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 study found that adding proton therapy 'boost' to X-ray radiation therapy significantly reduces prostate cancer recurrences in low- and intermediate-risk patients. The high-dose treatment also proves safe with minimal side effects, benefiting these patients with conventional doses of radiation.
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.
A randomized 10-year study found no significant differences in survival rates between women who received internal mammary chain radiation treatment and those who didn't. The study also showed that radiation treatments, even without additional IMC-RT, are still necessary for these patients.
A recent study found that radiation therapy significantly improves regional recurrence control in melanoma patients who underwent lymphadenectomy. The treatment reduced the risk of cancer returning to the lymph nodes by 12 percentage points compared to observation.
A phase III study found that short-term hormone therapy given prior to and during intermediate dose radiation treatment significantly increases the chance of living longer (51 percent) compared to those who receive radiation alone. The benefit appeared to be greatest for men at medium-risk for disease failure.
A study by Pitt researchers found that a free-radical scavenger, JP4-039, accelerated bone fracture healing in mice treated with the drug after radiation exposure. This could have significant implications for pediatric cancer patients vulnerable to late effects of radiation on bone growth and development.
A study by Fox Chase Cancer Center researchers found that radiation therapy alone can lead to undetectable PSA levels in patients with prostate cancer. Patients with low PSA scores had less chance of biochemical failure and a higher chance of being cured compared to those with detectable PSA levels.
Research presented at the ASTRO Annual Meeting has shown that short-term hormone therapy added to radiation increases survival for medium-risk prostate cancer patients, while a shorter radiation course is effective in reducing recurrence rates. Additionally, proton therapy reduces recurrences and is well-tolerated in prostate cancer pa...
The world's largest congress on ion therapy brought together leading experts to discuss the latest scientific and clinical developments in radiation therapy. The meeting marked a significant milestone in the technology and clinical application of ion radiation, with over 70,000 patients worldwide treated so far.
A team of researchers has identified a biochemical signaling pathway that protects normal tissues from radiation damage. Blocking this pathway increases tumor death in mouse experiments, offering hope for new cancer therapies.
Researchers found that exercise after whole-brain radiation treatment improved erasable memory in mice, comparable to humans' experience. Exercise also reduced depressive-like behaviors in irradiated mice, suggesting a protective effect against memory loss and depression.
A new analysis from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center reveals that radiation costs can range from $1,700 for conventional techniques to over $16,000 for Cyberknife treatment. Fewer treatments have also been shown to be equally effective in relieving bone pain associated with cancer.
A massive international study is examining potential genetic consequences of reproductive organs exposed to curative therapy by drugs or radiation. Scientists aim to determine if radiation treatment increases birth defects, stillbirths, and specific conditions like Down syndrome in offspring.
Researchers at Medical College of Wisconsin used prospective electrocardiogram (ECG) gating to significantly reduce patient radiation dose during CT angiography. The study compared retrospective and prospective ECG gating techniques, finding that image quality was equivalent but radiation doses differed substantially.
A study found that patients who had surgery before radiation treatment are more likely to complete therapy, while those with other illnesses or chemotherapy are less likely. This highlights the importance of addressing comorbidities and toxic effects of treatment in radiation therapy.
Researchers have discovered that space radiation can cause rapid bone loss in mice, which may lead to new treatments for cancer patients and astronauts. The study's findings suggest that existing medications like bisphosphonates could prevent this early loss of bone mass.
Researchers found that inhibiting NF-kappa B reduced radiation toxicity in zebrafish embryos, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer patients receiving radiation therapy. The study also suggests that downmodulating NF-kappa B activity may be more beneficial than completely ablating it to protect against radiation effects.
A new adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) technique significantly reduces patient radiation doses during CT scans, enabling improved image quality. The study found that ASIR can reduce radiation doses by up to 65% without compromising diagnostic accuracy.
The American Association of Physicists in Medicine meeting will explore ways to minimize radiation dosage in children, adults, and health professionals. Studies have shown that lower doses can be effective in detecting abnormalities, reducing the risk of cancer among medical professionals.
A study found that CT scans used to screen for coronary artery calcification could lead to an estimated 42 additional radiation-induced cancer cases per 100,000 men and 62 cases per 100,000 women. The wide dose variation from different scanners resulted in a wide range of estimated radiation-induced cancer risks.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that personalized chemotherapy regimens can effectively treat childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) without cranial radiation. The study, conducted by researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, found a cure rate of 90% for all patients, with impro...
Researchers have developed a new radiotherapy technique that uses real-time images to guide the radiation beam, allowing for more accurate targeting of tumors. This approach promises to reduce damage to healthy tissue and minimize nasty side effects.
A group of students at North Carolina State University has developed a 'lunar texshield' to protect astronauts from space radiation while generating and storing power. The lightweight polymer material deflects or absorbs radiation, backed by layers of solar cells and radiation-absorbing materials.
Researchers found that lithium promotes DNA repair in healthy cells but not in brain tumor cells, protecting healthy hippocampal neurons from radiation-induced damage. This mechanism could provide a way to increase the radiation dose to kill tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue.
A study found that most ordering physicians underestimate radiation doses from CT scans and overestimate their cancer risk, according to the American College of Radiology. The study suggests that improved radiation education is needed for medical professionals.
A developmental drug, JP4-039, has been shown to protect cells from radiation-induced cell death by assisting the mitochondria in combating irradiation. The study suggests a potential role for the drug as a mitigator of radiation damage.
A new study by researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that higher doses of radiation combined with chemotherapy improve survival in patients with stage III lung cancer. Concurrent chemotherapy increases treatment effectiveness and overall survival rates.
Researchers found that administering losartan before, during and after radiation therapy prevents or lessens cognitive impairment in rats. The study validates a hypothesis that anti-hypertensive drugs can protect the brain from radiation-induced injury.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that 19% of women eligible for post-mastectomy radiation were not treated. Researchers emphasize the importance of educating patients and improving doctor-patient communication about this potentially lifesaving treatment.
A new study found that cardiac computed tomography (CT) angiography scans may expose patients to high doses of radiation. The study suggests that using available strategies to reduce radiation dose can substantially decrease patient exposure, and that educating physicians and technicians on these methods is essential
A study found that many young women who received chest radiation for a childhood cancer are not getting regular mammography screenings, despite being at an increased risk of breast cancer. Women aged 25-50 with a history of pediatric malignancy and chest radiation showed low rates of screening mammograms.
A randomized controlled trial found that alternating cycles of chemotherapy and radiation have similar outcomes to sequential chemotherapy followed by radiation in treating larynx cancer. The study showed no significant difference in clinical outcomes between the two treatment groups.
A new study presents a promising alternative to traditional treatments for women with breast implants who develop early-stage cancer. Brachytherapy, a targeted radiation treatment, offers better cosmetic outcomes and avoids the risk of implant hardening compared to whole-breast radiation therapy.
A study found that patients with locally advanced lung cancer who received proton therapy and chemotherapy had fewer instances of bone marrow toxicity compared to those receiving IMRT and chemotherapy. This suggests that proton therapy may be a more effective option for treating this serious side effect, enabling doctors to give higher...
New research from Medical University of South Carolina finds the cancer risk from cardiac CT radiation exposure is 1 in 1000, significantly lower than previous estimates of 1 in 114. The study highlights the importance of personalized patient selection guidelines to minimize radiation risks.
Researchers at OHSU Cancer Institute discovered that combining stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) with immunotherapy significantly increases the efficacy of treating lung cancer. The study found that SBRT helped to activate more 'killer' immune cells, leading to better tumor clearance.
A retrospective study found that women with 3 or fewer involved lymph nodes have a low relapse rate after undergoing pre-operative chemotherapy and mastectomy. Patients with zero involved lymph nodes had a zero percent recurrence rate.
A study led by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has found that acetylated resveratrol can protect cells from radiation damage in mouse models. The researchers hope to develop a small molecule radioprotector that can be easily administered in emergency situations.
A large cohort study found that hormone therapy before radiation seed implants for prostate cancer increases the risk of death by 20% in men over 70 years old with early-stage cancer. This treatment approach may have negative effects on survival, particularly for older patients.
A randomized study found that adding radiation therapy to hormone treatment reduces the risk of dying from prostate cancer by 50% compared to hormone therapy alone. The quality of life at four years after treatment was similar between the two groups, with decreased social function in patients who received combined treatment.
Patients who underwent both stereotactic radiosurgery and whole brain radiation experienced a 49% decline in learning and memory functioning, compared to 23% for those who received radiosurgery alone. Neurocognitive function was measured by recall of a list of 12 words after three attempts.
A study presented at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology's 50th Annual Meeting found that proton therapy decreases the risk of patients developing a secondary cancer. Proton therapy is a more targeted form of external beam radiation, which delivers less radiation to bordering normal structures.
A new type of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) called balloon brachytherapy is as effective in keeping breast cancer from coming back as standard external beam radiation. This shorter treatment option makes radiation therapy more convenient for patients, potentially increasing the rate of breast conservation.
A randomized study found that accelerated hypofractionated whole breast irradiation is as effective as standard five-week treatment in reducing local recurrence and side effects. The new therapy reduces the radiation time to three weeks, resulting in a cost savings of two-thirds compared to traditional treatment.
A new study suggests that breast MRI scans can help determine if women scheduled to undergo surgery will later need radiation therapy. The research found that tumors' physiological information shown on MRI scans correlated with surgically based findings of cancer having spread to lymph nodes.
A new study at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that irradiating axillary and supraclavicular lymph nodes may not improve outcomes for breast cancer patients with negative lymph nodes. The research suggests avoiding radiation to these areas may reduce serious side effects such as lymphedema and pulmonary problems.
A nationwide study found that black women are less likely than white women to receive standard radiation therapy after a lumpectomy, with significant regional variations. The disparity affects over 37,000 patients and highlights the need for further research into underlying reasons and potential barriers to care.
A recent study published in The Lancet found a statistically significant association between low-dose radiation exposure and cardiovascular disease. Researchers suggest that radiation can cause damage to blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease, especially among individuals with certain non-cancer diseases.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center found that targeted radiation therapy can eradicate all signs of disease in up to 21% of patients with stage-IV cancer who have only a few sites of metastasis. The treatment was well-tolerated, with limited side effects, and showed promising results in controlling tumor growth.
The Alfred Wegener Institute has inherited the World Radiation Monitoring Center, providing climate research with accurate meteorological data. The archive contains baseline energy conversion of solar radiation and thermal radiation data from around the world.
Researcher Don Luckey suggests that low-dose radiation could be beneficial for human health, citing studies that show improved growth rates, reduced cancer mortality and increased lifespan. He argues that humans have evolved to live with ionizing radiation and that greater exposure would improve our health.
A study found that Black and Hispanic women are less likely than white women to receive follow-up radiation for early breast cancer, suggesting thousands may be undertreated. The disparity is attributed to various barriers, including logistical problems, insurance status, and patient preferences.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has selected Christopher Rose, M.D., and Joel Tepper, M.D., as the recipients of the 2008 Gold Medal. The award recognizes their outstanding contributions to radiation oncology and leadership in the field.
Tumor cells can be made more sensitive to hyperthermia-enhanced radiation therapy by inhibiting telomerase, a protective enzyme. Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that moderately increasing heat activates telomerase in tumor cells.
A study from Georgetown University Medical Center suggests that high-energy space radiation can lead to premature aging and prolonged oxidative stress in cells, potentially causing colon cancer. The researchers found that exposure to high-LET radiation induced a highly oxidative environment in cells, conducive to cancer development.
Researchers at Harvard University discovered that bdelloid rotifers are extremely resistant to ionizing radiation, surviving doses much higher than other animal species can tolerate. The findings could lead to new research into the role of free radicals in inflammation, cancer, and aging.
A study of Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombing survivors found that radiation exposure in utero and early childhood increases the risk of adult solid cancers. Individuals carrying a rare genetic variant of AKAP9 gene also have an increased risk of breast cancer.
A study found that 46% of patients received a maximum dose above 10% beyond the prescribed level, while 63% got a minimum dose below 10%, highlighting the need for standardization in intensity-modulated radiation therapy.
Researchers are seeking new materials for efficient radiation detection due to limitations in current primary materials. They aim to improve understanding of radiation physics to make informed choices about material properties.