MedWorm: Radiation Therapy

Evidence-Based Protocols In Cancer Treatment Reduce Variation, Improve Efficacy And Safety Of Care

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

MedSolutions, a leading provider of medical cost management services, announced the launch of its oncology management program, which uses evidence-based guidelines to ensure appropriate use of diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy and drugs for cancer patients. "There is a vast and expanding body of research on cancer care, and doctors are understandably challenged to keep up with innovations in technology and best practices in treatment," said Gregg Allen, M.D., MedSolutions' chief medical officer. "This is further complicated by the number of new cancer cases in the U.S... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Evidence-Based Protocols In Cancer Treatment Reduce Variation, Improve Efficacy And Safety Of Care

Cancer / Oncology News From Medical News Today — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Combined use of hyperthermia and radiation therapy for treating locally advanced cervix carcinoma.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 06:22:03 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The limited number of patients available for analysis, methodological flaws and a significant over-representation of patients with FIGO stage IIIB prohibit drawing definite conclusions regarding the impact of adding hyperthermia to standard radiotherapy. However, available data do suggest that the addition of hyperthermia improves local tumour control and overall survival in patients with locally advanced cervix carcinoma without affecting treatment related grade 3 to 4 acute or late toxicity. PMID: 20238344 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)

In vivo pink-beam imaging and fast alignment procedure for rat brain lesion microbeam radiation therapy

Journal of Synchrotron Radiation — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A fast 50 µm-accuracy alignment procedure has been developed for the radiosurgery of brain lesions in rats, using microbeam radiation therapy. In vivo imaging was performed using the pink beam (35–60 keV) produced by the ID17 wiggler at the ESRF opened at 120 mm and filtered. A graphical user interface has been developed in order to define the irradiation field size and to position the target with respect to the skull structures observed in X-ray images. The method proposed here allows tremendous time saving by skipping the swap from white beam to monochromatic beam and vice versa. To validate the concept, the somatosensory cortex or thalamus of GAERS rats were irradiated under several ports using this alignment procedure. The magnetic resonance images acquired after contrast agen...

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the external auditory canal

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:22:41 +0100

A 29-year-old man was referred to our department with a mass in his right external auditory canal (EAC). No other symptoms or signs were reported. At 18 years, he had a pituitary macroadenoma removed through a transsphenoidal approach followed by radiation therapy. No other symptoms or signs were reported. (Source: Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery)

Disease relapse after segmental resection and free flap reconstruction for mandibular osteoradionecrosis

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:22:37 +0100

Conclusion: This present study confirms that microvascular free flaps are reliable for treatment of advanced mandibular ORN. Nevertheless, there remains a 55 percent incidence of wound-healing complications. The lack of objective clinical criteria to judge the appropriate amount of mandible resection in patients with ORN remains an unresolved issue that resulted in the development of recurrent ORN in 25 percent of patients. Further investigations are needed to better understand the pathophysiology of ORN to prevent postoperative wound complications and disease recurrence. (Source: Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery)

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Understanding Radiation-Induced Vascular Disease⁎

Journal of the American College of Cardiology — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:00:31 +0100

Radiation injury of blood vessels was originally described more than a century ago and remains a contemporary clinical problem, despite dramatic advances in the field of radiation oncology (). Clinical studies indicate that patients who have previously undergone radiation therapy for various malignancies—such as lymphoma, breast cancer, and head and neck cancer—are at increased risk for developing vascular disease (). The consequences are significant; depending upon the study, the relative risk of suffering a clinical cardiovascular event (i.e., myocardial infarction, stroke) related to radiation therapy ranges from approximately 1.5- to 4.0-fold, and this risk is further amplified in the presence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors (). Most cardiovascular events occur >10 years...

Elekta, Inc. - Elekta SL Series/Precise Digital Accelerator. - Class 2 Recall

Medical Device Recalls since July 07, 2006 — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 01:00:07 +0100

Elekta SL Series/Precise Digital Accelerator. The product is used with radiation therapy treatment of malignant neoplastic diseases, as determined by a licensed medical practitioner. (Source: Medical Device Recalls since July 07, 2006)

Case Report: Mesenchymal Chondrosarcoma of the Lumbar Spine in a Child.

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We describe a case of primary mesenchymal chondrosarcoma affecting the L5 vertebra of a 9-year-old girl. The patient underwent a staged circumferential resection of the tumor after three rounds of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The patient had additional chemotherapy and radiation therapy as an intralesional margin was achieved during the procedure. At 9 years followup, the patient was asymptomatic, neurologically intact, and remained in remission. LITERATURE REVIEW: We identified only four previously published cases of spinal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma in childhood, two of which had relatively early recurrence and poor survival, and two survived but with only short followup. PURPOSES AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: As the clinical and radiographic findings of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma are nonspecific...

Treatment of Favorable, Limited-Stage Hodgkin's Lymphoma With Chemotherapy Without Consolidation by Radiation Therapy [Hematologic Malignancies]

Journal of Clinical Oncology — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:01:37 +0100

Conclusion Six cycles of ABVD is an effective and safe treatment for limited-stage, nonbulky HL and would spare young patients radiation toxicity. Interim positron emission tomography/computed tomography scans in current and future trials may identify those patients who require less than six cycles of chemotherapy. (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

Mesothelioma Research Investigates Resistance Mechanisms to Discover Novel Treatment Targets

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:48:02 +0100

A study recently published in the medical journal Lung Cancer investigated genetic patterns in malignant mesothelioma that contribute to the cancer’s treatment resistance in hopes of identifying new avenues for treatment. Titled “Malignant pleural mesothelioma: genome-wide expression patterns reflecting general resistance mechanisms and a proposal of novel targets,” the study sought to observe genetic similarities among patients that make malignant mesotheliomas resistant to treatment. Further understanding the genetics behind resistance mechanisms allows scientists to develop improved and more specific mesothelioma treatments that could improve survival rates. Researchers in this study found a close relation between gene profiles and resistance towards cancer-fighting compounds such...

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Potent radiation treatment provides tumor control for patients with inoperable lung cancer

ScienceDaily Headlines — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:11:56 +0100

Is SBRT a New Standard of Care in Inoperable Lung Cancer?

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:43:34 +0100

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) improves survival in patients with early-stage nonsmall-cell lung cancer who are unable to undergo surgery. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Utility And Health-Related Quality Of Life In Prostate Cancer Patients 12 Months After Radical Prostatectomy Or Radiation Therapy

Radiology / Nuclear Medicine News From Medical News Today — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

UroToday.com - The most common curative treatments for localized prostate cancer (PC), radical prostatectomy (RP) and radiation therapy (RT), have significant effects on quality of life. Most studies measured quality of life using psychometric instruments. Another approach uses the concept of utility... (Source: Radiology / Nuclear Medicine News From Medical News Today)

Utility And Health-Related Quality Of Life In Prostate Cancer Patients 12 Months After Radical Prostatectomy Or Radiation Therapy

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

UroToday.com - The most common curative treatments for localized prostate cancer (PC), radical prostatectomy (RP) and radiation therapy (RT), have significant effects on quality of life. Most studies measured quality of life using psychometric instruments. Another approach uses the concept of utility. Utility is a global measure, scaled between 0 (dead) and 1 (full health), which reflects not only symptoms or feelings, but also patients' values or preferences for them... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Highly-Focused, Potent Radiation Treatment Provides Targeted Tumor Control And May Improve Survival For Patients With Inoperable Lung Cancer

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Early findings suggest a radiation therapy that involves numerous highly-focused and potent radiation beams provides targeted tumor control in nearly all patients, reduces treatment-related illness, and may ultimately improve survival for patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer, according to a study in the March 17 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on cancer. Robert Timmerman, M.D., of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, presented the findings of the study at a JAMA media briefing... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Highly-Focused, Potent Radiation Treatment Provides Targeted Tumor Control And May Improve Survival For Patients With Inoperable Lung Cancer

Cancer / Oncology News From Medical News Today — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Early findings suggest a radiation therapy that involves numerous highly-focused and potent radiation beams provides targeted tumor control in nearly all patients, reduces treatment-related illness, and may ultimately improve survival for patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer, according to a study in the March 17 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on cancer. Robert Timmerman, M.D... (Source: Cancer / Oncology News From Medical News Today)

RaySearch Laboratories: RaySearch Receives 510(k) Clearance For RayStation

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

RayStation® is RaySearch's proprietary complete treatment planning system that integrates all RaySearch's advanced treatment planning solutions into one flexible system. It includes functionality such as RaySearch's market-leading algorithms for IMRT and VMAT optimization, highly accurate dose engines for both photon and proton therapy and will have full support for 4D adaptive radiation therapy. The system is built on the latest software architecture and has a graphical user interface offering state-of-the-art usability... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Potent Radiation May Help Patients with Inoperable Cancer

Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Early findings suggest a radiation therapy that involves numerous highly-focused, potent radiation beams provides targeted tumor control in nearly all patients, reduces treatment-related illness, and may ultimately improve survival for patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer. (Source: Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com)

Radiation Breakthrough Gives Breast Cancer Patients Hope in Single Dose

HSMN NewsFeed — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:35:34 +0100

Cancer crusader's own sister is among first to receive Intraoperative Radiation Therapy on the Novac7 PHILADELPHIA, March 17 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- Technology never before offered in the U.S. that allows patients to receive one dose of radiation during su... Devices, OncologyNew Radiant Technology, Novac7, intraoperative radiation therapy, radiotherapy (Source: HSMN NewsFeed)

Moms Post-Birth Bleeding Tied to Early Radiation

MedlinePlus Health News — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:55:58 +0100

Women who had radiation to the abdomen in childhood to treat cancer may experience excessive bleeding after giving birth, new study findings suggest.Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Pages: Cancer in Children, Childbirth, Radiation Therapy (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

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RaySearch gets FDA nod

AuntMinnie.com Headlines — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:29:16 +0100

Swedish radiation therapy firm RaySearch has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (more) (Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines)

Fighting Lung Cancer

MedlinePlus Health News — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:47:20 +0100

Source: HealthDay - Related MedlinePlus Pages: Lung Cancer, Radiation Therapy, Smoking (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Precision Radiation Therapy May Improve Survival Rates Of Some Lung Cancer Patients

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

A radiation therapy that uses multiple radiation beams to target tumors precisely has been shown to eliminate the primary tumor and ultimately may improve survival rates for lung-cancer patients unable to undergo surgery, according to UT Southwestern Medical Center physicians who led a national clinical trial of the treatment. In a study appearing in the March 17 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association, primary lung cancer did not recur in nearly 98 percent of the 55 participants who received stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Precision Radiation Therapy May Improve Survival Rates Of Some Lung Cancer Patients

Cancer / Oncology News From Medical News Today — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Nurses' research settles a common cancer concern: Skin care

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0100

(University of Rochester Medical Center) Given the complexity of cancer treatment, skin care may seem like a small matter. However, a nurse at the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center knew that skin issues were a constant source of anxiety for many patients receiving radiation therapy, and through research she discovered that routine advice was rooted in myth instead of scientific evidence. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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Nurses' research settles a common cancer concern: Skin care

ScienceDaily Headlines — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0100

Given the complexity of cancer treatment, skin care may seem like a small matter. However, a nurse at the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center knew that skin issues were a constant source of anxiety for many patients receiving radiation therapy, and through research she discovered that routine advice was rooted in myth instead of scientific evidence. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Elekta, Inc. - PrecisePLAN 2.15 Treatment Planning System - Class 2 Recall

Medical Device Recalls since July 07, 2006 — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:00:03 +0100

PrecisePLAN 2.15 Treatment Planning System. The product is used to plan multiple beam radiation therapy treatments. (Source: Medical Device Recalls since July 07, 2006)

Stereotactic Body Radiation Beneficial in Lung Cancer

Modern Medicine — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In patients with early-stage but inoperable lung cancer, treatment with stereotactic body radiation therapy may significantly improve rates of tumor control, according to a study in the March 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Supercharged reverse pedicle anterolateral thigh flap in reconstruction of a massive defect: A case report

Microsurgery — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We present a case of an 81-year-old male with a recurrent malignant melanoma invading the proximal and middle third of the tibia, who previously underwent reconstruction with the medial gastrocnemius muscle and a skin graft. After wide local re-excision and tibia fixation, a 12 cm × 28 cm reverse anterolateral thigh flap was used for soft tissue coverage. Because of the relatively large size of the flap based upon retrograde flow, we elected to supercharge the flap to augment its blood supply. Supercharging of the flap pedicle was accomplished by anastamosing the lateral circumflex femoral vessels to the anterior tibial vessels. The donor site wasclosed primarily. The flap survived entirely and successfully endured subsequent radiation therapy. Supercharging enhances reliability of the re...

Radiation May Help Those with Inoperable Lung Tumors

MedlinePlus Health News — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:00:00 +0100

3-year survival doubled after the treatment, study found Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Lung Cancer, Radiation Therapy (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

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New radiation therapy shows promise in lung cancer

Reuters: Health — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:40:32 +0100

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Aiming powerful beams of radiation precisely at tumors helped control their growth and helped people with early stage but inoperable lung cancer live longer, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Prostate Cancer Radiation Side Effects May Subside with Time

MedlinePlus Health News — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:00:00 +0100

Ten years later, many men weren't bothered by treatment's effects, study finds Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Prostate Cancer, Radiation Therapy (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

The use of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gold markers in image-guided radiation therapy of pancreatic cancers: a case series

Endoscopy — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:10:25 +0100

In this study, we evaluated the feasibility and safety of using EUS-guided fiducial markers for delivering IGRT in patients with pancreatic cancer. Following computed tomography (CT) simulation, a radiation therapy treatment plan was prepared for each patient. A kilovoltage (kv) image obtained before each treatment session was aligned with images generated during treatment planning, based on the position of fiducials. Radiation therapy was then delivered. Image analysis was also performed by alignment of bony landmarks (current standard of care). Daily shifts of fiducials between the two sets of images represented movement of the pancreas relative to the bony landmarks. EUS-guided fiducial placement was technically successful in all nine patients and no complications were encountered. The ...

SBRT improves control in inoperable lung cancer patients

AuntMinnie.com Headlines — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:25:36 +0100

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is effective in controlling the (more) (Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines)

New Radiation Therapy Controls Lung Tumor Size (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0100

Early testing of a new radiation treatment in patients with inoperable lung cancer indicates the method effectively controls tumor size and may increase survival time, a study found. (Source: MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology)

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Patient-Reported Long-term Outcomes After Conventional and High-Dose Combined Proton and Photon Radiation for Early Prostate Cancer [Original Contribution]

JAMA — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:50:41 +0100

Conclusion Among men with clinically localized prostate cancer, treatment with higher-dose radiation compared with standard dose was not associated with an increase in patient-reported prostate cancer symptoms after a median of 9.4 years. (Source: JAMA)

Imaging Response in the Primary Index Lesion and Clinical Outcomes Following Transarterial Locoregional Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma [Original Contribution]

JAMA — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:50:41 +0100

Conclusions Among a group of patients with HCC, agreement for classification of therapeutic response was high between the RECIST and WHO guidelines but low between each of these and EASL. Application of these methods to measure response in a primary index lesion resulted in statistically significant correlations with disease progression and survival. (Source: JAMA)

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Inoperable Early Stage Lung Cancer [Preliminary Communication]

JAMA — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:50:41 +0100

Conclusion Patients with inoperable non–small cell lung cancer who received stereotactic body radiation therapy had a survival rate of 55.8% at 3 years, high rates of local tumor control, and moderate treatment-related morbidity. (Source: JAMA)

Caring for Patients With Cancer [Editorial]

JAMA — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:50:41 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

Cancer Therapy Can Be Hard on the Heart: Researchers Aim to Explain--and Avoid--Cardiotoxicity [Medical News & Perspectives]

JAMA — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:50:41 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

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Abeloff's Clinical Oncology [Book and Media Reviews]

JAMA — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:50:41 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

Australia and France partner in nuclear science research

Health Imaging News — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:42:56 +0100

Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) have agreed to collaborate in research areas such as nuclear medicine, life sciences, radiation therapy, safety and radiological protection, according to ANSTO. (Source: Health Imaging News)

Australia and France partner in nuclear science research

Health Imaging News — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:42:56 +0100

JAMA: SBRT provides tumor control for inoperable non-small cell lung cancer

Health Imaging News — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:50:47 +0100

Early findings suggest a radiation therapy that involves numerous highly-focused and potent radiation beams provides targeted tumor control in nearly all patients, reduces treatment-related illness and may ultimately improve survival for patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer, according to a study in the March 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Health Imaging News)

JAMA: SBRT provides tumor control for inoperable lung cancer

Health Imaging News — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:50:47 +0100

Early findings suggest a radiation therapy that involves numerous highly-focused and potent radiation beams provides targeted tumor control in nearly all patients, reduces treatment-related illness and may ultimately improve survival for patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer, according to a study in the March 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Health Imaging News)

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New Way to Treat Inoperable Lung Cancer

WebMD Health — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

An experimental type of highly focused radiation therapy may control inoperable lung cancer tumors and help people with the deadly disease live longer, a study shows. (Source: WebMD Health)

Precision radiation therapy may improve survival rates of some lung cancer patients

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0100

(UT Southwestern Medical Center) A radiation therapy that uses multiple radiation beams to target tumors precisely has been shown to eliminate the primary tumor and ultimately may improve survival rates for lung-cancer patients unable to undergo surgery. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Potent radiation treatment provides tumor control for patients with inoperable lung cancer

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0100

(JAMA and Archives Journals) Early findings suggest a radiation therapy that involves numerous highly-focused and potent radiation beams provides targeted tumor control in nearly all patients, reduces treatment-related illness, and may ultimately improve survival for patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer, according to a study in the March 17 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on cancer. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

SBRT eliminates tumors with promising survival for early-stage inoperable lung cancer patients

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0100

(American College of Radiology / American Roentgen Ray Society) Highly-focused stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) can eliminate the targeted tumor while avoiding treatment-related illness and may ultimately improve survival for patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer, according to early findings of a Radiation Therapy Oncology Group study published in the March 17 cancer-themed issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

SBRT eliminates tumors with promising survival for early stage inoperable lung cancer patients

EurekAlert! - Cancer — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0100

(American College of Radiology / American Roentgen Ray Society) Highly focused stereotactic body radiation therapy can eliminate the targeted tumor while avoiding treatment-related illness and may ultimately improve survival for patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer, according to early findings of a Radiation Therapy Oncology Group study published in the March 17 cancer-themed issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer)

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Risk factors for fatigue severity in primary brain tumor patients

Cancer — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In addition to neurologic symptoms, fatigue is commonly reported in patients with primary brain tumors during radiation therapy and in long-term survivors of low-grade brain tumors. Other factors have not been explored. The aim of this study was to identify demographic and clinical factors that predict fatigue severity and to evaluate the association of fatigue with other symptoms throughout the disease trajectory.Two hundred one patients with primary brain tumors completed the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory-Brain Tumor Module and a demographic checklist. Clinical data, including treatment, tumor grade, and performance status, were also collected. Correlations among fatigue and other recorded symptoms were evaluated. Logistic regression modeling was performed to evaluate factors associat...

The Impact of Adjuvant Radiotherapy on Survival in T1-2N1 Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:50:56 +0100

Conclusion In cases involving T1-2N1 OCSCC in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, the use of RT is associated with statistically significant improved overall survival and cause-specific survival in patients with T2 disease, most strongly in the oral tongue and the floor of the mouth. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

Narrowband Imaging for Early Detection of Malignant Tumors and Radiation Effect After Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:50:56 +0100

Conclusion We found that NBI-assisted endoscopy is highly useful for the detection of precancerous lesions in the oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal mucosa and is not affected by a history of radiotherapy in patients with HNSCC. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Patients With Stage III or IV Radically Resected Gastric Cancer: A Pilot Study [Original Article]

Archives of Surgery — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:50:50 +0100

Conclusion A multimodal approach with FOLFOX-4 and radiotherapy is feasible and effective for the treatment of patients with resected high-risk gastric cancer. (Source: Archives of Surgery)

Further Refinement of the Optimal Treatment Following Radical Gastric Resection for Gastric Adenocarcinoma: Comment on "Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Patients With Stage III or IV Radically Resected Gastric Cancer" [Invited Critique]

Archives of Surgery — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:50:50 +0100

(Source: Archives of Surgery)

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Technological Advances in Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Current Urology Reports — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:00:26 +0100

Abstract Radiation therapy (RT) for prostate cancer has made huge strides over the past two decades. The addition of image guidance has allowed radiation oncologists to ensure accurate delivery of increasingly precise radiation treatment plans using newer conformal therapy methods such as three-dimensional conformal RT, intensity-modulated RT, and proton beam RT. Regardless of the specific treatment technique, patients can depend on the treatment to target the moving prostate effectively while significantly sparing adjacent tissues, thereby reducing the morbidity of having to undergo prostate cancer therapy. This review summarizes the recent technical advances made in radiation dose delivery, including target volume definition, treatment planning, treatment delivery method...

Contemporary Management of High-risk Localized Prostate Cancer

Current Urology Reports — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:00:25 +0100

Abstract The management of high-risk, localized prostate cancer remains a formidable challenge despite significant technical advances in surgery and radiation therapy. Treatment outcomes of radiation therapy are improved by the addition of adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy, whereas, with surgery, oncologic results are enhanced with either postoperative radiation therapy or androgen deprivation therapy in select cases. In high-risk prostate cancer, disease recurrence after primary therapy may occur at either distant or local sites. Ongoing studies are in the process of evaluating systemic therapy for the eradication of local and micrometastatic disease. Neoadjuvant therapies offer the opportunity to maximize local control as a path to improved outcomes and critically ev...

Modulating Tumor Vasculature through Signaling Inhibition to Improve Cytotoxic Therapy

Cancer Research — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:07:28 +0100

The tumor microenvironment is a key factor in cancer treatment response. Recent work has shown that changes in the tumor vasculature can be achieved by inhibiting tumor cell signaling, resulting in enhanced tumor oxygenation. These changes could promote responses to both chemo- and radiation therapy. Cancer Res; 70(6); 2141–5 (Source: Cancer Research)

Patient setup error and day-to-day esophageal motion error analyzed by cone-beam computed tomography in radiation therapy.

Acta Oncologica — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Our data support the use of target margins (between the clinical target volume and planning target volume) of 9 mm for day-to-day esophageal motion and 8 mm for patient setup in all directions, respectively. PMID: 20230211 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Oncologica)

Constitutive activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) signaling pathway in fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma.

International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:24:03 +0100

Authors: Li W, Tan D, Zenali MJ, Brown RE Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FLHCC) is an aggressive neoplasm due to high frequency of recurrence after surgical resection and resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Activation of transcription factor NF-kB signaling pathway has been recognized for involvement in progression of various malignant neoplasms. The role of NF-kB pathway in FLHCC has not been studied to date. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections of 8 FLHCC, 10 normal liver tissues (NLT) were evaluated immunohistochemically for the expression of p-NF-kBp65 using phosphospecific antibody directed against phosphorylated (p)-NF-kBp65 (Ser 536). The level of p-NF-kBp65 (Ser 536) expression was categorized into four grades: 0 (background), 1+ (weak), 2+ (...

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A Patient Set-up Protocol Based on Partially Blocked Cone-beam CT.

Technology in Cancer Research and Treatment — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 07:46:12 +0100

Authors: Zhu L, Wang J, Xie Y, Starman J, Fahrig R, Xing L Three-dimensional x-ray cone-beam CT (CBCT) is being increasingly used in radiation therapy. Since the whole treatment course typically lasts several weeks, the repetitive x-ray imaging results in large radiation dose delivered on the patient. In the current radiation therapy treatment, CBCT is mainly used for patient set-up, and a rigid transformation of the CBCT data from the planning CT data is also assumed. For an accurate rigid registration, it is not necessary to acquire a full 3D image. In this paper, we propose a patient set-up protocol based on partially blocked CBCT. A sheet of lead strips is inserted between the x-ray source and the scanned patient. From the incomplete projection data, only several axial slices are r...

Targeting the prodeath and prosurvival functions of autophagy as novel therapeutic strategies in cancer.

Autophagy — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 03:04:09 +0100

Authors: Dalby KN, Tekedereli I, Lopez-Berestein G, Ozpolat B Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved lysosomal pathway for degrading cytoplasmic proteins, macromolecules, and organelles. While autophagy has become one of the most attractive topics in cancer research, the current autophagy literature is often viewed as confusing, because of its association with apparently contradictory roles, such as survival and cell death. Autophagy can serve as a tumor suppressor, as a partial reduction in autophagic capacity or defective autophagy (e.g., heterozygous knockdown BECN1 (+/-) in mice) provides an oncogenic stimulus, causing malignant transformation and spontaneous tumors. In addition, autophagy seems to function as a protective cell survival mechanism against environmental and cellula...

Current approaches to the management of pediatric hodgkin lymphoma.

Paediatric Drugs — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:40:18 +0100

Authors: Freed J, Kelly KM Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the few cancers that affect both adults and children. Cure rates for Hodgkin lymphoma remain among the best for pediatric cancers. However, cure is often associated with significant delayed effects of therapy, including an elevated risk for second malignancies, cardiotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, and gonadal and non-gonadal endocrine dysfunction. Therefore, the aim of current treatment strategies is to further improve outcomes while minimizing therapy-related complications. At diagnosis, patients are classified into risk groups based on disease stage, and the presence of clinical, biologic, and serologic risk factors. In general, the most recent trials have intensified therapy in those patients with high-risk disease to improve dise...

Restaging of Rectal Cancer with MR Imaging after Concurrent Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy [Education Exhibits]

Radiographics recent issues — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:58:26 +0100

MR imaging findings in patients with rectal cancer who have received concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy are presented, the effects of this treatment on different histopathologic types of rectal cancer are described, and the roles of MR volumetry and functional MR imaging in these patients are discussed. (Source: Radiographics recent issues)

Dose Delivery Estimated by Bremsstrahlung Imaging and Partition Model Correlated with Response Following Intra-arterial Radioembolization with 32P-Glass Microspheres for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:49:21 +0100

Conclusion β-bremsstrahlung imaging following intra-arterial infusion of 32P-glass microspheres and chemoembolization incorporates effective treatment with convenient dosimetry monitoring and manageable adverse events using a single surgical procedure. This approach is a safe and effective method for ameliorating hepatocellular carcinoma. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11605-010-1180-4Authors Xiao-Dong Wang, Peking University Oncology School Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of interventional therapy, Beijing Cancer Hospital and Institute Beijing 100142 ChinaRen-Jie Yang, Peking University Oncology School Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of ...

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Do Oncologists Engage in Bereavement Practices? A Survey of the Israeli Society of Clinical Oncology and Radiation Therapy (ISCORT).

The Oncologist — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. Although many oncologists participate at least occasionally in some sort of bereavement ritual, a significant proportion of oncologists are not involved in these practices at all. PMID: 20228130 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Oncologist)

Nanoshells for Photothermal Cancer Therapy

Springer protocols feed by Cancer Research — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:51:55 +0100

Cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States and contributes to yearly rising health care costs. Current methods of treating cancer involve surgical removal of easily accessible tumors, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. These methods do not always result in full treatment of the cancer and can in many cases damage healthy cells both surrounding the tissue area and systemically. Nanoshells are optically tunable core/shell nanoparticles that can be fabricated to strongly absorb in the near-infrared (NIR) region where light transmits deeply into tissue. When injected systemically, these particles have been shown to accumulate in the tumor due to the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and induce photothermal ablation of the tumor when irradiated with an NIR laser. T...

Investigators At University Of Chicago, Brain Tumor Center Have Published New Data On Cancer Gene Therapy

Cancercompass News: Other Cancer — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A report, 'Virotherapy against malignant glioma stem cells,' is newly published data in Cancer Letters. Glioblastoma multiforme, the most common primary intracranial malignancy, is associated with very poor outcome despite advances in surgical techniques and chemo-and radiation therapy. Many novel treatment modalities are being investigated with varying amount of success, researchers in the United States report. (Source: Cancercompass News: Other Cancer)

A novel technique for post-mastectomy breast irradiation utilising non-coplanar intensity-modulated radiation therapy.

The British Journal of Radiology — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, non-coplanar IMRT results in improved coverage of the PTV and a lower heart dose when compared with a 5F or PWT plan. PMID: 20223909 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The British Journal of Radiology)

Low locoregional recurrence rates in patients treated after 2000 with doxorubicin based chemotherapy, modified radical mastectomy, and post-mastectomy radiation.

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The rate of locoregional control for PMRT patients treated with modern radiotherapy is outstanding and has improved significantly compared to historical controls. PMID: 20227126 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology)

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18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography immediately after chemoradiotherapy predicts prognosis in patients with locoregional postoperative recurrent esophageal cancer

International Journal of Clinical Oncology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:13:26 +0100

Conclusions FDG-PET performed even <7 days after chemoradiotherapy predicts prognosis in patients with postoperative recurrent esophageal cancer. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s10147-010-0044-yAuthors Keiichi Jingu, Tohoku University School of Medicine Department of Radiation Oncology 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku Sendai 980-8574 JapanTomohiro Kaneta, Tohoku University School of Medicine Department of Diagnostic Radiology Sendai JapanKenji Nemoto, Yamagata University School of Medicine Department of Radiation Oncology Yamagata JapanKen Takeda, Tohoku University School of Medicine Department of Radiation Oncology 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku Sendai 980-8574 JapanYoshihiro Ogawa, Tohoku University School of Medicine Department of Rad...

Wide-mouthed Sacculation of the Esophagus: A Cause of Dysphagia after Radiation Therapy

Dysphagia — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:10:01 +0100

We describe a patient who presented with dysphagia after radiation therapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma secondary to wide-mouthed sacculation of the upper esophagus on barium esophagography, most likely resulting from localized radiation necrosis of the muscular layer of the esophageal wall. Despite its rarity, radiologists should be aware of this finding as a potential cause of dysphagia after radiation therapy to the neck or chest. Unlike radiation strictures, radiation-induced sacculation of the esophagus probably can be managed conservatively without need for endoscopic dilatation procedures. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s00455-010-9274-4Authors Xin Wu, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Department of Radiology 3400 Spruce Street Philadelph...

Association between utility and treatment among patients with prostate cancer

Quality of Life Research — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:08:03 +0100

Conclusions Treatment appears to have significant association with post-treatment utility. Thus, utility assessment provides an important quantitative tool to support patient and physician clinical treatment decision-making process in prostate cancer care. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11136-010-9622-8Authors Ravishankar Jayadevappa, University of Pennsylvania Department of Medicine 224, 3615 Chestnut Street Philadelphia PA 19104-2676 USAJ Sanford Schwartz, University of Pennsylvania Department of Medicine Philadelphia PA 19104-2676 USASumedha Chhatre, University of Pennsylvania Department of Psychiatry Philadelphia PA USAAlan J. Wein, University of Pennsylvania Division of Urology, Department of Surgery Philadelphia PA USAS. Bruce Malkowicz, University of...

A systematic review of trismus induced by cancer therapies in head and neck cancer patients

Supportive Care in Cancer — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:02:20 +0100

Conclusions Newer radiation modalities may decrease the prevalence of trismus compared to conventional radiotherapy. Few studies have addressed the quality of life impact of trismus, and no studies were identified to assess the economic impact of trismus. The few preventive and management trials identified in the literature showed some promise, although larger, well-designed studies are required to appropriately assess these therapies before recommendations can be provided. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Review ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00520-010-0847-4Authors Rene-Jean Bensadoun, CHU de Poitiers Radiotherapy Department, Pôle Régional de Cancérologie 2 rue de la Milétrie, BP 577 86021 Poitiers Cedex 9 FranceDorothea Riesenbeck, Wildermannstr. 21 45659 Recklingh...

Stereotactic Radiation Therapy May Improve Survival With Early Stage Inoperable Lung Cancer

About.com Lung Cancer — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

When lung cancer is caught in the early stages, surgery offers the chance for a cure. But not everyone is a candidate for surgery. And for those people - whether they forego treatment or are treated with conventional radiation therapy - the survival rate at 3 years is only around 20 to 35%. But a relatively new technique in radiation therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), provides hope that people with early-stage but inoperable lung cancer will be able to survive significantly longer than was possible in the past. Researchers evaluated 55 people with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer who could not have their tumors removed with surgery for medical reasons. They defined early stage lung cancer as tumors that were less than 5 cm (2 ½ inches) in diameter, and had no...

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A 31-Year-Old Woman With a Transformed Low-grade Glioma [Clinical Crossroads]

JAMA — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:50:43 +0100

Low-grade gliomas in adults have an incidence of 0.8 to 1.2 per 100 000, and their causes are unknown. Despite their histological classification as low-grade, they cannot be cured by any current treatment mode, and no class I evidence exists to guide initial treatment of these tumors. Median survival ranges between 7.5 years and 10 years, with a 5-year survival probability between 55% and 86%. The prognosis depends on age, World Health Organization (WHO) tumor grade, Karnofsky performance score, cytological type (oligodendroglioma vs astrocytoma), and, potentially, the extent of resection. Oligodendrogliomas with loss of heterozygosity on chromosomes 1p and 19q have a distinctly more favorable prognosis and therapeutic response rate. Low-grade tumors progress to high-grade gliomas wit...

Dietary supplements discouraged for prostate cancer patients

ScienceDaily Headlines — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0100

Dietary Supplements Discouraged For Prostate Cancer Patients

Nutrition/Agriculture News From Medical News Today — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Prostate-specific dietary supplements should not be taken during radiation therapy treatments because they have been shown to increase the radiosensitivity of normal prostate cell lines, leading to normal tissue complications, according to a study in the March issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, the official journal of the American Society ... (Source: Nutrition/Agriculture News From Medical News Today)

Dietary Supplements Discouraged For Prostate Cancer Patients

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Prostate-specific dietary supplements should not be taken during radiation therapy treatments because they have been shown to increase the radiosensitivity of normal prostate cell lines, leading to normal tissue complications, according to a study in the March issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, the official journal of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). Many prostate cancer patients choose to take nutritional supplements to improve or increase sexual potency and alleviate symptoms associated with poor prostate health... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Heterotopic autotransplantation of ovarian cortex in cynomolgus monkeys

Human Cell — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In recent years, removal of ova or ovaries before chemotherapy or radiation therapy has been investigated in young female cancer patients to avoid the adverse effects of treatment. Orthotopic autotransplantation of ovarian cortex has advantages such as easy collection of ova and the possibility of spontaneous pregnancy. Although children have been born after successful orthotopic autotransplantation into the residual ovaries, some patients cannot undergo this procedure such as those who need bilateral ovariectomy or pelvic radiation therapy, therefore it is still necessary to investigate suitable heterotopic autotransplantation sites. The present study was performed in primates (cynomolgus monkeys) with the objective of determining the optimum site for heterotopic autotransplantation of ov...

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Universal Poor Survival in Children With Medulloblastoma Harboring Somatic TP53 Mutations [Pediatric Oncology]

Journal of Clinical Oncology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:01:30 +0100

Conclusion Lack of long-term survival in TP53-mutated medulloblastomas highlights the role of TP53 mutations in medulloblastoma resistance to conventional therapies and the need for alternative treatments, and prospective validation of these findings is needed. (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

Cellular Histone Modification Patterns Predict Prognosis and Treatment Response in Resectable Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Results From RTOG 9704 [Gastrointestinal Cancer]

Journal of Clinical Oncology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:01:30 +0100

Conclusion Cellular levels of histone modifications define previously unrecognized subsets of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma with distinct epigenetic phenotypes and clinical outcomes and represent prognostic and predictive biomarkers that could inform clinical decisions, including the use of fluorouracil chemotherapy. (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

Conservative Surgical Treatment of Medulloepithelioma of the Ciliary Body [Research Letters]

Archives of Opthalmology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:50:47 +0100

(Source: Archives of Opthalmology)

A Phase 1 Trial of ABT-510 Concurrent With Standard Chemoradiation for Patients With Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma [Clinical Trials]

Archives of Neurology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:50:43 +0100

Conclusions ABT-510, at subcutaneous doses up to 200 mg/d, is tolerated well with concurrent temozolomide and radiotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, and low-density arrays provide a useful method of exploring gene expression profiles. (Source: Archives of Neurology)

Patient-Centered Comparative Effectiveness Research: Essential for High-Quality Care [Commentary]

Archives of Internal Medicine — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:50:40 +0100

(Source: Archives of Internal Medicine)

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Physician Visits Prior to Treatment for Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer [Original Investigation]

Archives of Internal Medicine — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:50:40 +0100

Conclusions Specialist visits relate strongly to prostate cancer treatment choices. In light of these findings, prior evidence that specialists prefer the modality they themselves deliver and the lack of conclusive comparative studies demonstrating superiority of one modality over another, it is essential to ensure that men have access to balanced information before choosing a particular therapy for prostate cancer. (Source: Archives of Internal Medicine)

The Prostate Cancer Treatment Bazaar: Comment on "Physician Visits Prior to Treatment for Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer" [Invited Commentary]

Archives of Internal Medicine — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:50:40 +0100

(Source: Archives of Internal Medicine)

AIM: Prostate cancer treatment may differ depending on consulting specialist

Health Imaging News — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:30:59 +0100

According to a recent study published in the March 8 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, prostate cancer patients who visit a urologist with or without a medical oncologist consultation are treated more frequently with hormone therapy, watchful waiting or a radical prostatectomy, while those who visit a radiation oncologist appear more likely to receive radiation therapy for the treatment of their disease. (Source: Health Imaging News)

AIM: Prostate cancer treatment may differ depending on consulting specialist

Health Imaging News — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:30:59 +0100

Vaginal Brachytherapy Instead of EBRT for Endometrial Cancer

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:07:50 +0100

For women with endometrial cancer of high-intermediate risk, adjuvant therapy should be vaginal brachytherapy instead of external beam radiation therapy. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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21. MR perfusion imaging in diagnostics of brain pathologies

Clinical Neurophysiology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:13:03 +0100

The knowledge of parameters which describe oxygen and nutrients supply to tissues is essential from standpoint of diagnostics and follow-up of pathologies of brain. Due to their low spatial resolution MR angiographic techniques cannot visualize blood flow inside bulk tissue. In order to obtain the hemodynamic parameters which describe perfusion, MR perfusion imaging use drop in tissue signal during the first pass of contrast agent. Decrease in MR signal is proportional to intravascular concentration of contrast agent, which provides basis for calculation of regional cerebral volume (rCBV), regional cerebral flow (rCBF) and mean transition time (MTT) and corresponding maps of these parameters. Such maps can pinpoint to changes in perfusion of brain tissue which can be consequence or cause o...

4. MR perfusion imaging in diagnostics of brain pathologies

Clinical Neurophysiology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:13:02 +0100

The knowledge of parameters which describe oxygen and nutrients supply to tissues is essential from standpoint of diagnostics and follow-up of pathologies of brain. Due to their low spatial resolution MR angiographic techniques cannot visualize blood flow inside bulk tissue. MR perfusion imaging is technique which use drop in tissue signal during the first pass of contrast agent in order to obtain the haemodynamic parameters which describe perfusion. Calculation of those values requires determination of time course of change of agent concentration in both tissue and feeding artery. Decrease in MR signal is proportional to intravascular concentration of contrast agent, which provides basis for calculation of regional cerebral volume (rCBV), regional cerebral flow (rCBF) and mean transition ...

Radiation Therapy for Palliation of Sarcoma Metastases: A Unique and Uniform Hypofractionation Experience

Sarcoma — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:52:07 +0100

Radiotherapy (RT) is our preferred modality for local palliation of metastatic soft tissue sarcoma (STS). A short and intense course of RT is usually needed for rapid palliation and local control of metastatic disease. Seventeen patients at a median age of 61 had symptomatic metastatic sarcoma and required rapid palliation. The symptoms related to the metastases were either pain or discomfort. All patients were treated by a short and intensive course of administration: 39 Gy were given in 13 fractions of 3 Gy/day, 5 times a week. Median follow-up period was 25 weeks. The treatment was well tolerated. Acute side effects included grade one skin toxicity. No wound complications were noted among those undergoing surgery. Late side effects included skin pigmentation and induration of irradi...

Dietary supplements discouraged for prostate cancer patients

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(American Society for Radiation Oncology) Prostate-specific dietary supplements should not be taken during radiation therapy treatments because they have been shown to increase the radiosensitivity of normal prostate cell lines, leading to normal tissue complications, according to a study in the March issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, the official journal of the American Society for Radiation Oncology. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Prostate cancer treatment choices vary based on type of specialist consulted

EurekAlert! - Cancer — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(JAMA and Archives Journals) Men who visit a radiation oncologist appear more likely to receive radiation therapy for prostate cancer, whereas men who consult with a urologist with or without a medical oncologist are treated more frequently with hormone therapy, watchful waiting or a radical prostatectomy, according to a report in the March 8 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. (Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer)

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Cardiac toxicity in association with chemotherapy and radiation therapy in a large cohort of older patients with non-small-cell lung cancer.

Ann Oncol — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: There were significant associations especially for cardiac dysfunction with use of chemotherapy/radiation therapy and risks of developing cardiac toxicity in NSCLC patients. The risks of treatment-associated cardiac toxicity, specifically ischemic heart disease and cardiac dysfunction, were greatest among those with left-sided lung tumors. PMID: 20211871 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Ann Oncol)

Phase II study of preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with irinotecan plus S-1 in locally advanced rectal cancer.

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the efficacy of preoperative CRT with S-1 and irinotecan with 21% of complete response. However, prompt recognition and management of infection is needed to use it in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. PMID: 20211505 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology)

Central nervous system prophylaxis in adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Cancer — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Central nervous system (CNS) recurrence continues to be a significant complication in the treatment of adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Preventing CNS recurrence has been a therapeutic challenge and has not been addressed critically in many clinical trials. Adult studies modeled on childhood ALL studies have used multiple treatment modalities, including radiation therapy, systemic therapy, intrathecal therapy, and combinations thereof. Cranial irradiation is effective but is offset by substantial toxicity, including neurologic sequelae. Systemic chemotherapy, especially with cytarabine (AraC) and methotrexate, has demonstrated promise in decreasing CNS recurrence, but therapeutic levels of drugs in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are not maintained. Intrathecal chemoth...

Do racial or socioeconomic disparities exist in lung cancer treatment?

Cancer — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Determine the effects of race, socioeconomic status, and treatment on outcomes for patients diagnosed with lung cancer.The Florida cancer registry and inpatient and ambulatory data were queried for patients diagnosed from 1998-2002.A total 76,086 of lung cancer patients were identified. Overall, 55.6% were male and 44.4% were female. The demographic distribution of patients was 92.7% Caucasian, 6.7% African American, and 5.7% Hispanic. The mean age of diagnosis was 70 years old. African American patients presented at a younger age, with more advanced disease, and were less likely to undergo surgical therapy than their Caucasian counterparts. Median survival time (MST) for the entire cohort was 8.7 months, while MST for African American patients was 7.5 months. Patients who received surgery...

Association between utility and treatment among patients with prostate cancer.

Pain Physician — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Treatment appears to have significant association with post-treatment utility. Thus, utility assessment provides an important quantitative tool to support patient and physician clinical treatment decision-making process in prostate cancer care. PMID: 20204704 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Pain Physician)

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Accumulation of CD133-positive glioma cells after high-dose irradiation by Gamma Knife surgery plus external beam radiation.

Journal of Neurosurgery — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions The results indicate that CD133-positive glioma stemlike cells can survive high-dose irradiation, leading to recurrence, despite prolonged damage to tumor blood vessels. This could be an essential factor limiting the effectiveness of GKS plus EBRT for malignant gliomas. PMID: 20205512 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Neurosurgery)

Radiation Most Effective Soon After Breast Cancer Surgery

MedlinePlus Health News — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0100

Analysis finds greater risk of recurrence in those who delay it Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Breast Cancer, Radiation Therapy (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Varian contributes to novel research

AuntMinnie.com Headlines — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

With the help of technology from radiation therapy firm Varian Medical Systems, (more) (Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines)

Office-based injection laryngoplasty in the irradiated larynx

The Laryngoscope — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

To review the clinical results of office-based injection laryngoplasty with two different therapeutic materials in patients with vocal fold paralysis and history of radiation therapy to the larynx.Retrospective study.Chart review of 11 patients who underwent office-based injection laryngoplasty with calcium hydroxylapatite or micronized Alloderm. All patients had a history of radiation therapy to the neck, with the larynx included in the radiation field. Voice analyses, clinical outcomes, and complications were reviewed. Efficacy of the procedure was evaluated by comparing pre- and postinjection mean phonation time (MPT) results from voice analysis data.A total of 15 injections were performed in 11 patients with vocal fold paralysis (one females, 10 males, mean age 62 years). Data from voi...

MHNCS: PET May Predict Cancer Aggression (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:06:52 +0100

PHOENIX (MedPage Today) -- Pretreatment PET imaging results predicted survival in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy, a retrospective analysis of data from a clinical series showed. (Source: MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology)

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Response to “Predictors of Prostate Cancer–Specific Mortality in Elderly Men With Intermediate-Risk Prostate Cancer Treated With Brachytherapy With or Without External Beam Radiation Therapy” (Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2009, in press)

International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:35:20 +0100

To the Editor: We read with great interest the article by Nanda et al. suggesting a decreased prostate cancer–specific mortality in elderly men with cardiovascular disease treated by brachytherapy with or without external beam radiation therapy for intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Attracted by this surprising finding, we performed an exploratory analysis of our sample of 2,205 consecutive patients who underwent radical prostatectomy in the years 1992–2005 (median follow-up, 5.4 years; median age, 65 years) stratified by several possible definitions of cardiovascular disease (the way of comorbidity assessment has previously been described in detail ). In all stratifications, cardiovascular disease was associated with increased overall mortality, and there was no detectable protective...

In Reply to Dr. Yamazaki

International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:35:20 +0100

To the Editor: In Dr. Yamazaki's letter, he pointed to the limitation of our study , that is, jumping constraint application from conventional to stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), and he took the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 0236 protocol as an example. However, the dose schedules were different in the studies. The fractional dose and total dose were 5 Gy and 50 Gy with 10 fractions in our study and 20 Gy and 60 Gy with 3 fractions in Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 0236, respectively. The biologic isoeffective dose can be differently predicted in regard to different dose schedules. The prediction of isoeffective dose is appropriate in a certain dose range or inappropriate in another dose schedule such as radiosurgery . Milano et al. recently reported the recommendations c...

Imaging Primary Lung Cancers in Mice to Study Radiation Biology

International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:35:08 +0100

Conclusions: Micro-CT is an effective tool to noninvasively measure the growth of primary lung cancers in genetically engineered mice and assess tumor response to radiation therapy. This imaging approach will be useful to study the radiation biology of lung cancer. (Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics)

Adaptive Radiotherapy of Head and Neck Cancer

Seminars in Radiation Oncology — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:43:51 +0100

This article reviews the causes and discusses potential solutions to circumvent the discrepancies between the planned dose and the actual dose received by patients treated for H&N malignancies. (Source: Seminars in Radiation Oncology)

Adaptive Radiotherapy for Lung Cancer

Seminars in Radiation Oncology — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:43:51 +0100

Lung cancer radiation therapy (RT) is associated with complex geometrical uncertainties, such as respiratory motion, differential baseline shifts between primary tumor and involved lymph nodes, and anatomical changes due to treatment response. Generous safety margins required to account for these uncertainties limit the potential of dose escalation to improve treatment outcome. Four dimensional inverse planning incorporating pretreatment patient-specific respiratory motion information into the treatment plan already improves treatment plan quality. More importantly, repetitive imaging during treatment quantifies patient-specific intrafraction, interfraction, and progressive geometrical variations. These patient-specific parameters subsequently can drive adaptive plan modification correctin...

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Adaptive Management of Liver Cancer Radiotherapy

Seminars in Radiation Oncology — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:43:51 +0100

Adaptive radiation therapy for liver cancer has the potential to reduce normal tissue complications and enable dose escalation, allowing the potential for tumor control in this challenging site. Using adaptive techniques to tailor treatment margins to reflect patient-specific breathing motions and image-guidance techniques can reduce the high dose delivered to surrounding normal tissues while ensuring that the prescription dose is delivered to the tumor. Several treatment planning and delivery techniques have been developed for use in the liver, including a margin to encompass the full breathing motion, mean position techniques, which evaluate the probability of tumor location during breathing, breath hold, gating, and tracking. Patient selection, clinical workflow, and quality assurance m...

Adaptive Management of Cervical Cancer Radiotherapy

Seminars in Radiation Oncology — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:43:51 +0100

Since the breakthrough 10 years ago with concomitant radio-chemotherapy, substantial progress in the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer has been lacking. Radiotherapy continues to be the cornerstone in the treatment of this disease and now shows much potential for progress, as image guidance of both external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy, linked with strong tools for treatment planning and dose delivery, is becoming available. With these new techniques, it again seems possible to improve the therapeutic ratio as we begin to understand how the treatment for each patient can be individualized, not only in terms of volume (3-dimensional), but also during treatment (4-dimensional), as the tumor regresses and the topography of the target and organs at risk change significa...

Adaptive Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Seminars in Radiation Oncology — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:43:51 +0100

Adaptive radiotherapy has been introduced to manage an individual's treatment by, including patient-specific treatment variation identified and quantified during the course of radiotherapy in the treatment planning and delivering optimization. Early studies have demonstrated that this technique could significantly improve the therapeutic ratio by safely reducing the large target margin that has to be used in conventional radiotherapy for prostate cancer treatment. Clinical application of off-line image-guided adaptive radiotherapy for prostate cancer has demonstrated encouraging clinical outcome. Long-term clinical follow-up has shown significant improvement in terms of tumor control and low toxicity profile, emphasizing the beneficial effect of image-guidance and adaptive treatment. Conti...

Adapting Biological Feedback in Radiotherapy

Seminars in Radiation Oncology — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:43:51 +0100

Recently, there has been much interest in how to use information on patient-specific tumor biology and normal tissue function to individualize cancer treatment. In radiation therapy, dose may be escalated to radioresistant regions within a tumor, or regions of particular functional importance in normal organs may be preferentially spared. However, tumor and normal tissue biology may change during treatment, and adaptation of therapy may be necessary to ensure that optimal therapy is delivered. Furthermore, changes in tumor and normal tissue biology during early treatment may be predictive for the outcome of radiotherapy, and this information could be used for individual adaptation of the remaining part of the treatment. In the present study, we address variations that may occur in tumor an...

US Oncology Ranks 2nd In Affiliate Member Accruals For Radiation Therapy Oncology Group

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0100

In only its second year as an Affiliate Member of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG), US Oncology, Inc. announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary US Oncology Research, LLC placed second amongst all affiliate members in patients accrued to RTOG clinical trials. US Oncology is the nation's leading oncology services company uniting the nation's largest cancer treatment and research network to expand patient access to high-quality, cost-effective cancer care and advance the science of cancer care... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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US Oncology Ranks 2nd In Affiliate Member Accruals For Radiation Therapy Oncology Group

Cancer / Oncology News From Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0100

UNC Physicians Leaders In New Radiation Treatment Guidelines

MRI / PET / Ultrasound News From Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

UNC Physicians Leaders In New Radiation Treatment Guidelines

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

The culmination of a two-year effort to review available studies and establish new guidelines for the safe treatment of cancer with radiation therapy was published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics. Several UNC radiation oncology faculty members participated in the process establishing the new QUANTEC (Quantitative Analysis of Normal Tissue Effects in the Clinic) guidelines... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Gastroduodenal Ulceration Associated with Radioembolization for the Treatment of Hepatic Tumors: An Institutional Experience and Review of the Literature

Digestive Diseases and Sciences — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:05:04 +0100

Conclusions The increasing utilization of radioembolization will lead to adverse events including gastroduodenal ulceration. This entity must be considered in any patient treated with radioactive microspheres presenting with symptoms of dyspepsia. Accurate diagnosis and aggressive treatment are necessary to improve patient outcomes. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ReviewDOI 10.1007/s10620-010-1156-yAuthors Steven Naymagon, Mount Sinai School of Medicine Department of Medicine One Gustave Levy Place New York NY 10029 USARichard R. P. Warner, Mount Sinai School of Medicine Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology One Gustave Levy Place New York NY 10029 USAKalpesh Patel, Mount Sinai School of Medicine Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterolo...

Effect of radiation therapy on the latest generation of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators: A systematic review

Australasian Radiology — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The increasing human lifespan and development of technology over the last number of decades has seen an increase in the number of pacemaker and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantations worldwide. Given the number of risk factors common to both heart disease and cancer, it is not uncommon for several of these patients to present for radiation therapy treatment each year. A systematic review was conducted using online databases Medline and Scopus. Results were grouped into in vitro and in vivo studies. In 1994, the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) defined guidelines for the management of these patients, which have since been adopted by many radiation oncology departments internationally. More recently, a number of studies have reported an increase in ra...

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Implementation of an image-guided radiation therapy program: Lessons learnt and future challenges

Australasian Radiology — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The aim of this paper is to detail the experience obtained in implementing an image-guided radiation therapy program at the Northern Sydney Cancer Centre. This required retrofitting a Varian Clinac 21EX with an on-board imager. The commissioning and quality assurance procedures, organisation of a multidisciplinary image guided radiation therapy group, and the development of clinical protocols for orthogonal kV and cone beam computed tomography implementation are described. Reassessment of the image-guided radiation therapy program has continued as new equipment and software versions were made available in the department. (Source: Australasian Radiology)

MHNC: Proton beam therapy shows promise in advanced sinonasal cancers

Health Imaging News — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:03:47 +0100

Proton beam radiation therapy showed encouraging results for patients with locally advanced sinonasal malignancies, according to a study presented Feb.25 at the Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Symposium in Chandler, Ariz. (Source: Health Imaging News)

MHNC: Proton beam therapy shows promise in advanced sinonasal cancers

Health Imaging News — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:03:47 +0100

Florida's Hernando Skin Care Center Chooses The Mobetron And DermaBeam

Medical Design Online News — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:48:00 +0100

IntraOp Medical Corporation today announcedthat Hernando Skin Care Center has chosen to install a Mobetron in its Brookesville, Florida office. DermaBeam and Radiation Therapy DermaBeam is Electron Beam Radiation Therapy (RT) delivered by IntraOp's Mobetron and represents a ground breaking treatment in office based dermatology (Source: Medical Design Online News)

Economic Analysis: Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Erlotinib in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

JNCI — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:01:22 +0100

Conclusion With an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $94 638 per life-year gained, erlotinib treatment for patients with previously treated advanced non–small cell lung cancer is marginally cost-effective. The use of molecular predictors of benefit for targeted agents may help identify more or less cost-effective subgroups for treatment. (Source: JNCI)

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Outcomes Similar for Accelerated and Standard Radiation Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:39:26 +0100

Accelerated radiation therapy combined with concurrent cisplatin does not improve outcome or increase late toxicity but has the potential to reduce chemotherapy-related toxicity. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Comparison of Image Enhancement Methods for the Effective Diagnosis in Successive Whole-Body Bone Scans

Journal of Digital Imaging — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:03:31 +0100

Abstract Whole-body bone scan is one of the most frequent diagnostic procedures in nuclear medicine. Especially, it plays a significant role in important procedures such as the diagnosis of osseous metastasis and evaluation of osseous tumor response to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It can also be used to monitor the possibility of any recurrence of the tumor. However, it is a very time-consuming effort for radiologists to quantify subtle interval changes between successive whole-body bone scans because of many variations such as intensity, geometry, and morphology. In this paper, we present the most effective method of image enhancement based on histograms, which may assist radiologists in interpreting successive whole-body bone scans effectively. Forty-eight success...

Mucosal melanoma of the nose and paranasal sinuses, a contemporary experience from the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

Cancer — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Sinonasal mucosal melanoma is a rare disease associated with a very poor prognosis. Because most of the series extend retrospectively several decades, we sought to determine prognostic factors and outcomes with recent treatment modalities.A retrospective chart review of 58 patients treated for sinonasal melanoma at a tertiary cancer center between 1993 and 2004. The patients were retrospectively staged according to the sinonasal American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. Demographic, clinical and pathological parameters were identified and correlated with outcomes.There were 35 males and 23 females with a median age of 63 years; 56 patients were treated surgically and 33 received radiation therapy. According to Ballantyne's clinical staging system, 88% of the patients presen...

CD44 Attenuates Activation of the Hippo Signaling Pathway and Is a Prime Therapeutic Target for Glioblastoma.

Cell Research — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Xu Y, Stamenkovic I, Yu Q Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive brain tumor that, by virtue of its resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, is currently incurable. Identification of molecules whose targeting may eliminate GBM cells and/or sensitize glioblastoma cells to cytotoxic drugs is therefore urgently needed. CD44 is a major cell surface hyaluronan receptor and cancer stem cell marker that has been implicated in the progression of a variety of cancer types. However, the major downstream signaling pathways that mediate its protumor effects and the role of CD44 in the progression and chemoresponse of GBM have not been established. Here we show that CD44 is upregulated in GBM and that its depletion blocks GBM growth and sensitizes GBM cells to cytotoxic d...

Head and neck sarcoma: report of a case treated by intensity-modulated radiation therapy

International Journal of Clinical Oncology — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:08:44 +0100

We report on a 71-year-old woman with parapharyngeal sarcoma. Surgery could not be performed because of the size and location of the tumor. After failure of four cycles of chemotherapy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) achieved complete clinical response and partial magnetic resonance imaging response (80%) at 24 months of follow-up. The results of radiotherapy, especially IMRT, for nonresectable head and neck soft tissue sarcoma are discussed. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s10147-010-0037-xAuthors Pierre Heudel, Léon Bérard Cancer Center 28 Rue Laennec 69008 Lyon FranceMarie Claude Biston, Léon Bérard Cancer Center 28 Rue Laennec 69008 Lyon FranceJérome Fayette, Léon Bérard Cancer Center 28 Rue Laennec 69008 Lyon FranceAntoin...

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MHNC: Abridged therapy could reduce amount of chemo in head and neck cancer patients

Health Imaging News — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:18:13 +0100

Use of an abridged radiation therapy could reduce the amounts of chemotherapy and toxicity in patients with advanced head and neck cancers, according to a study presented by Phuc Felix Nguyen-Tan, MD, Feb. 26 at the Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer symposium. (Source: Health Imaging News)

MHNC: Abridged therapy could reduce amount of chemo in head and neck cancer patients

Health Imaging News — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:18:13 +0100

MHNCS: Ipsilateral Radiation Controls Tonsil Cancer (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Meeting Coverage — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:13:08 +0100

PHOENIX (MedPage Today) -- Patients with newly diagnosed tonsillar cancer can have long-term disease control and minimal risk of contralateral recurrence with ipsilateral radiation therapy, data from a large patient series showed. (Source: MedPage Today Meeting Coverage)

Hormonal therapies: ADT for prostate cancer: true love or heartbreak?

Nature Clinical Practice Oncology — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:47:20 +0100

Authors: Jason A. Efstathiou, William U. Shipley, Anthony L. Zietman & Matthew R. Smith The addition of hormonal therapy to radiation therapy improves survival in men with unfavorable risk prostate cancer. Yet, men with prostate cancer have higher rates of non-cancer death than the general population and most will die from causes other than their index malignancy. Co-morbid cardiovascular disease is strongly associated with cause of death and this raises the possibility that prostate cancer or its treatment increases cardiovascular disease risk and possibly mortality. (Source: Nature Clinical Practice Oncology)

MHNCS: IMRT Effective But Toxic for Recurrent H&N Cancer (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:43:09 +0100

PHOENIX (MedPage Today) -- Patients with recurrent or second primary squamous-cell head and neck cancer achieved durable tumor control with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and chemotherapy, a small retrospective clinical review showed, but the improvement came at a toxic price. (Source: MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology)

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Split-course RT aids advanced lung cancer patients

AuntMinnie.com Headlines — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Radiation therapy (RT) may provide relief to patients with unpleasant chest (more) (Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines)

[Reflection and Reaction] Whole-brain irradiation for patients with brain metastases: still the standard of care – Authors' reply

The Lancet Oncology — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Previously, one could not establish from the published studies whether whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) or the risk of brain tumour recurrence posed a greater threat to the neurological and neurocognitive function of a patient with brain metastasis. Our study provides clarification and guidance by lending support to using stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) alone with close observation for patients with one to three brain metastases. We agree that for patients with four or more brain metastases, the standard of care remains WBRT. Randomised trials seek to balance out both known and unknown prognostic factors between groups to minimise bias. Recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) classification was used as a robust validated method for patient stratification. In addition, graded prognostic a...

[Cancer and Society] Film: Mo

The Lancet Oncology — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

When former Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam died in 2005, husband Jon Norton claimed that the cause of death was related to radiation therapy. Mowlam—we were to understand—had been diagnosed with a benign brain tumour in January, 1997. Radiation therapy had permanently affected her balance; she'd fallen over at home, and never regained consciousness. It's only in the past month or so that the true nature of Mowlam's final years has come to light. (Source: The Lancet Oncology)

EUS-guided gold fiducial insertion for image-guided radiation therapy of pancreatic cancer: 50 successful cases without fluoroscopy

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: EUS-guided fine-needle insertion was safe and effective in delivering gold fiducial markers for image-guided radiation therapy. Fluoroscopy was not required for successful fiducial placement. (Source: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy)

Fiducial placement for stereotactic radiation by using EUS: feasibility when using a marker compatible with a standard 22-gauge needle

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: EUS-guided placement of a fiducial using a 22-gauge needle is technically feasible and may permit greater access compared with the 19-gauge needle technique. (Source: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy)

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The Adjacent Vessel Sign on Breast MRI: New Data and a Subgroup Analysis for 1,084 Histologically Verified Cases.

Korean J Radiol — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The adjacent vessel sign was significantly associated with malignancy. Thus, it can be used to accurately assess breast lesions on bMRI. In this study, the AVS was particularly associated with advanced and invasive carcinomas. PMID: 20191065 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Korean J Radiol)

Image-guided radiation therapy: what is our Utopia?

The British Journal of Radiology — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Beavis AW PMID: 20197433 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The British Journal of Radiology)

Lumbar vertebral chordoma arising from an intraosseous benign notochordal cell tumour: radiological findings and histopathological description with a good clinical outcome.

The British Journal of Radiology — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report a rare case of lumbar vertebral chordoma that was thought to arise from a benign intraosseous notochordal cell tumour and which showed significant osteosclerotic change. Radiologically, the lumbar vertebral mass lesion showed hyperintensity on T(2) weighted images, with scanty enhancement on post-contrast T(1) weighted MR images. High uptake corresponding to the mass was noted on fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. Bone biopsy revealed proliferation of the physaliphorous cells between thickened bone trabeculae; no nuclear mitosis was observed. Although the mass was diagnosed clinically as spinal chordoma, histopathology contained both benign notochordal cell tumour and conventional chordoma. After heavy particle ((11)C)-charged radiation therapy was appli...

New molecular targeted therapies integrated with radiation therapy in lung cancer.

Clinical Lung Cancer — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Provencio M, Sánchez A, Garrido P, Valcárcel F Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 80%-85% of all cases of lung cancer; for patients with stage III disease, it accounts for approximately 40% of all cases. The treatment for unresectable stage III NSCLC is the combination of platinum-based chemotherapy and thoracic radiation. In this article, new targeted agents under investigation for possible integration into the combined therapy are reviewed. One of the most promising strategies is the inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway. Radiation activates EGFR signaling, leading to radio-resistance by inducing cell proliferation and enhanced DNA repair. Several preclinical models have shown synergistic activity when cetuxima...

Verification of a commercial implementation of the Macro-Monte-Carlo electron dose calculation algorithm using the virtual accelerator approach.

Zeitschrift fur Medizinische Physik — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tertel J, Wulff J, Karle H, Zink K In this work, the accuracy of the implementation of the Macro Monte Carlo electron dose calculation algorithm into the radiation therapy treatment planning system Eclipse is evaluated. This implementation - called eMC - uses a particle source based on the Rotterdam Initial Phase-Space model. A three-dimensional comparison of eMC calculated dose to dose distributions resulting from full treatment head simulations with the Monte Carlo code package EGSnrc is performed using the 'virtual accelerator' approach. Calculated dose distributions are compared for a homogeneous tissue equivalent phantom and a water phantom with air and bone inhomogeneities. The performance of the eMC algorithm in both phantoms can be considered acceptable within the 2%/2...

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Message from the Editor

Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Welcome to this first Spring issue of 2010. We are excited to introduce a new look for the journal, as well as a new policy/management-structured editorial board responsible for the overall policy and development of the JMIRS. The Editor-in-Chief and the Managing Editor will remain in place, and the Director of Advocacy, Communications and Events will continue to sit on the board as an ex-officio advisor. In the restructured board, we have included a Deputy Editor, Advisory board members in the fields of Statistics and Publishing, and Associate Editors representing nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, radiological technology, and magnetic resonance. The restructured board will represent the broad spectrum of methods, perspectives, and philosophies found in the medical imaging field today, ...

A Retrospective Review of the Effect of a Simple Foot Immobilization Device for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer

Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The foot strap is a simple and inexpensive method of improving daily setup reliability and reducing the need for isocenter shifts.Résumé: Contexte: La radiothérapie radicale vise à éradiquer les cellules tumorales en donnant des doses maximales au volume ciblé. Il est donc nécessaire d'assurer un positionnement quotidien précis pour réduire les possibilités de rater la cible et minimiser les doses atteignant le tissu normal avoisinant. De nombreuses études ont été menées afin de déterminer le meilleur appareil d'immobilisation permettant d'améliorer la reproductibilité de la position des hommes atteints d'un cancer de la prostate et dont les traitements ne sont pas concluants.Objectif: Une évaluation rétrospective de la consistance et de la reproductibilité ...

MHNCS: Sinonasal CA Responds Well to Proton Radiation (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 13:13:05 +0100

PHOENIX (MedPage Today) -- Proton-beam radiation therapy resulted in almost a 50% increase in locoregional control of advanced sinonasal malignancies compared with historical results with other forms of radiation therapy, data from a retrospective analysis showed. (Source: MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology)

MHNCS: IMRT Gets High Marks for Oropharyngeal CA (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 20:26:34 +0100

PHOENIX (MedPage Today) -- Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) led to a high rate of long-term local disease control with acceptable acute and late toxicity for patients with oropharyngeal cancer, data from a large retrospective study showed. (Source: MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology)