A randomized study found that standard chemotherapy and radiation therapy remain the most effective treatment for early, intermediate-stage Hodgkin's lymphoma patients. The study also showed that a more intensive chemotherapy regimen is not more effective than standard ABVD chemotherapy in treating this group of patients.
A study found that intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) minimizes side effects of prostate cancer treatment, particularly gastrointestinal complications. In contrast, urinary side effects did not differ significantly between the two treatments.
Stereotactic radiation is a proven alternative to surgery or anti-epileptic drugs for treating trigeminal neuralgia in MS patients. The study shows that radiosurgery using Gamma Knife is highly effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life for those affected.
A large randomized study found that preoperative radiation therapy significantly reduces the risk of local recurrence after 10 years for patients with rectal cancer. The treatment, combined with total mesorectal excision surgery, keeps colorectal cancer from returning in 50% of cases.
A randomized trial found that adding chemotherapy to radiation therapy for muscle invasive bladder cancer reduces the long-term risk of recurrence by 13 percentage points. The treatment also preserves bladder function, making it a viable alternative to radical surgery for patients with this form of the disease.
Studies show that adding radiation to hormone therapy for prostate cancer increases survival chances, while aspirin use reduces risk of cancer death. Prostate cancer screening improves quality of life by catching the disease earlier, and radiation before surgery keeps colorectal cancer from returning.
Elizabeth A. Brunton, a registered nurse at Scripps Clinic, has been recognized with the 2010 ASTRO Nurse Excellence Award for her exceptional patient care and dedication to education. She developed patient education materials and created an orientation program to help patients understand radiation therapy.
Researchers found that magnetic resonance enteroscopy (MRE) and capsule endoscopy are useful in managing patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and avoiding ionizing radiation. Studies showed that MRE can effectively diagnose Crohn's disease without exposure to ionizing radiation.
A new study from UT MD Anderson Cancer Center estimates a tenfold shortage of radiation oncologists over the next decade, driven by growing demand for radiation therapy. The researchers propose stop-gap measures to address the gap, including team-care models and increased residency training programs.
Menssana Research Inc. has been awarded a $4.2 million contract by the US government to develop a breath test for detecting radiation exposure. The test aims to identify biomarkers of radiation exposure in patients receiving radiation therapy, with the goal of creating a rapid and reliable diagnostic tool.
Mayo Clinic researchers have identified five genes that relate directly to radiation response, which could lead to the development of novel therapies tailored to individual cancer patients. The findings may enhance treatment outcomes for roughly half of all cancer patients who undergo radiation therapy.
Researchers identified biomarkers associated with radiation response that could help tailor individual cancer treatments. The study employed a pharmacogenomics approach, integrating genome-wide data to find genetic variants and gene expression patterns linked to radiation response.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) honored outstanding researchers in radiation oncology, recognizing excellence in clinical and basic science research. The awards include Resident Clinical/Basic Science Research Awards, Resident Poster Viewing Awards, and Annual Meeting Scientific Abstract Awards.
A retrospective review study found that capecitabine with concurrent radiation was as effective as traditional 5-FU with radiation or fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy alone in treating locally advanced gastric cancer. The results suggest a potential new adjuvant therapy approach for resected gastric cancers.
The study found that radiation exposure increases the risk of both first and second cancers to a similar degree, with higher risks for radiation-sensitive cancers like lung, colon, breast, thyroid, and bladder cancers. Cancer survivors with a history of radiation exposure should continue to be closely monitored for second cancers.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine discovered a new drug target that can improve the effectiveness of radiation therapy for hard-to-treat cancers. The enzyme cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) promotes tumor angiogenesis, enabling tumors to overcome radiation effects.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new mathematical model that can plan radiation doses and schedules for high-dose therapies more efficiently. The Generalized Linear-Quadratic Model covers all dose levels and schedules, enabling faster clinical trials and earlier availability of life-saving treatments.
The NIH has renewed a research program to develop medical countermeasures for radiation exposure after a radiological or nuclear attack. The program will support research at seven institutions nationwide and provide an estimated $105 million in funding.
Researchers aim to mitigate radiation-induced gastrointestinal syndrome using stem cell-based therapies. The new grant will support the development of bone marrow transplant techniques and identify chemical agents that accelerate repair and regeneration of irradiated stem cells.
A study found that high-dose radiation targeting the neural stem cell niche in brain cancer patients doubles their progression-free survival time. Patients who received higher doses experienced 15 months of progression-free survival, while those with lower or no doses had 7.2 months.
Researchers found that beach umbrellas intercept direct sunlight but allow diffused ultraviolet radiation to pass through, with canvas having high absorption capacity. The study aims to improve understanding of skin cancer epidemiology and provide guidelines for UV protection.
A recent study found that combining radiation and chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma increases treatment-related toxicities and non-cancer deaths. Patients treated with combined therapies experienced a higher acute toxicity rate compared to those treated with radiation alone.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has selected five physicians as recipients of two grants, the Junior Faculty Career Research Training Award and the Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Research Seed Grant Award. The awards support junior physician faculty and residents/fellows in radiation oncology research.
Researchers have discovered that silicon oil can absorb nearly 50% of radioactive rays during radiation therapy for ocular melanoma. The study, published in Archives of Ophthalmology, suggests that the substance acts as a physical shield to reduce radiation exposure to the eye.
Research finds that radiation therapy to lymph nodes in the chest increases cardiac hospitalization risk among patients with pre-existing heart disease. Patients treated with chemotherapy alone have lower cardiac complication rates, highlighting the need for post-treatment monitoring and intervention.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have identified a simple, non-toxic pill that decreases radiation toxicity when given after radiation exposure. The drug, called PQ, temporarily stops bone marrow cells from dividing, protecting against radiation-induced damage.
Researchers have developed a computer-based system called Valkyrie that can automatically track patient-specific radiation dose exposure from CT scans. The system uses patient size and weight to provide accurate radiation dose information.
A study presented at the ARRS 2010 Annual Meeting found that adaptive image filters can significantly improve image quality while lowering patient radiation doses for chest and abdominal CT scans. The filters improved image clarity, reducing radiation doses by up to 40 mAs for chest scans and up to 100 mAs for abdominal scans.
By adjusting the radiation dose based on a child's weight, researchers were able to significantly lower the radiation dose associated with pediatric chest CT scans. The study found that radiation doses could be reduced by up to 73% for children weighing less than 33 pounds.
Researchers at UC Davis Cancer Center found that African-American women with advanced breast cancer have poorer survival rates than white and Hispanic counterparts, regardless of radiation therapy. Despite lower radiation therapy rates, black patients did not benefit from the treatment.
A new study from the University of Michigan found that mastectomy patients are less likely to receive radiation therapy than those who had lumpectomy. Despite medical guidelines recommending radiation after mastectomy for certain patients, only 78% received it, compared to 95% of lumpectomy patients.
Women with rare ATM gene mutations and radiation exposure may be at higher risk for a second breast cancer in the opposite breast. Researchers found a statistically significant increase in contralateral breast cancer among women with deleterious missense variants and radiation exposure.
A phase II study found that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) effectively eliminated targeted tumors in patients with early-stage inoperable non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment resulted in a 97.6% primary tumor control rate at 3 years, outperforming conventional radiotherapy.
A clinical trial has shown that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) can eliminate primary tumors in nearly 98% of lung cancer patients. The treatment is fast, convenient and effective, with more than half of patients alive three years after diagnosis.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) shows high rates of primary tumor control and improved survival for patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer. The study's findings suggest that SBRT provides more than double the rate of primary tumor control compared to conventional radiotherapy.
A Mayo Clinic study identifies clinical traits that predict higher radiation doses in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) therapy, with men receiving higher doses due to body size and disease complexity. The study aims to reduce radiation risks and improve PCI safety and quality.
A study found that prostate cancer treatment options differ based on the type of specialist consulted. Men who see a radiation oncologist are more likely to receive radiation therapy, while those who consult with a urologist with or without a medical oncologist are treated more frequently with hormone therapy, watchful waiting, or radi...
Proton beam radiation therapy has been shown to provide encouraging results for patients with locally advanced sinonasal malignancies, with high local control rates at five and eight years after treatment. The study found no significant difference in local control rates based on histological subtype, T stage, or prior surgery.
A multi-institutional randomized phase III trial analyzed 721 patients with stage III-IV carcinoma of the oral cavity oropharynx hypopharynx or larynx. The study found accelerated radiation therapy reduced chemotherapy toxicity, similar disease-free and local-regional failure rates compared to standard radiation.
A three-week course of accelerated hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation has been shown to be as safe and effective as the standard five-week regimen for women with early-stage breast cancer. The study, led by Dr. Tim Whelan, found that patients treated with this accelerated therapy had a low risk of side effects and recurrence of ...
Researchers may use epigenetics to assess potential harm from CT scans and other low-dose radiation. The study's author argues that future trends in diseases could be linked to current CT usage.
The National Institutes of Health is implementing a system to track radiation dose exposure from medical imaging tests, aiming to determine potential cancer risks. The electronic medical record will store and retrieve reports on radiation doses, allowing for the collection of data necessary to assess cancer risk.
A new study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center reveals racial disparities in radiation therapy rates for early stage breast cancer patients, with black women less likely to receive standard treatment. The study examined over 37,000 patients and found significant variations in radiation rates across different regions.
A non-absorbed oral co-polymer therapy under development by Midway Pharmaceuticals demonstrates ability to protect against radiation damage and prevent lethal bacterial infections in animal models. The compound, PEG 15-20, may provide new way to prevent serious GI side effects of radiation in cancer patients.
A large study found acute heart attack patients received an average of 14.5 millisieverts of ionizing radiation, equivalent to 725 chest X-rays, during their hospital stay. Physicians may be unaware of cumulative dose accumulation from tests and should consider radiation exposure when diagnosing and treating heart attacks.
The Radiation Effects Research Foundation will study the impact of atomic bomb radiation on the aging immune system, analyzing biological samples from elderly Japanese survivors. Understanding how the immune system ages may help care for the growing population of older adults worldwide.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that radiation therapy for women with early-stage breast cancer can be shortened from six to seven weeks to four weeks using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The study showed acceptable side effects and similar cure rates and cosmetic results as traditional treatment.
A shortened, more intensive course of radiation therapy has been shown to be as effective as traditional treatments for early-stage breast cancers, with no significant side effects. This accelerated hypofractionated whole breast irradiation option is more time-efficient and cost-effective.
Researchers at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute have found a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy given before prostate removal to be safe and potentially reduce cancer recurrence rates. The treatment regimen resulted in improved outcomes, with clean cancer margins and undetectable PSA levels in patients.
A study presented at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) found that hypofractionated radiation treatment is more effective in stopping cancer from growing in high-risk prostate cancer patients compared to standard radiation therapy. The new treatment also had no increased risk of negative side effects, making it a valua...
A new study suggests that PET imaging before radiation therapy should not be used to determine areas that may benefit from higher doses of radiation. Researchers found that activity patterns in some patients changed completely after treatment, making it unreliable as a predictor.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center report an extremely low rate of acute dermatitis and cardiac toxicity when treating HER2-positive breast cancer patients with concurrent Trastuzumab and radiation therapy. The study suggests it may be safe to use both treatments in the adjuvant setting, pending longer follow-up.
A new study found that a shorter, five-week course of hypofractionated radiation is as effective as standard radiation therapy in reducing prostate cancer recurrence. The treatment delivered higher doses of radiation in fewer sessions, resulting in no significant difference in cancer recurrence or side effects between the two groups.
A study at Rush University Medical Center found that advanced equipment can largely spare the hippocampus and limbic circuit from cranial radiation, minimizing memory lapses and other cognitive effects. The researchers plan to start a clinical trial to determine the new procedure's effectiveness in preventing or treating brain metastases.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute successfully treated pain in patients with advanced cancer using stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). The study found that SRS was a safe and effective treatment for patients with bone metastases, offering faster onset of pain relief and longer survival rates compared to conventi...
Researchers found that nearly 98% of patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer who are unable to undergo surgery experienced no growth of the disease after three years. Additionally, over half of these patients lived for three years after diagnosis, while fewer than 20% experienced a serious decline in health status.
Researchers found proton therapy to have excellent early tolerance with minimal urinary and rectal toxicity. The study showed a low rate of Grade 3 genitourinary and gastrointestinal side effects, with the most common being minor rectal bleeding.
The study found that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) stopped the growth of lung cancer at its original site for nearly 98% of patients with early non-small cell lung cancer. Researchers also discovered that less than 20% of frail patients experienced a serious decline in health status after treatment.
A phase III study found that short-term hormone therapy added to radiation treatment significantly increases survival in medium-risk prostate cancer patients by 51% compared to those receiving radiation alone. In contrast, low-risk patients showed no significant benefit from this combination.
A new study finds that obesity and diabetes increase the risk of chest pain and skin reactions after stereotactic body radiation therapy. Patients who receive a high dose of radiation to cancer close to the chest wall are more likely to experience these side effects, highlighting the need for further research into reducing radiation-re...