Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital use MRI to track muscle damage from radiation therapy in children with soft tissue cancer. The study reveals that changes in muscle images can predict the amount of long-term damage that radiation may cause, enabling clinicians to design better treatment plans.
New research reveals men treated with IMRT experience fewer long-term gastrointestinal side effects, despite higher radiation doses. The study found no significant difference in genitourinary side effects between the two treatments.
A study found that patients base their treatment choice on cultural and personal prejudices, with false beliefs about radiation's impact being a major concern. Patients were also anxious about the terminology used in radiation therapy, evoking feelings more related to war than a cure.
A retrospective study found that three-dimensional treatment planning reduced feeding tube dependency in 62% of patients. Higher T stages and two-dimensional treatment planning were independent predictors of feeding tube dependency.
A study found that longer-term hormone therapy does not extend survival for high-risk prostate cancer patients. Instead, it may lead to a lesser degree of treatment side effects and improved quality of life.
Researchers identified a gene expression profile associated with late radiation toxicity, correctly classifying 63% of patient populations. The study suggests that some patients are genetically predisposed to develop late-radiation toxicity and provides clues about molecular pathways involved.
A new National Research Council report emphasizes the physical risks of extended space journeys due to space radiation. The report recommends developing storm shelters to protect astronauts from harmful radiation, as well as improving space engineering techniques and enhancing solar forecasting.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found that cancer stem cells in brain tumors activate a 'repair switch' that enables them to continue growing unchecked after radiation treatment. A method to block this process has been identified, offering hope for developing therapies to overcome radiation resistance.
Scientists are researching ways to reduce radiation-induced brain damage for Mars missions, which could lead to new treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's disease. The research project is part of a $14-million study funded by NASA to determine the human brain's maximum safe cosmic radiation dose.
The Radiation Belt Storm Probes – Energetic Particle, Composition, and Thermal Plasma (RBSP-ECT) project will measure the behavior of charged particles causing space radiation. The study aims to achieve a better understanding of the physical processes controlling the shape and intensity of Earth's radiation belts.
Three cancer researchers, Asif R. Harsolia, Sandeep S. Hunjan, and Ping Zhang, have won the ASTRO Poster Recognition Award for their exceptional contributions to radiation oncology. Their work demonstrated top-notch science presented at ASTRO's Annual Meeting.
A radiation-armed robot, CyberKnife with Synchrony system, effectively treats lung tumors within a short treatment period of 1-3 sessions. This technology delivers intense focused x-ray beams, causing tumors to absorb more radiation than conventional radiotherapy, leading to rapid tumor destruction.
Researchers found combining thermal ablation with radiation therapy increases median survival rate to 42 months in non-small-cell lung cancer patients. Recurrence rates were lower, with 24% of patients experiencing recurrence at 44 months.
A study published by the American Physiological Society found that a single therapeutic dose of radiation can cause up to 39% spongy bone loss in mice, reducing their weight-bearing connections by 64%. This has significant implications for astronauts on long space missions and patients receiving radiation therapy.
A new study reveals that post-operative radiation therapy improves overall survival in select lung cancer patients whose disease has spread to regional lymph nodes. This is the first significant increase in survival rate since previous studies used outdated equipment.
A study of 8,724 elderly women found that radiation therapy reduced breast cancer recurrence and mastectomies. Patients aged 70-79 years in good health gained the most benefit from radiation therapy.
A recent study found that young men with localized prostate cancer can benefit from external beam radiation therapy, similar to older patients. The study showed no statistically significant differences in survival rates, disease progression, or signs of recurrence between three age groups: under 55, 60-69, and 70 and over.
A new device allows physicians to monitor patients and control exam table movement safely behind a lead plastic shield, reducing radiation exposure by 90% to the head, arms, and legs. This technique preserves physicians' ability to perform procedures without heavy lead gowns, extending their career longevity.
A new CT technique has reduced radiation exposure to abdominal CT scans in children by an average of 60%, while maintaining acceptable image quality. The study found that modulating the tube current based on body symmetry resulted in a significant dose reduction, with overall reductions ranging from 14% to 82%.
A new study found that using a low radiation dose of 30 mAs can achieve high technical success rates for interventional procedures such as biopsies and catheter placements. The study showed that with minimal image quality, procedures can still be successfully performed.
Researchers found that mice with APC mutations are more resistant to radiation when receiving staggered doses, potentially impacting radiation treatment protocols for colon cancer patients. The study's findings could lead to adjustments in treatment timing to minimize damage and optimize repair processes.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a nanoparticle that provides significant protection against radiation-induced damage, including hair loss and organ damage. The fullerene-based agent showed promise in reducing organ damage by half to two-thirds, even when given before or after radiation exposure.
A comprehensive survey of 4,091 atomic bomb survivors found a significant association between radiation dose and the prevalence of thyroid diseases, including malignant and benign tumors. Those exposed at younger ages showed higher dose-response relationships for thyroid cancers and nodules.
Researchers at MIT developed a tool to selectively irradiate blood vessels to study radiation damage. This technique has the potential to reduce side effects for cancer patients treated with radiation therapy.
A meta-analysis of 36 clinical trials reveals that optimal radiation therapy significantly improves patient survival rates in breast cancer patients. The analysis found a 2.9% and 6.4% absolute increase in survival at 5 and 10 years, respectively.
A study found that women's travel distance to a radiation facility significantly impacted the use of Breast-Conserving Surgery (BCSR). The odds of receiving BCSR fell by 50% for every 5-mile increase in distance. Socioeconomic factors, such as lack of insurance and ethnicity, also negatively affected BCSR usage.
Researchers found that women who underwent radiation therapy for anal and rectal cancer had nearly double the rate of fractures compared to those without radiation therapy. The study also found that most fractures (90%) were hip fractures, highlighting the need for preventive measures.
Patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer responded well to high doses of radiation administered through extracranial stereotactic body radiation therapy. The Phase I clinical trial treated 47 individuals with the procedure, which spared them from surgery and allowed for higher doses of radiation in a shorter period.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have found hormone therapy will not diminish the value of radiation for prostate cancer. Additionally, a leukemia drug shows modest benefits in suppressing PSA levels for some men with localized prostate cancer.
Proteome Systems has received a $20 million grant from the US government to develop therapeutic compounds for treating radiation damage. The company's 'catalytic scavenger compounds' show potential in preventing radiation-induced tissue damage and are expected to protect victims of radiation exposure, including first responders.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have successfully treated 72 patients with metastatic liver lesions using precision radiation therapy. The treatment resulted in a median survival time of 13 months, showing promise as an effective option for patients who previously had limited treatment options.
A new study found that radiation therapy can effectively control primary tumors and spare vision in patients with uveal melanoma. The procedure involves plaque radiotherapy, which delivers radiation to the eye tumor via a small metal shield containing radioactive seeds.
For patients with early-stage breast cancer, MRI improves treatment selection by identifying additional cancer in the breast that may require wider removal of tissue or mastectomy. Breast MRI can help radiation oncologists identify suitable candidates for accelerated partial breast irradiation.
A new one-week radiation treatment for breast cancer patients has shown promising results, with no patient recurrence after 48 months and 80% of women experiencing good-to-excellent cosmetic outcomes. The treatment uses MammoSite brachytherapy to deliver high doses of radiation to the surrounding tumor area.
Combining chemotherapy with radiation therapy before surgery improves local tumor control and reduces cancer return rates. The study, published by the American Society for Radiation Oncology, suggests this treatment should be recommended for most rectal cancer patients.
A study of 869 women found that radiation therapy after surgery reduced breast cancer recurrence by almost 100%, with an overall survival rate of 97%. Radiation therapy also did not impact patients' quality of life or long-term survival rates.
A study conducted between 1988 and 1995 found that radiation therapy significantly improved five- and 10-year prostate cancer-free survival rates. The treatment reduced the risk of recurrence, cancer spread, and overall mortality in patients with advanced stage prostate cancer.
A new study published in Fox Chase Cancer Center found that sequential sequencing of radiation and tamoxifen after lumpectomy significantly improves cosmetic outcomes for women with early-stage breast cancer. The study included 1,088 patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery and radiation therapy, and received adjuvant tamoxifen.
Researchers found that gene therapy using manganese superoxide dismutase plasmid liposome (MnSOD-PL) protected healthy tissue from damage during and after radiation retreatment. The therapy significantly improved survival rates and reduced side effects in lung cancer patients.
Researchers developed a new radiation technique that targets cancer while sparing hair follicles, resulting in minimal hair loss. The study used intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) on 10 patients with stage IV brain cancer, showing promising results and improved overall survival rates.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that breast conservation surgery followed by radiation therapy can lead to favorable cosmetic results in patients with implanted breasts. The study challenged previous reports of poor outcomes.
The new ASTRO/ASRT grant program aims to establish new radiation therapy programs, addressing significant shortages in the field. Currently, there are only 71 accredited educational programs in the US, down from 125 a decade ago, and 13 states have no radiation therapy program.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded $47 million to develop medical countermeasures against radiological and nuclear threats. Eight universities have received grants to establish centers for medical countermeasures against radiation, focusing on basic and applied research to develop new products...
A randomized trial found that high-dose radiation therapy reduced the risk of prostate cancer recurrence by 49% compared to conventional-dose therapy. The study showed improved biochemical control and local tumor control without significant differences in overall survival rates or adverse effects.
Mayo Clinic's new treatment protocol combining radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and liver transplantation has significantly improved the five-year survival rate for patients with bile duct cancer to 82%. The treatment enables surgeons to remove the entire liver and obtain better tumor clearance.
The US government has awarded a $20 million grant to develop novel synthetic catalytic scavengers (SCS) to protect against and treat the effects of radiation exposure. Proteome Systems will provide its SCS compounds for clinical application, aiming to create medical products for victims of radiological terrorism or radiation accidents.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that giving chemotherapy and radiation together from the start may help patients with locally advanced lung cancer live longer. The study compared three treatment approaches and showed that combining chemotherapy and radiation improved patient outcomes.
A case-control study involving 445 men found an association between cumulative cosmic radiation dose and nuclear cataract risk among commercial airline pilots. The odds ratio was 3.02 for pilots compared with nonpilots, indicating a potential causative factor in nuclear cataracts.
The study found that using a 180-degree X-ray tube position, minimum current, and 80 kVp settings can significantly reduce radiation exposure in CT scans. This approach allows the table to absorb low-energy X-rays, minimizing breast exposure without compromising image quality.
The UT Southwestern team will study how human cells respond to ionizing radiation in outer space, which can cause DNA damage leading to cancer. The research project aims to improve shielding material for spacecrafts and design safer spacesuits.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found that radiation exposure at older ages significantly increases the risk of lung cancer among Hanford nuclear workers. The study analyzed data from 26,389 workers hired between 1944 and 1978 and identified 2,265 cancer deaths.
A study of 1500 men with locally confined prostate cancer found that delaying radiation therapy did not affect overall survival, disease-specific survival, or treatment failure rates. This research provides reassurance for patients considering delayed treatment, allowing them to make informed decisions.
A randomized trial of 900 patients with breast or prostate cancer found that a shorter course of radiation therapy was as effective as the standard treatment in providing pain relief. The study also showed less acute toxicity and re-treatment rates in patients who received a single dose of 8 Gy radiation.
A new breast shield designed to reduce radiation dose to female breasts during chest CT scans has been developed, with results showing a 43-73% reduction in radiation exposure. The shield is lightweight, comfortable, reusable and can be used for both routine chest CT examinations and CT angiography.
A landmark Phase III trial found that concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy followed by surgery significantly improves lung cancer patient survival. Five-year survival rates were 36% for patients with partial lung removal and 27% for those who underwent concurrent treatment.
Researcher Mike Robbins is testing drugs that block receptors to prevent cognitive impairment from whole-brain radiation. The goal is to develop a treatment for the 20-40% of patients who experience chronic brain damage.
A study published by the American Gastroenterological Association finds that radiation therapy for prostate cancer nearly doubles the risk of developing rectal cancer. Researchers recommend aggressive monitoring for men treated with radiation starting five years after treatment.
A new study has found that radiation therapy for prostate cancer increases the risk of developing rectal cancer by approximately 70%. The research team recommends monitoring men who have received radiation for prostate cancer starting five years after treatment.
A recent study found that advancements in radiation techniques have greatly reduced the risk of cardiac death after radiation therapy for breast cancer. Women with left-sided breast cancer had a higher mortality rate from ischemic heart disease compared to those with right-sided breast cancer, but this difference decreased over time.
A study found that women with left-sided breast cancer had a higher risk of death from ischemic heart disease after radiation therapy, but this increased risk declined over time. Advances in radiation techniques have reduced the dose to the heart, resulting in lower mortality rates among women diagnosed with right-sided breast cancer.