Researchers found that patients with metastatic gastric cancer who underwent both surgery and radiation had better survival rates than those receiving one or no treatment. Radiation therapy also showed promise in reducing symptoms such as pain, obstruction, and bleeding from gastric tumors.
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers has identified specific small molecules in the blood that can accurately measure damage to the body after ionizing radiation exposure. The findings suggest that these microRNA markers could help doctors identify individuals at risk for acute radiation syndrome and plan personalized ra...
Researchers found local therapy combined with continued EGFR TKI therapy to be well-tolerated and effective in prolonging progression-free and overall survival. Local therapy was associated with a median overall survival of 41 months, a median time to progression of 10 months.
Research suggests that monitoring hepatic function with HIDA SPECT prior to and during radiation therapy can help tailor treatment plans for unresectable liver cancer patients. This assessment method allows for personalized radiation doses while minimizing the risk of liver injury.
Researchers developed a diffusion abnormality index (DAI) to measure brain tumor response to radiation therapy. The study showed that changes in DAI can predict post-treatment response with high sensitivity and specificity.
Researchers used a second-generation 320-detector row CT scanner to significantly reduce radiation exposure in patients undergoing coronary CT angiography. The new system achieved diagnostic-quality scans with low doses of radiation, reducing effective radiation dose by 72% compared to the first-generation unit.
Silibinin kills UVA-damaged cells, protecting against DNA damage. It also protects human skin cells from UVB radiation by increasing expression of interleukin-12, promoting cell repair.
Researchers from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that smaller radiation fields can be safely used to treat glioblastoma patients without compromising treatment efficacy. This study suggests that focusing radiation on smaller areas of the brain may help preserve cognition and reduce symptoms associated with radiation toxicity.
Researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute found that a ketogenic diet significantly enhances the anti-tumor effect of radiation, leading to improved survival rates for mice with malignant gliomas. The study suggests that the diet could be used as an adjuvant therapy without FDA approval.
Scientists from UNH's Space Science Center will develop a cutting-edge radiation detector to measure and calculate absorbed dose in matter and tissue resulting from exposure to indirect and direct ionizing radiation. The project aims to aid in understanding the hazards posed by space radiation and protect astronauts on extended missions.
A study by Thomas Jefferson University researchers found that deviating from radiation therapy protocols increases the risk of treatment failure and mortality. The analysis of eight large clinical trials revealed a significant association between protocol deviations and inferior clinical outcomes.
A new study from Henry Ford Hospital found that delaying radiation therapy after hysterectomy can increase the risk of uterine cancer recurrence. Patients who started treatment within nine weeks after surgery had a five-year relapse-free survival rate of 90%, compared to 43% for those treated later.
A study by Mayo Clinic found that an oral rinse of antidepressant doxepin significantly eased pain associated with oral mucositis in patients receiving radiation therapy for cancers of the head and neck. The treatment was well-tolerated, with common side effects including stinging and burning sensations.
Researchers found that radiation therapy significantly improved overall and breast cancer-specific survival rates for elderly women with early-stage ER-positive breast cancer. The study analyzed data from over 29,000 women and showed that radiation treatment increased median survival by nearly four years compared to surgery alone.
Researchers found that men whose testosterone fell following radiation therapy were more likely to experience an increase in prostate-specific antigen (PSA), often indicating cancer recurrence. This discovery may lead doctors to use testosterone levels as a guide for treatment decisions.
Researchers identified tissue mechanisms that may increase a woman's risk of breast cancer after exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation. Gene expression profiles show women with specific gene expressions are more likely to survive breast cancer, while others are at higher risk.
Researchers developed a new radiation treatment method that reduces the risk of permanent neurocognitive damage in children with brain tumors. The study found that proton therapy and photon therapy techniques significantly decreased the risk of these adverse effects, potentially leading to better quality of life for affected children.
Astrophysicists at the University of New Hampshire have created PREDICCS, a near-real-time tool predicting space radiation hazards. The system integrates numerical models, real-time measurements, and 'propagation codes' to provide accurate projections out to Mars.
A Mayo Clinic study found that only 21% of urologists and radiation oncologists recommended active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer, while 47% preferred surgery and 32% chose radiation therapy. The study suggests that physicians' recommendations may be influenced by their area of expertise.
Mark P. Carol, MD, a distinguished leader in IMRT and IGRT, has been recognized as ASTRO's 2012 Honorary Member for his groundbreaking approach to developing these techniques. He will be honored at the ASTRO 54th Annual Meeting on October 30, 2012.
A new study by USC researchers shows that controlled fasting enhances the effectiveness of radiation therapy in treating gliomas, a type of brain tumor with a median survival of less than two years. Fasting improved survival rates in mice treated with radiation therapy alone or in combination with chemotherapy.
Patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received radiation therapy had an increased median survival of 21 months compared to 16 months. The percentage of patients not receiving treatment declined from 20 percent to 16 percent between 1999-2003 and 2004-2008.
A preclinical study found that a mTOR inhibitor can protect normal stem cells from radiation-induced damage, preventing debilitating conditions like mucositis. The study suggests a promising approach for preventing and treating cancer patients' quality-of-life issues with radiation therapy.
Researchers found a significant link between radiotherapy and an increased risk of developing diabetes in childhood cancer survivors. The study, which analyzed over 2500 patient questionnaires and medical records, suggests that radiation exposure to the tail of the pancreas may be particularly damaging.
Researchers have validated a radiosensitivity molecular signature that can predict clinical outcomes in patients treated with radiation therapy for breast cancer. The technology, called RSI, identifies radiosensitivity and radioresistance, opening the door to biologically guided radiation therapy.
A study found that urology-owned radiation oncology practices in Texas increase patients' travel distances by up to three times due to separate treatment centers. This practice model raises concerns about its impact on healthcare costs and patient care.
A recent study found that radiation therapy after lumpectomy can help prevent mastectomy in early-stage breast cancer patients, particularly those with high-grade tumors. The research, published in the Journal Cancer, contradicts current national treatment guidelines.
A new study published in Cancer found that radiation after lumpectomy significantly reduced the risk of needing a mastectomy in older women with early-stage breast cancer. Radiation was shown to be beneficial for patients with high-grade tumors, while those with non-high grade tumors did not derive as much benefit.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has awarded five physicians with research grants to promote the advancement of radiation therapy. The Junior Faculty Career Research Training Award and Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Research Seed Grant Award support young researchers in radiation oncology, biology, physics, ...
A study in Nature Medicine reveals that boosting a protein pathway in the body's blood-making system can protect against radiation poisoning. The researchers found that pharmacologic enhancement of the Thbd-aPC pathway can accelerate recovery of hematopoietic progenitor cell activity and reduce harmful effects in mice.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has selected J. Robert Cassady, George T.Y. Chen, and Mark W. Dewhirst as the Society's 2012 Gold Medal recipients for their groundbreaking research, clinical care, teaching, and service in radiation oncology.
Research finds that combining molecular imaging with computed tomography (CT) can reduce patient radiation dose. By using just one CT scan for multiple PET studies, researchers lower radiation exposure and improve image quality.
A study found that women treated with chest radiation for childhood cancer have a high risk of developing breast cancer comparable to those with BRCA1/2 mutations. The study analyzed data from over 1,200 female survivors and found a 24% breast cancer incidence by age 50.
Researchers identified novel biomarkers in rat feces after radiation exposure, which persisted for at least 21 days. These findings hold promise for rapid, accurate diagnosis of radiation exposure, enabling timely resource allocation for patients in need of intervention.
A study from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center found that Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) is associated with a higher risk of later mastectomy, increased radiation-related toxicities and post-operative complications compared to traditional whole breast irradiation.
Researchers have developed a new radiation therapy method, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), that shortens treatment time for gynecologic cancers from 5 weeks to just 3 days. This highly specific procedure targets well-defined tumors with focused radiation beams, minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
A recent study compared the adverse effects of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), proton therapy, and conformal radiation therapy in treating localized prostate cancer. The results showed that IMRT was associated with fewer gastrointestinal adverse effects and hip fractures but more erectile dysfunction, while proton therapy...
A study published in JAMA found Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) to be more effective in reducing certain side effects and preventing cancer recurrence compared to conventional conformal radiation therapy (CRT). IMRT was also comparable to proton therapy, a newer technique.
A new study calculates that obese patients receive 62% more radiation during a CT scan than normal-weight patients. New phantoms created by Rensselaer engineers can help physicians configure and optimize CT scanning devices to minimize radiation exposure.
The University of Colorado Department of Radiology has developed a smartcard to communicate effective doses and radiation risks of common adult radiologic exams to referring physicians and patients. The Adult Dose-Risk Smartcard simplifies facts on radiation dose and risk for informed decision-making about medical imaging procedures.
A recent study has found that low oxygen levels in tumors can predict cancer recurrence in men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. The research, led by radiation oncologists at the Princess Margaret Hospital, suggests that these patients are more likely to develop cancer recurrence within a few years of completing treatment.
Breast cancer patients treated with IMRT had lower incidence of acute and chronic toxicities compared to standard WBI. Larger breasted women also benefited from reduced toxicities with IMRT.
Researchers have developed a method to deliver nanoparticle radiation directly to brain tumors, reducing side effects by sparing surrounding healthy tissue. The treatment uses fat-enclosed nanoparticles to irradiate the tumor with up to 20 times the current dose of radiation therapy.
Researchers at Winship Cancer Institute developed a technique to remove cancer cells' defenses against radiation by disabling their ability to repair DNA. The experimental method uses RNA molecules that shut down genes needed for DNA repair, making brain and lung cancer cells more sensitive to X-ray radiation.
A study found that over 80% of radiation oncologists discuss fertility risks with patients of childbearing age, but many receive inadequate education. The role of radiation oncologists in communicating fertility preservation options is crucial for improving quality of life and care for young cancer patients.
Researchers report a rare phenomenon where localized radiation therapy leads to disappearance of metastatic tumors, suggesting an immune system-activating effect. The combination of ipilimumab and radiation may offer a promising approach for treating advanced melanoma.
A large clinical trial found radiation has little benefit for some older women with early stage, low-risk breast cancer, leading to changes in treatment guidelines. However, the use of radiation therapy among Medicare beneficiaries remained largely unchanged, suggesting minimal impact on clinician practice.
A medical school in Ireland has successfully implemented a radiation protection program for undergraduate medical students, improving their knowledge of radiation protection. The program was designed as an e-learning module and resulted in significant improvements in students' post-module radiation protection knowledge.
A new study published in CANCER found that many older lung cancer patients receive radiation therapy without extending their lifespan. Researchers analyzed data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare registry to determine if additional radiation therapy after surgery improves survival rates.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that radiation treatment converts normal breast cancer cells into treatment-resistant stem cells. These induced breast cancer stem cells have a 30-fold increased ability to form tumors, undermining the effectiveness of radiation therapy.
The Japan Radiation Research Society and Japanese Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology will partner with Oxford University Press to publish the Journal of Radiation Research in full open access. The journal will adopt OUP's publishing model with discounted author charges sponsored by JRRS and JASTRO.
Research from the 2012 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium highlights promising new therapies for prostate cancer, including vigorous exercise and targeted drugs that improve survival rates. The studies also compare existing treatments, such as radiation therapy and hormone therapy, to determine their effectiveness.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that newer radiation therapy technology, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), improves patients' quality of life for those with advanced head and neck cancers. IMRT was associated with fewer long-term side effects, leading to better quality of life.
A study found that intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) improves quality of life among long-term survivors of head and neck cancer. Patients treated with IMRT reported better health-related quality of life compared to those receiving other forms of radiation therapy.
Advanced head and neck cancer patients treated with radiation plus chemotherapy showed improved local-regional control and disease-free survival rates compared to those treated with radiation alone. At 10 years post-treatment, the local-regional failure rates were lower for those who received both therapies.
A chromosomal abnormality, specifically the absence of chromosomes 1p and 19q, has definitive prognostic value for managing treatment of adult patients with pure and mixed anaplastic oligodendrogliomas. Treatment with combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy showed near-doubling of median survival time compared to radiation therapy ...
A new study in mice reveals that limiting oxygen supply can alleviate cognitive impairment caused by radiation therapy. Mice exposed to radiation showed significant improvement in spatial learning after undergoing chronic hypoxia treatment.
The article highlights the importance of justification and optimization of pediatric CT protocols to reduce radiation dose. Experts recommend using lower tube current, restricting scan length, and employing image post-processing techniques to minimize radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic quality.
A Wayne State University study shows that soybean compounds can make radiation treatment of lung cancer more effective while helping to preserve normal tissue. The compounds, known as isoflavones, block DNA repair mechanisms and molecular survival pathways in cancer cells, making them more vulnerable to ionizing radiation.
The Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) is measuring radiation levels on NASA's next rover mission to Mars. RAD characterizes the radiation environment astronauts would experience during a future human mission to Mars.