

ScienceDaily Headlines — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:36:36 +0100

Patients with head and neck cancers who have been treated with newer, more sophisticated radiation therapy technology enjoy a better quality of life than those treated with older radiation therapy equipment, a study has found. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

HIV lowers RT response in head/neck cancer

AuntMinnie.com Headlines — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:09:10 +0100

Radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy is less effective for HIV-positive (more) (Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines)

Are the psychological needs of adolescent survivors of pediatric cancer adequately identified and treated?

Psycho-Oncology — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:19:03 +0100

ConclusionsMany adolescent survivors of cancer experience psychological difficulties that are not adequately managed by current services, underscoring the need for long‐term surveillance. In addition to prescribing regular psychological evaluations, clinicians should closely monitor whether current support services appropriately meet survivors' needs, particularly for lower‐income survivors and those treated with cranial radiation therapy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Psycho-Oncology)

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Newer radiation technology improves head and neck cancer patients' long-term quality of life

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(American Society for Radiation Oncology) 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. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Standard treatments for head and neck cancer less effective in HIV-positive patients

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(American Society for Radiation Oncology) Radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy is less effective for patients with HIV when compared to the recurrence and overall survival rates in patients who do not have HIV, according to a study presented at the Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Symposium, sponsored by AHNS, ASCO, ASTRO and SNM. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Radiation plus chemotherapy provides long-term positive results for head and neck cancer patients

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(American Society for Radiation Oncology) A select subgroup of advanced head and neck cancer patients treated with radiation therapy plus the chemotherapy drug cisplatin had more positive outcomes than patients treated with radiation therapy alone and continued to show positive results 10 years post-treatment, according to a study presented at the Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Symposium, sponsored by AHNS, ASCO, ASTRO and SNM. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Oral temperature changes in head and neck cancer patients predicts side effect severity

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(American Society for Radiation Oncology) Slight temperature increases of the oral mucus membranes early in a head and neck cancer patient's chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatment is a predictor of severe mucositis later in treatment, according to a study presented at the Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Symposium, sponsored by AHNS, ASCO, ASTRO and SNM. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Research finds newer radiation therapy technology improves patients' quality of life

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of California - Davis Health System) Patients with head and neck cancers who have been treated with newer, more sophisticated radiation therapy technology enjoy a better quality of life than those treated with older radiation therapy equipment, a study by UC Davis researchers has found. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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[Image-guided radiation therapy : Paradigm change in radiation therapy.]

Der Radiologe — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

[Image-guided radiation therapy : Paradigm change in radiation therapy.] Radiologe. 2012 Jan 26; Authors: Wenz F, Belka C, Reiser M, Schönberg SO Abstract CLINICAL ISSUE: The introduction of image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) has changed the workflow in radiation oncology more dramatically than any other innovation in the last decades. STANDARD TREATMENT: Imaging for treatment planning before the initiation of the radiotherapy series does not take alterations in patient anatomy and organ movement into account. TREATMENT INNOVATIONS: The principle of IGRT is the temporal and spatial connection of imaging in the treatment position immediately before radiation treatment. DIAGNOSTIC ASSE...

The Use and Interpretation of Competing Risks Regression Models.

Clinical Cancer Research — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Competing risks regression modeling requires that one consider the specific question of interest and subsequent choice of the best model to address it. PMID: 22282466 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

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)

Prognostic significance of MRP5 immunohistochemical expression in glioblastoma

Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:14:31 +0100

Conclusion The present results imply that MRP5 index may hold a prognostic role in patients with GBM. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Short CommunicationPages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s00280-012-1832-zAuthors George A. Alexiou, Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, GreeceAnna Goussia, Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, GreeceSpyridon Voulgaris, Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, GreeceAndreas D. Fotopoulos, Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, GreeceGeorge Fotakopoulos, Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, GreeceAntigoni Ntoulia, Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, GreeceA...

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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Radiation Therapy for Dialysis Access Stenosis: Unfulfilled Promise or False Expectations

Seminars In Dialysis — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractHemodialysis vascular access dysfunction is a major cause of morbidity and hospitalization in the hemodialysis population at a cost of well over $1 billion per annum. Venous stenosis (due to venous neointimal hyperplasia [VNH]) is the most common cause of polytetrafluroethylene PTFE) dialysis access graft and arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure. Despite the magnitude of the clinical problem, however, there are currently no effective therapies for this condition. We and others have previously demonstrated that VNH in PTFE dialysis grafts and AVF is composed of smooth muscle cells/myofibroblasts, endothelial cells within neointimal microvessels, and peri‐graft macrophages. Radiation therapy blocks the proliferation and activation of all these cell types. The current review will d...

Radiation Therapy for Dialysis Access Stenosis: Unfulfilled Promise or False Expectations.

Seminars in Dialysis — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ahmed S, Roy-Chaudhury P Abstract Hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction is a major cause of morbidity and hospitalization in the hemodialysis population at a cost of well over $1 billion per annum. Venous stenosis (due to venous neointimal hyperplasia [VNH]) is the most common cause of polytetrafluroethylene PTFE) dialysis access graft and arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure. Despite the magnitude of the clinical problem, however, there are currently no effective therapies for this condition. We and others have previously demonstrated that VNH in PTFE dialysis grafts and AVF is composed of smooth muscle cells/myofibroblasts, endothelial cells within neointimal microvessels, and peri-graft macrophages. Radiation therapy blocks the proliferation and activation of all th...

Gantry angle dependence in IMRT pre-treatment patient-specific quality controls.

Physica Medica — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Monti AF, Berlusconi C, Gelosa S Abstract Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is a complex treatment modality that requires pre-treatment patient-specific quality control (QC) in order to assess a correct treatment delivery. The aim of this work is to investigate pre-treatment patient-specific per-field QCs performed with an on-board EPID at the gantry angle of 0° and at the treatment ones, and to asses if measurements executed at 0° are able to guarantee a correct treatment. Ten patients with prostate cancer were evaluated. Two "verification" plans were created for each patient in order to calculate the dose at the EPID surface: one with all fields positioned at 0° and one with all fields at the actual treatment angles. EPID's mechanical shifts due to gravity ...

Nifedipine Blocks Ondansetron Electrophysiological Effects in Rabbit Purkinje Fibers and Decreases Early Afterdepolarization Incidence.

Current Clinical Pharmacology — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Rouet R, Worou ME, Puddu PE, Lemoine S, Plaud B, Sallé L, Gérard JL, Hanouz JL Abstract We hypothesized that a high concentration of nifedipine (1 µM), known to inhibit at least 75% of L-type Ca++ current, might counteract proarrhythmic dose-dependent effects of ondansetron (0.1 to 10 µM) in rabbit Purkinje fibers. Ondansetron is a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist commonly prescribed to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery but may increase the risk of developing prolongation of the QT interval of the electrocardiogram, which can lead to an abnormal and potentially fatal heart rhythm and recently raised FDA concerns and warnings. Neostigmine, a quaternary nitrogen agent was also used clinically concomitant to antiemetics aft...

Cone Beam CT using motion-compensated algebraic reconstruction methods with limited data

Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:50:49 +0100

Abstract: Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is widely used in radiation therapy for verifying treatment areas, since it provides three-dimensional image reconstruction of those tumour regions under inspection. However, organ motion is problematic during the scanning process, it causes motion artefacts on the CBCT image and can lead to mispositioning for the subsequent treatment. Moreover, patient dose is also considerable and there is a need for methods which yield acceptable image quality with as few X-ray images as possible. Although methods have been developed to handle limited projection data, such as the Algebraic Reconstruction Technique (ART); Simultaneous ART (SART); and Ordered-Subset SART (OS-SART), this study applied motion compensation to these reconstruction techniques. Roo...

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Early Data from the First Population-Wide Breast Cancer-Specific Registry in Hong Kong

World Journal of Surgery — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:55:22 +0100

Conclusions The HKBCR serves as a surveillance program to monitor disease and treatment patterns. It is pivotal to support research for more effective breast cancer prevention and treatment strategies in Hong Kong. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00268-012-1426-2Authors Polly Cheung, Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation, 22/F, Jupiter Tower, No. 9, Jupiter Street North Point, Hong Kong, ChinaW. K. Hung, Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation, 22/F, Jupiter Tower, No. 9, Jupiter Street North Point, Hong Kong, ChinaCatherine Cheung, Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation, 22/F, Jupiter Tower, No. 9, Jupiter Street North Point, Hong Kong, ChinaAmy Chan, Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation, 22/F, Jupiter Tower, No. 9, Jupiter Street North Point, Hong Kong, ChinaT....

Kyphoplasty and intra-operative radiotheray, combination of kyphoplasty and intra-operative radiation for spinal metastases: technical feasibility of a novel approach

International Orthopaedics — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:53:18 +0100

Conclusions Summarizing Kypho-IORT is technically feasible with an intra-operative risk profile comparable to sole kyphoplasty and a shorter treatment time and hospitalisation for the patients compared to conventional multifraction radiation. Radiation could not be applied in 10% of cases due to technical difficulties. The results of this feasibility study permit further evaluation of this new technique by a dose escalation study which is currently in preparation. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperPages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00264-011-1470-9Authors René Schmidt, Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, GermanyFrederik Wenz, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, G...

Structural/organizational characteristics of health services partly explain racial variation in timeliness of radiation therapy among elderly breast cancer patients

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:35:09 +0100

We examined the role of surgical facility characteristics and distance to care in explaining racial/ethnic variation in timing of initiation of guideline-recommended radiation therapy (RT) after breast conserving surgery (BCS). We used Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare data to identify women ages 65 and older diagnosed with stages I–III breast cancer and treated with BCS in 1994–2002. We used stepwise multivariate logistic regression to examine the interactive effects of race/ethnicity and facility profit status, teaching status, size, and institutional affiliations, and distance to nearest RT on timing of RT initiation, controlling for known covariates. Among 38,574 eligible women who received BCS, 39% received RT within 2 months, 52% received RT within 6&n...

Clinical features and surgical management of four peculiar cases of intracranial metastases from renal cell carcinoma

Neurological Sciences — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:34:35 +0100

In this study, four patients (age range 56–72 years) were treated for intracranial metastases from renal cell carcinoma. The metastasis was solitary in all four patients and was located in the temporoparietal region in two patients, cerebellum in one patient, and bilateral lateral ventricles in one patient. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed hemorrhage and necrosis in the tumor in all four patients, and one patient had edema in the region of the tumor. All patients were treated with craniotomy for tumor resection, and histopathologic examination showed clear cell carcinoma. Marked bleeding occurred in all patients during the operation, but preoperative direct injection of ethanol into epidural metastases (2 patients) was effective in decreasing intraoperative blood...

Induction chemotherapy followed by concomitant radiotherapy and weekly cisplatin versus the same concomitant chemoradiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a randomized phase II study conducted by the Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group (HeCOG) with biomarker evaluation

Annals of Oncology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: IC with three cycles of CEP when followed by CCRT did not significantly improve response rates and/or survival compared with that of CCRT alone. (Source: Annals of Oncology)

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Gemcitabine in advanced angiosarcoma: a retrospective case series analysis from the Italian Rare Cancer Network

Annals of Oncology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Gemcitabine is active in both RT- and non-RT-related angiosarcoma, with dimensional and possibly long-lasting responses. A formal phase II study on gemcitabine as a single agent is warranted. (Source: Annals of Oncology)

Hyaluronic acid is radioprotective in the intestine through a TLR4 and COX-2-mediated mechanism

AJP: Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The intestinal epithelium is sensitive to radiation injury. Damage to the intestinal epithelium is dose limiting in radiation therapy of abdominal cancers. There is a need for agents that can be given before radiation therapy to protect the intestinal epithelium. C57BL6 mice were subjected to 12 Gy of total body radiation. Some mice received intraperitoneal hyaluronic acid (HA) before radiation. Mice were killed 6 h after radiation to assess radiation-induced apoptosis in the intestine; other mice were killed at 84 h to assess crypt survival. Total body radiation (12 Gy) resulted in increased expression of HA synthases and HA in the intestine and increased plasma HA (5-fold). Intraperitoneal injection of HA (30 mg/kg) before radiation resulted in a 1.8-fold increase in intestinal crypt sur...

Salvage prostatectomy post-definitive radiation therapy: The Vancouver experience.

Canadian Urological Association Journal — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first Canadian centre to report that salvage prostatectomy can be performed with favourable oncological and functional outcomes. PMID: 22277631 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Canadian Urological Association Journal)

Current Views on Diagnostic Approach and Treatment of Lymphedema

The American Journal of Medicine — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:45:00 +0100

Abstract: Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive, and often debilitating condition. Primary lymphedema is a lymphatic malformation developing during the later stage of lymphangiogenesis. Secondary lymphedema is the result of obstruction or disruption of the lymphatic system, which can occur as a consequence of tumors, surgery, trauma, infection, inflammation, and radiation therapy. In this review, we report an update upon the diagnostic approach and the medical and surgical therapy for both primary and secondary lymphedema. (Source: The American Journal of Medicine)

Construction begins on Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center

bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:54:53 +0100

Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital have broken ground on the new Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center in south St. Louis County. The $27.5 million Siteman Cancer Center satellite is a joint project of Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and BJC Healthcare. The structure will be a single-story, 36,674-square-foot building with a brick veneer, covered drop-off area and 166 parking spots.Construction is expected to be finished by early 2013. The facility, located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Interstate 55 and Butler Hill Road, will provide outpatient cancer care, including consultations, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and clinical trials... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines)

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Cardiac Risk Higher for Women Getting Radiation

MedPage Today Gastroenterology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:43:03 +0100

SAN FRANCISCO (MedPage Today) -- Women undergoing radiation therapy for esophageal cancer appear to be at greater risk of cardiac complications than men, researchers reported here at the Multidisciplinary Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium. (Source: MedPage Today Gastroenterology)

Performance characteristics of a novel megavoltage cone-beam-computed tomography device.

Physics in Medicine and Biology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:31:11 +0100

Authors: Fast MF, Koenig T, Oelfke U, Nill S Abstract In this work, the image quality of a novel megavoltage cone-beam-computed tomography (CBCT) scanner is compared to three other image-guided radiation therapy devices by analysing images of different-sized quality assurance phantoms. The following devices are compared in terms of image uniformity, signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), electron density to HU conversion, presampling modulation transfer function (MTF(pre)) and combined spatial resolution and noise (Q-factor): (i) the Siemens Artiste kilovoltage (kV) (121 kV) CBCT device, (ii) the Artiste treatment beam line (TBL), 6 MV, (iii) the Tomotherapy (3.5 MV) fan-beam CT and (iv) Siemens' novel approach using a carbon target for a dedicated imaging beam line ...

An end-to-end examination of geometric accuracy of IGRT using a new digital accelerator equipped with onboard imaging system.

Physics in Medicine and Biology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:30:50 +0100

Authors: Wang L, Kielar KN, Mok E, Hsu A, Dieterich S, Xing L Abstract The Varian's new digital linear accelerator (LINAC), TrueBeam™ STx, is equipped with a high dose rate flattening filter free (FFF) mode (6 MV and 10 MV), a high definition multileaf collimator (2.5 mm leaf width), as well as onboard imaging capabilities. A series of end-to-end phantom tests were performed, TrueBeam-based image guided radiation therapy (IGRT), to determine the geometric accuracy of the image-guided setup and dose delivery process for all beam modalities delivered using intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and RapidArc™. In these tests, an anthropomorphic phantom with a Ball Cube II insert and the analysis software (FilmQA™ (3cognition)) were used to evaluate the accuracy of TrueBeam...

Spindle Cell Neoplasms Encountered in Dermatologic Surgery: A Review

Dermatologic Surgery — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Cutaneous spindle cell tumors share the common feature of appearing as spindle‐shaped cells on light microscopy. Their pathogenesis, presentation, and prognosis are highly variable, and numerous techniques for workup and treatment have been reported. We performed an analysis of the available scientific literature in order to codify the clinical, immunohistochemical, and biologic features of these tumors and to provide insight into the most effective practices for their management, with a focus on Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS).In this article, the clinical and histopathological characteristics of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, atypical fibroxanthoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, spindle cell squamous cell carcinoma, superficial leiomyosarcoma, desmoplastic melanoma, cutaneous angio...

Diffusion‐weighted MRI in rectal cancer: Apparent diffusion coefficient as a potential noninvasive marker of tumor aggressiveness

Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:Lower ADC values were associated with a more aggressive tumor profile. Significant correlations were found between mean ADC values and radiological MRF status, N stage and differentiation grade. ADC has the potential to become an imaging biomarker of tumor aggressiveness profile. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

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Long-term local control achieved after hypofractionated stereotactic body radiotherapy for adrenal gland metastases: A retrospective analysis of 34 patients.

Acta Oncologica — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. SBRT in adrenal gland metastasis is feasible without significant acute and late toxicities, with a good rate of local control. New SBRT fractionation schemes and the possibility to combine new systemic approaches should be investigated in order to further increase local control and reduce systemic disease progression. PMID: 22263925 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Oncologica)

Overdiagnosis of a typical carcinoid tumor as an adenocarcinoma of the lung: a case report and review of the literature

World Journal of Surgical Oncology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The use of several immunohistochemical markers, careful evaluation of hematoxylin-eosin sections and the Ki-67 labelling index are important tools in discriminating between carcinoids and other bronchopulmonary carcinomas. Although we could not detect GnrH-receptors in the examined specimen, there may be individual differences in expression. GnrH receptor profiles in typical and atypical carcinoids should be scrutinized. This could lead to new therapeutical options, since the GnrH receptor has already been described on atypical carcinoids. Clinically tested drugs such as leuprolide could come to use. (Source: World Journal of Surgical Oncology)

A Phase I Trial of Erlotinib and Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy (CCR) for Stage III and IV (M0) Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.

Clinical Cancer Research — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Erlotinib plus low dose daily cisplatin and radiotherapy is well tolerated. Evidence of biological effect was noted within 14 days of erlotinib alone. PMID: 22271880 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

In Patients With Rare Brain Tumor, Abnormal Chromosome Indicator Of Treatment And Outcome

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

A recent analysis of clinical trial results performed by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) demonstrate that a chromosomal abnormality - specifically, the absence (co-deletion) of chromosomes 1p and 19q - have definitive prognostic and predictive value for managing the treatment of adult patients with pure and mixed anaplastic oligodendrogliomas... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Advances in the management of high‐risk localised and metastatic prostate cancer

BJU International — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:44:16 +0100

• At the third annual Interactive Genitourinary Cancer Conference, held in Budapest from 30 April to 1 May 2011, the latest developments in the management of patients with high‐risk localised and metastatic prostate cancer were discussed.• Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Western men and, for advanced disease, no curative agents are available.• For men with high‐risk localised disease there is debate about the best treatment approaches, with both radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy shown to improve outcomes.• These approaches have started to be augmented as new techniques and therapies are developed. For instance, radiation therapy combined with androgen deprivation therapy has been shown to be more efficacious than radiation therapy alone, and there...

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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)

RTOG reveals “practice-changing” marker for brain tumor treatment

Health Imaging News — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:12:47 +0100

An analysis of clinical trial results performed by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) demonstrated that a chromosomal abnormality has definitive prognostic and predictive value for managing the treatment of adult patients with pure and mixed anaplastic oligodendrogliomas. "These are exciting and practice-changing results," said Walter J. Curran, Jr., MD, RTOG group chair and executive director of the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University in Atlanta, in a statement. (Source: Health Imaging News)

Oxygen Starvation Reverses Radiation-Induced Damage To Brain Tissue In Mouse Model

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Treating brain tumors with whole brain radiation therapy can damage healthy brain tissue, but a new study in mice reveals that limiting the oxygen supply, or hypoxia, can alleviate some of the cognitive impairment caused by the radiation. The results are reported in the online journal PLoS ONE. The researchers, led by William Sonntag of University of Oklahoma, exposed the mice to a clinically relevant regimen of radiation, which caused progressive deterioration of spatial learning starting about two months post-radiation... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Chromosomal abnormality guides rad therapy

AuntMinnie.com Headlines — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0100

The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) has released clinical trial results (more) (Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines)

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Risk factors and treatment of childhood and adolescent Burkitt lymphoma/leukaemia

British Journal of Haematology — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryBurkitt lymphoma/leukaemia is the most common (40%) form of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma that occurs in children and adolescents. The prognosis of advanced (disseminated) Burkitt lymphoma/leukaemia in children and adolescents three decades ago had a 5‐year event‐free survival (EFS) of <40%, and required combination chemotherapy and radiation therapy over a 1–2 year period. Currently, the prognosis for the same advanced stage has a 5‐year EFS of 85–90% with <6 months of chemotherapy only. Radiation therapy has been eliminated for children and adolescents with Burkitt lymphoma/leukaemia except in emergencies, such as superior vena cava syndrome and acute neurological impairment or in patients with relapse/progression. Current risk factors in the prognosis of childhood and ...

Volumetric change of human papillomavirus–related neck lymph nodes before, during, and shortly after intensity‐modulated radiation therapy

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

ConclusionHPV‐related LN behavior during IMRT is extremely variable but somewhat predictable on the basis of nodal density at planning. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012 (Source: Head and Neck)

Identification of prognostic biomarkers for response to radiotherapy by DNA microarray in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.

International Journal of Oncology — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Identification of prognostic biomarkers for response to radiotherapy by DNA microarray in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients. Int J Oncol. 2012 Jan 20; Authors: Yang S, Chen J, Guo Y, Lin H, Zhang Z, Feng G, Hao Y, Cheng J, Liang P, Chen K, Wu H, Li Y Abstract Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignancy with an unusually variable incidence rate across the world. Radiotherapy is the primary treatment modality for NPC, but radiation resistance remains a serious obstacle to successful treatment in many cases. To identify the genes involved in this resistance and to find molecular markers for predicting NPC response to radiotherapy, we compare the expression profiles of 12 radiation-resistant patient biopsy specimens and 8 radiation-sensiti...

Reducing interobserver variation of boost-CTV delineation in breast conserving radiation therapy using a pre-operative CT and delineation guidelines.

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Use of a Preop-CT in BCT results in a modest but statistically significant reduction in interobserver variation of the boost-CTV delineations and in a significant reduction in the boost-CTV volume. PMID: 22265730 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology)

Drug delivery: Encapsulation improves therapeutic stem cell action

Nature Reviews Drug Discovery — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Nature Reviews Drug Discovery 11, 106 (2012). doi:10.1038/nrd3661 Author: Monica Hoyos Flight The recurrence and mortality rate of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is close to 100%. At present, therapy consists of surgical debulking of the tumour followed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Preclinical studies have shown that therapeutically engineered stem cells may be well suited to (Source: Nature Reviews Drug Discovery)

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Genetic abnormality predicts benefit from treatment for a rare brain tumor

National Institutes of Health (NIH) News Releases — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:06:00 +0100

A clinical trial has shown that addition of chemotherapy to radiation therapy leads to a near doubling of median survival time in patients with a form of brain tumor (oligodendroglioma) that carries a chromosomal abnormality called the 1p19q co-deletion. (Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH) News Releases)

Implications of surgical intervention in the treatment of neuroblastomas: 20-year experience of a single institution

Surgery Today — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 07:00:23 +0100

Conclusion Considering that the majority of infantile neuroblastomas in this study had favorable biology, complete resection might be unnecessary for patients under 12 years of age. For advanced neuroblastomas in patients over 12 months of age, the main treatment for metastasis is systemic chemotherapy, although extirpation of the primary tumor without extensive surgery might prevent local recurrence when combined with radiation therapy. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s00595-011-0053-0Authors Tatsuro Tajiri, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 JapanRyota Souzaki, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Graduate School of M...

Abnormal chromosome indicator of treatment and outcome in patients with rare brain tumor

EurekAlert! - Cancer — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(American College of Radiology) A Radiation Therapy Oncology Group trial shows that, in adults with an oligodendroglioma brain tumor, a chromosomal abnormality is associated with a near-doubling of median survival time and better prognosis when patients are treated with combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy compared to radiation therapy alone. (Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer)

The Postconservation Breast: Part 1, Expected Imaging Findings

American Journal of Roentgenology — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION. Imaging the treated breast presents challenges because of its limited compressibility and the overlapping features of benign posttreatment alterations and tumor recurrence. After lumpectomy and radiation therapy, mammographic findings such as breast edema, skin thickening, fluid collections, architectural distortion, and calcifications have characteristic sequences of evolution toward stability. Awareness of these normal chronologic imaging findings for the conservatively treated breast minimizes unnecessary recall from screening and permits early detection of recurrent breast carcinoma. (Source: American Journal of Roentgenology)

The Postconservation Breast: Part 2, Imaging Findings of Tumor Recurrence and Other Long-Term Sequelae

American Journal of Roentgenology — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION. Imaging the treated breast presents challenges because of its limited compressibility and overlapping features of benign posttreatment alterations and tumor recurrence. After lumpectomy and radiation therapy, mammographic findings such as breast edema, skin thickening, fluid collections, architectural distortion, and calcifications have characteristic sequences of evolution toward stability. Changes in the imaging appearance after stability has been achieved—including increasing asymmetry, an enlarging mass, increasing edema or skin thickening, and the development of pleomorphic calcifications within or near the operative bed—should alert the radiologist to possible tumor recurrence. When mammography or sonography is indeterminate, MRI may be useful in excluding rec...

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Epithelial Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma After Extrapleural Pneumonectomy: Stratification of Survival With CT-Derived Tumor Volume

American Journal of Roentgenology — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION. With control of prognostic covariates, CT-derived tumor volume can be used to stratify survival of patients with epithelial mesothelioma after extrapleural pneumonectomy and should be included in prognostic evaluation of patients for whom resection is being considered. (Source: American Journal of Roentgenology)

Airway Complications After Covered Stent Placement for Malignant Esophageal Stricture: Special Reference to Radiation Therapy

American Journal of Roentgenology — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION. Esophagorespiratory fistula is much more common than airway narrowing as an airway complication. The rate of complications increases significantly in association with radiation therapy among patients with malignant esophageal stricture. Clinicians need to be aware of earlier airway complications and poorer prognosis among patients who undergo radiation therapy before placement of an esophageal stent than in patients who undergo radiation after stent placement. (Source: American Journal of Roentgenology)

Sexual function with localized prostate cancer: active surveillance vs radical therapy

BJU International — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS• Men with localized PCa on AS were more often sexually active than similar men who received radical therapy, especially RP. If not sexually active, this was less often attributable to erectile dysfunction for those on AS. If sexually active, this was less often associated with problems getting or keeping an erection for those on AS.• The study was non‐randomized; the latest advances in RP and RT might impact results. (Source: BJU International)

Cardioprotective radiotherapy: The circadian way

Medical Hypotheses — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Radiotherapy (RT) has been established to improve both local control as well as overall survival rates in breast cancer. However, RT especially in left-sided breast cancer also irradiates a portion of the heart. Radiation associated toxicity to the heart assumes significance because of improval in survival of breast cancer patients. A circadian pattern has been reported in the myocardial oxygen demand and myocardial ischaemia with the cardiac tissue being more susceptible to injury between 6am and noon. Radiation damages blood vessels of all sizes causing an increase in capillary wall permeability and dilatation of vessels leading to the characteristic radiation erythema followed by an inflammatory cell infiltrate. Coronary artery spasm may be the reason behind some cases of sudd...

Best Practices for Palliative Radiation Therapy At the End of Life (706)

Journal of Pain and Symptom Management — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:24:50 +0100

Review the common reasons a palliative care specialist or hospice physician would refer for palliative radiation therapy. (Source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management)

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Radiation Therapy vs Chemo in Hodgkin Lymphoma PatientsRadiation Therapy vs Chemo in Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:46:07 +0100

Dr. Bruce Cheson reports on a controversial study presented at the 2011 ASH meeting that compares survival after radiation therapy vs after ABVD chemo in patients with limited HL. Medscape Hematology-Oncology (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Current Treatment Options for Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer

Current Treatment Options in Oncology — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:59:01 +0100

Opinion statement Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is now the 8th most common cancer affecting men in the United States largely due to a rising epidemic of oropharynx cancer (tonsil and tongue base) associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The median overall survival for recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer (R/M HNSCC) remains less than 1 year despite modern chemotherapy and targeted agents. Palliative chemotherapy and the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor, cetuximab, constitute the backbone of treatment for patients with R/M HNSCC. Platinum doublets studied in phase III trials include cisplatin/5-FU, cisplatin/paclitaxel, and cisplatin/pemetrexed. Platinum chemotherapy in combination with 5-fluorouracil and cetuximab has resulted in the longest...

Radiation-induced damage to brain tissue reversed by oxygen starvation in mice

EurekAlert! - Cancer — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Public Library of Science) Treating brain tumors with whole brain radiation therapy can damage healthy brain tissue, but a new study in mice reveals that limiting the oxygen supply, or hypoxia, can alleviate some of the cognitive impairment caused by the radiation (Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer)

Diffusion-weighted MRI beyond the central nervous system in children.

Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology : The Turkish Society of Radiology — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Battal B, Akgun V, Kocaoglu M Abstract Diffusion-weighted imaging has recently been incorporated into extra-neurological pediatric imaging protocols because of its various clinical advantages. Because diffusion-weighted imaging does not require intravenous contrast media, it can be safely used in patients with reduced renal function. Furthermore, diffusion-weighted imaging can be performed within several minutes by using the echo planar imaging technique. Its clinical advantages include improved tissue characterization, as well as the ability to assess organ functionality, monitor the treatment response after chemotherapy or radiation therapy and predict patient outcomes. The aims of this pictorial essay were to explain the physical principles underlying diffusion-weighted...

The clinical value of routine whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in palliative care.

Acta Radiologica — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionThe WBMRI helped the clinicians to improve treatment and a majority of the patients benefited from this. In eight patients the treatment was changed due to the results. The clinical value (utility) was indicated to be high. PMID: 22258700 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Radiologica)

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A Phase II Study of Gefitinib for Aggressive Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.

Clinical Cancer Research — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Gefitinib, in the neoadjuvant setting, was active and well-tolerated in patients with aggressive CSCC, and did not interfere with definitive treatment. In view of the 18% CR rate we observed, EGFR TKIs should be further explored in the treatment of aggressive CSCC. PMID: 22261807 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

BGS Global Hospitals installs new radiation therapy technology

Hospital Management — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Global Hospitals Group has deployed what it claims to be Asia Pacific's first advanced radiation therapy technology for cancer treatment at its BGS Global Hospitals in Bangalore and Karnataka, India. (Source: Hospital Management)

Unusual presentation of MALT lymphoma as diffuse gastric erythema

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:04:55 +0100

A 59-year-old white man was admitted with sudden onset of dysphagia, nausea, and vomiting. He had no abdominal pain, fever, night sweats, or weight loss. Physical examination and basic blood tests showed normal results. EGD revealed multiple distal esophageal ulcers ( ) and Candida esophagitis. The stomach and duodenum were unremarkable. There was no evidence of HIV, cytomegalovirus, or herpes simplex virus infection. His symptoms improved with acid suppression and antifungal therapy. EGD 2 months later revealed a normal esophagus and diffuse erythema in the gastric fundus and body resembling portal hypertensive gastropathy ( ). Gastric biopsy, however, showed MALT lymphoma ( ) with strong CD20 immunohistochemistry staining, but no evidence of Helicobacter pylori infection. A 10-day course...

Gynecologic Cancer

Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:47:50 +0100

Like many areas in oncology, gynecologic oncology has made several important recent advances in both the prevention and the treatment of reproductive malignancies. New knowledge related to risk factors for endometrial and ovarian cancer has led to novel strategies to reduce risks through diet, contraception choices, and other factors. Important advances have also occurred in the understanding of genetic risks for gynecologic cancers and genetic testing can now identify individuals at substantial risk. Patients at genetic risk can reduce their risk through the use of oral contraception and other choices if they have not completed their families or undergo definitive prophylactic surgery when they no longer desire future pregnancies. Cervical cancer is an area of particular advancement in pr...

Sensitivity of a helical diode array device to delivery errors in IMRT treatment and establishment of tolerance level for pretreatment QA.

Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:30:03 +0100

Authors: Garcia-Vicente F, Fernandez V, Bermudez R, Gomez A, Perez L, Zapatero A, Torres JJ Abstract The aim of this study is to determine the gantry angle and multileaf collimator (MLC) gap error-detection threshold of a diode helical array with an inserted micro-ionization chamber in order to use this device for the pretreatment quality assurance (QA) of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatments. Implications on the dose-volume histograms (DVHs) of the patient treatments will also be considered for the establishment of a QA protocol with a reasonable tolerance level. Three dynamic IMRT HN (head and neck) and prostate treatments were studied. Random and systematic variations of gantry angle and systematic errors in MLC gap width of the clinical treatments were analyz...

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Influence of acquisition parameters on MV-CBCT image quality.

Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:30:03 +0100

This article presents a study of the effects of the acquisition scan length and number of projections of a Siemens Artiste MV-CBCT system on image quality within the range provided by the manufacturer. It also discusses other aspects not related to image quality one should consider when selecting an acquisition protocol. Noise and uniformity were measured on the image of a cylindrical water phantom. Spatial resolution was measured using the same phantom half filled with water to provide a sharp water/air interface to derive the modulation transfer function (MTF). Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was measured on a pelvis-shaped phantom with four inserts of different electron densities relative to water (1.043, 1.117, 1.513, and 0.459). Uniformity was independent of acquisition protocol. Noise ...

Dose to craniofacial region through portal imaging of pediatric brain tumors.

Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:30:03 +0100

Authors: Hitchen CJ, Osa EO, Dewyngaert K, Chang J, Narayana A Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine dose to the planning target volume (PTV) and organs at risk (OARs) from portal imaging (PI) of the craniofacial region in pediatric brain tumor patients treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Twenty pediatric brain tumor patients were retrospectively studied. Each received portal imaging of treatment fields and orthogonal setup fields in the craniofacial region. The number of PI and monitor units used for PI were documented for each patient. Dose distributions and dose-volume histograms were generated to quantify the maximum, minimum, and mean dose to the PTV, and the mean dose to OARs through PI acquisition. The doses resulting from PI are reported...

An opposed matched field IMRT technique for prostate cancer patients with bilateral prosthetic hips.

Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:30:03 +0100

In conclusion, the use of this technique should be considered for patients with bilateral metal hip implants who do not meet dose-volume criteria by conventional IMRT techniques. PMID: 22231205 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics)

Post-treatment late complications of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:18:52 +0100

Abstract Radiotherapy (RT) or concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) is not only effective at patients’ survival rates, but also produces undesirable late complications. The purpose of this study is to investigate the post-treatment late complications in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients, and to analyze the individual impact factors. We enrolled 188 newly diagnosed NPC patients who had received complete treatments and at least 3 years’ follow-up between March 1984 and March 2010. Late complications were modified from the Toxicity Criteria of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. Of 188 patients, 132 were male and 56 were female. Eighty-eight patients received CCRT and the other 100 patients...

Amelioration of radiation-induced skin injury by adenovirus mediated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) overexpression in rats

Radiation Oncology — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The present study provides evidences for the protective role of HO-1 in alleviating radiation-induced skin damage in rats, which is helpful for the development of therapy for radiation-induced skin injury. (Source: Radiation Oncology)

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Induced radioactive nuclides of 10-MeV radiotherapy accelerators detected by using a portable HP-Ge survey meter

Radiation Protection Dosimetry — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The radioactivation of linear accelerator components for radiation therapy is interest for radiation protection in general, and particularly, when decommissioning these structures. The energy spectra of gamma rays emitted from the heads of two accelerator models, EXL-15SP and Clinac iX, after 10-MeV X-ray irradiation, were measured using a high-purity germanium semiconductor survey meter. After spectrum analyses, activities of 24Na, 28Al, 54Mn, 56Mn, 57Ni, 58Co, 60Co, 64Cu, 65Zn, 122Sb, 124Sb, 181W, 187W, 196Au, and 198Au were detected. One centimetre deep dose-equivalent rate of the heads of the linear accelerator was measured using the survey meter. The dose rate decreased to ~10 % of its initial rate after 1 week. Long-term activations were few, the radioactivity level was low, and a co...

Photon beam audits for radiation therapy clinics: a pilot mailed dosemeter study in Turkey

Radiation Protection Dosimetry — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

A thermoluminescent dosemeter (TLD) mailed dose audit programme was performed at five radiotherapy clinics in Turkey. The intercomparison was organised by the University of Wisconsin Radiation Calibration Laboratory (UWRCL), which was responsible for the technical aspects of the study including reference irradiations, distribution, collection and evaluation. The purpose of these audits was to perform an independent dosimetry check of the radiation beams using TLDs sent by mail. Acrylic holders, each with five TLD chips inside and instructions for their irradiation to specified absorbed dose to water of 2 Gy, were mailed to all participating clinics. TLD irradiations were performed with a 6 MV linear accelerator and 60Co photon beams. The deviations from the TL readings of UWRCL were calcul...

Radiation therapy at the end of life in patients with incurable nonsmall cell lung cancer

Cancer — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:In general, EOL RT was received infrequently, was delivered more commonly to younger patients with more advanced disease, and often was not completed as planned. There also was considerable variation in its use among National Comprehensive Cancer Network institutions. Next steps include expanding this research to other cancers and settings and investigating the clinical benefit of such treatment. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society. (Source: Cancer)

Construction and characterization of a chimeric antibody to L1 cell adhesion molecule in an intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma model.

exp Mol Med — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lee ES, Jeong MS, Singh R, Jung J, Yoon H, Min JK, Kim KH, Hong HJ Abstract Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), a malignant tumor derived from the intrahepatic bile duct epithelium, has a poor prognosis and is refractory to conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop new effective therapeutic strategies for this disease. We previously found that L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) plays an important role in tumor progression of ICC, and we generated a murine mAb, A10-A3 (IgG1), that binds to the Ig1 domain of L1CAM. In the present study, we further characterized A10-A3, constructed a chimeric A10-A3 antibody (cA10-A3) containing the constant regions of human IgG1, and evaluated the therapeutic potential in a human ICC xenograf...

Does VMAT for treatment of NSCLC patients increase the risk of pneumonitis compared to IMRT ? - A planning study.

Acta Oncologica — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Using IMRT as reference for the VMAT optimization it was possible to implement VMAT in the clinic with no increase in estimated risk of RP. Thus, toxicity is not expected to be a hindrance to using VMAT and will profit from the shorter delivery time with VMAT compared to IMRT. PMID: 22248064 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Oncologica)

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Therapeutic Sialendoscopy for the Management of Radioiodine Sialadenitis [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Sialendoscopy is useful for the improvement of symptoms due to radioiodine-induced sialadenitis in patients who are refractory to conservative medical therapy. Therapeutic sialendoscopy appears to provide effective and sustained symptom improvement in most patients in our experience. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

[Radiation-induced sarcoma of the head and neck.]

Revue de Stomatologie et de Chirurgie Maxillo-Faciale — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report two cases of sarcoma having appeared in the irradiated area, in patients treated by adjuvant radiotherapy for head and neck neoplasm. DISCUSSION: The prognosis for this sarcoma depends mainly on how early the diagnosis is made and the quality of surgical resection. Adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy can be considered. Ongoing research on the expression of RIS genes could soon lead to new treatments. PMID: 22257777 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Revue de Stomatologie et de Chirurgie Maxillo-Faciale)

Phase 2 results from Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Study 0537

Cancer — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:The current results indicated that ALTENS treatment for radiation‐induced xerostomia can be delivered uniformly in a cooperative, multicenter setting and produces possible beneficial treatment response. Given these results, the phase 3 component of this study was initiated. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society. (Source: Cancer)

Segmentectomy and Brachytherapy Mesh Implantation for Clinical Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC).

Journal of Surgical Research — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:29:23 +0100

Conclusions: It appears that the local recurrence noted with non-anatomic wedge resection is not an equivalent concern when anatomic segmentectomy with adequate margins are obtained. This implies that adjuvant brachytherapy following anatomic segmentectomy is not required for local control, thus avoiding the costs of radiation therapy and its associated potential toxicity. These data suggest that proper anatomic segmentectomy alone may be associated with local recurrence rates similar to those of anatomic lobectomy in the setting of clinical stage I NSCLC. (Source: Journal of Surgical Research)

Response to “The Physics and Technology of Radiation Therapy Book Review” (Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2011;80:637

International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:43:02 +0100

To the Editor: We thank Dan Odero for his review of our book The Physics and Technology of Radiation Therapy in the June 2011 issue . When reviewing an 850-page book, it is usually not practical to read the entire volume. We believe that this has led to some misunderstandings. We have been criticized for leaving some things out of the book that are, in fact, in the book. Regarding the reference to the “Mevalac” linear accelerator (linac), we are criticized because “there exists no such linac or manufacturer.” The book clearly and repeatedly states (on Pages 12.5, 15.2, 15.5, and 15.23, as well as in the index [Page I.10]) that this is a fictitious linac. We give detailed dosimetry data for this fictitious machine in Appendix C. The title page to the appendix again states that this ...

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Response to “The Correlation of Osteoradionecrosis and Dental Events With Dosimetric Parameters in Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) for Head-and-Neck Cancer.” (Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2011;81:e207–e213.)

International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:43:01 +0100

To the Editor: We read with great interest the article by Gomez et al. on correlation of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) and dental events with dosimetric parameters in intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for head-and-neck cancer.The authors provide additional data that IMRT is associated with a very low incidence of ORN (1%) . Noteworthy, this low incidence may indeed make the establishment of statistically relevant correlations between dose, dental events, and ORN difficult. Additionally, as stated by the authors, follow-up was too short to enable firm conclusions on the benefit of IMRT to be drawn. Additionally, the number of patients lost to follow-up with planned extractions was 12%, indeed 20 of the 29 patients with dental events, which we think may be a serious statistical pitfal...

Simulation and dosimetric analysis of proton and carbon ion therapy in the treatment of uveal melanoma

Radiologia Brasileira — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:42:51 +0100

CONCLUSION: The described benefits together with the presented results contribute to the development of clinical applications and researches on carbon ion and proton therapy. (Source: Radiologia Brasileira)

Intracranial meningeal hemangiopericytoma metastatic to the scapula.

Orthopedics — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:24:05 +0100

This article describes a case of bone metastasis with extensive involvement of the scapula from intracranial hemangiopericytoma. Bone metastasis can be seen in a relatively late phase of the disease, with metastasis to other organs. Although radiation therapy is effective in controlling pain from bone metastases in unresectable disease and those with extensive visceral metastases, aggressive local surgical control of a solitary bone metastasis may be an option for patients with limited distant disease. The diagnosis may be initially confused with clear cell meningioma and benign meningiomas. The management of bone metastasis is not well reported in the orthopedic literature. PMID: 22229602 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Orthopedics)

Stereotactic body radiation therapy in the treatment of multiple primary lung cancers.

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: SBRT for patients with MPLC appears to be a safe and effective local treatment alternative to surgery, particularly for medically inoperable patients. Patients with metachronous MPLC have encouraging survival rates, and thus local therapy appears justified. However, patients with synchronous MPLC have poor OS and PFS despite having excellent local control, and thus the utility of local therapy in this population requires further study. PMID: 22248508 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology)

Common variants of eNOS and XRCC1 genes may predict acute skin toxicity in breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy after breast conserving surgery.

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: As our exploratory study suggests that XRCC1 T-77C and eNOS G874T may confer an increased risk of acute skin reactions to radiotherapy in breast cancer patients, further confirmatory studies are warranted to determine the clinical significance. PMID: 22248507 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology)

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Toxicity and efficacy of the acetylcholinesterase (AChe) inhibitor donepezil in childhood brain tumor survivors: A pilot study

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:55:45 +0100

ConclusionsDonepezil was well tolerated among childhood BT survivors who had received substantial prior therapy. Based on improved executive function and memory performance in this pilot trial, a randomized placebo controlled trial of this pharmacologic agent is warranted to fully evaluate its efficacy in remediating neurocognitive dysfunction. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

Characterization and outcomes of optic nerve gliomas: a population-based analysis

Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:42:14 +0100

In conclusion, ONG are rare tumors seen predominantly in children. The overall prognosis of high-grade tumors remains poor in all age groups despite multi-modality treatment. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Clinical StudyPages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s11060-011-0783-2Authors Mark V. Mishra, Department of Radiation Oncology, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, USADavid W. Andrews, Department of Neurosurgery, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, USAJon Glass, Department of Neurosurgery, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, USAJames J. Evans, Department of Neurosurgery, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, USAAdam P. Dicker, Department of Radiation Oncology, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, USAXinglei Shen, Department of Radiation Oncology, Jef...

Radical prostatectomy: Positive surgical margins matter.

Urologic Oncology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: PSMs are associated with an increased likelihood of BCR and often result in initiation of adjuvant treatment. Therefore, the goal of surgery should be to minimize the likelihood of a PSM. PMID: 22244265 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Urologic Oncology)

Numerical deconvolution to enhance sharpness and contrast of portal images for radiotherapy patient positioning verification

Strahlentherapie und Onkologie — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:00:56 +0100

Conclusion The blurring effects of clinical portal images were eliminated by a numerical deconvolution algorithm that leads to better image sharpness and contrast. The fast algorithm permits the image blurring correction to be performed in real time, so that patient positioning verification with increased accuracy can be achieved in clinical practice. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original articlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00066-011-0030-yAuthors H.K. Looe, Clinic for Radiation Therapy, Pius Hospital, Oldenburg, GermanyY. Uphoff, Clinic for Radiation Therapy, Pius Hospital, Oldenburg, GermanyD. Harder, Prof. em., Medical Physics and Biophysics, Georg August University, Göttingen, GermanyB. Poppe, Clinic for Radiation Therapy, Pius Hospital, Oldenburg, GermanyK.C....

Soft tissue sarcoma - a population-based, nationwide study with special emphasis on local control.

Acta Oncologica — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. The present quality-control study is the first nationwide population-based study to assess diagnostics and treatment of STS. When referred to a specialised sarcoma centre even patients with inadequate surgery can achieve good local control. STS is a rare cancer and its treatment should be centralised in Finland, which has 5.4 million inhabitants and approximately 100 new STSs of extremities and trunk wall annually. PMID: 22229745 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Oncologica)

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Results of the GYNECO 02 Study, an FNCLCC Phase III Trial Comparing Hysterectomy with No Hysterectomy in Patients with a (Clinical and Radiological) Complete Response After Chemoradiation Therapy for Stage IB2 or II Cervical Cancer.

The Oncologist — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Results of the current trial seem to suggest that completion HT had no therapeutic impact in patients with clinical and radiological complete response after CRT (but this conclusion is limited by the lack of power). PMID: 22234626 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Oncologist)

Head and neck cancer: Bevacizumab an option for nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

Nature Clinical Practice Oncology — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology 9, 66 (2012). doi:10.1038/nrclinonc.2011.209 A recent phase II trial has shown that bevacizumab is tolerated by patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The trial assessed patients with grade IIB–IVB disease and combined treatment with bevacizumab and cisplatin with intensity-modulated radiation therapy. There were no grade 5 adverse events, which was one (Source: Nature Clinical Practice Oncology)

Effectiveness of cevimeline to improve oral health in patients with postradiation xerostomia

Head and Neck — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsXerostomia is a significant sequela of treatment of head and neck cancer that may improve with time. The role of oral parasympathetic muscarinic secretogogues in alleviating patient symptoms and complaints remains unclear. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012 (Source: Head and Neck)

Volumetric modulated arc therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A dosimetric comparison with TomoTherapy and step-and-shoot IMRT.

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that VMAT provides better sparing of normal tissue, homogeneity, and conformity than IMRT, and shorter delivery time than HT. PMID: 22236614 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology)