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.
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, ...
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has named its 2012 class of Fellows, recognizing their significant contributions to the field of radiation oncology. The new Fellows include renowned experts in research, patient care, education, and leadership.
The Center for Cancer Support and Education in Arlington, Mass., will receive a $10,000 grant from ASTRO's Survivor Circle program to fund breast cancer, advanced cancer, and brain cancer support groups. The Center offers emotional support during treatment and recovery for patients and their family members.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has partnered with the Surviving And Moving Forward: The SAMFund for Young Adult Survivors of Cancer to promote cancer survivorship. Through the Survivor Circle exhibit, ASTRO is providing financial assistance and resources to young adult survivors.
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.
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.
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.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has developed a clinical practice guideline for the radiotherapeutic and surgical management of newly diagnosed brain metastases. The guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for choosing treatment modalities based on tumor factors and prognosis.
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.
A recent study found that 7% of the US population between ages 14 and 69 has an oral HPV infection, with men being three times more likely to have it than women. The study also revealed that patients infected with oral HPV type 16 have a 14 times greater risk of developing head and neck cancer.
Researchers found that standard radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy is less effective for HIV-positive head and neck cancer patients, with high recurrence rates of 69% and overall survival of 55%. This highlights the need for more research to develop tailored treatments that can improve outcomes for these patients.
Researchers found that slight oral temperature increases can predict severe mucositis, a common side effect of chemoradiotherapy. Early intervention using thermal imaging technology may help prevent or alleviate severe complications from treatment.
A Danish health care fast track program has reduced the waiting time between a patient's initial meeting with a healthcare provider and their first treatment for head and neck cancer from 69 days in 2002 to 41 days in 2010. The program, implemented in 2008, prioritized cancer patients and implemented various reforms to curb wait times.
PET/CT scans have been shown to detect local head and neck cancer recurrences before they become clinically apparent, leading to improved treatment outcomes. The study found that 53% of abnormal scans identified malignancies, while false positives accounted for 46% of cases.
A new study presents evidence that erlotinib is an effective first-line treatment for head and neck cancer when the dose is adjusted according to a patient's smoking status. The research showed that both smokers and nonsmokers tolerated the drug well without serious adverse effects.
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 study by the American Society for Radiation Oncology found that nearly three-quarters of cancer patients have insufficient vitamin D levels, with those deficient experiencing more advanced cancer. Vitamin D supplementation showed promise in improving serum levels and potentially impacting treatment outcomes.
A study found that most cancer care physicians initiate contact with bereaved family members and caregivers after a patient's death. However, over two-thirds of physicians reported inadequate training in this area during their residency or fellowship. The most common forms of follow-up were sending condolence letters and making telepho...
A study by the American Society for Radiation Oncology found that cancer patients in their 60s were more likely to use web-based technology to answer quality of life survey questions. The use of this technology increased survey completion rates from 52% to 90% six months after treatment.
A randomized phase III trial found that higher doses of radiation therapy do not improve overall survival for stage III non-small cell lung cancer patients. The standard dose of radiation therapy (60 Gy) was shown to be sufficient and effective in treating the disease.
Linda Meyer, a radiation oncology nurse manager at Allegheny General Hospital, has been selected for the 2011 ASTRO Nurse Excellence Award. She is recognized for her exceptional care and commitment to educating nurses in the field.
A study found that men treated with IMRT had 26% fewer late bowel and rectal side effects than those receiving 3D-CRT. The treatment also showed a statistically significant decrease in acute toxicity.
A new 'CAP50' regimen combining chemotherapy and radiation before surgery shows promise in reducing rectal cancer recurrence risk by 88% three years after treatment. The study found that the increase in radiation dose did not extend treatment duration, while avoiding side effects.
A randomized trial found that a shorter radiation course for prostate cancer with hypofractionation is as effective as conventional radiation therapy at five years after treatment. The study used intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) to limit dose to normal tissues, reducing side effects.
Bella Rodriguez-Torres, an 8-year-old cancer survivor, has been selected as the 2011 Survivor Circle Award winner. She was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma at age 4 and made a remarkable recovery, inspiring others with her positive attitude and determination.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is partnering with the Cancer Support Community Greater Miami to raise awareness of cancer survivorship issues. The partnership will be showcased at ASTRO's 53rd Annual Meeting, where attendees can learn about the programs offered by the Cancer Support Community Greater Miami.
Gilda's Club South Florida participates in ASTRO's Survivor Circle exhibit to raise awareness about cancer survivorship programs. The organization receives a $10,000 grant to provide support to newly diagnosed patients and their families.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has awarded five physicians with research grants to support their career development and research in radiation oncology. This year's winners include Abhijit Patel, MD, PhD, and David Kozono, MD, PhD, who will receive a $100,000 award over two years.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has named 21 esteemed members as its 2011 Fellows, acknowledging their significant contributions to radiation oncology. These distinguished professionals have demonstrated excellence in research, patient care, education, and leadership, making them highly respected in the field.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has published a white paper to improve the safe use of IMRT, which requires more time and resources from cancer clinics. The report provides practical guidance to strengthen IMRT programs, reducing errors and improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that tissue spacers significantly reduced the rectal dose administered to patients receiving radiation therapy for prostate cancer. This led to minimal damage to the rectum, enabling radiation oncologists to increase treatment doses without concern.
Researchers found that combining CT and FDG-PET images resulted in a change in tumor delineation in one out of three patients, leading to adjusted treatments in 10% of cases. This improvement was particularly notable in patients with dental inlays, where the primary tumor was not visible on CT scans alone.
Pediatric cancer patients receive more accurate treatment delivery with proton radiography, reducing radiation exposure compared to standard diagnostic X-rays and cone beam CT. Proton imaging also enables real-time tumor tracking during treatment, benefiting children's sensitive growing bodies.
A new study found that annual mammograms are as effective as interval post-treatment mammograms in detecting breast cancer recurrences. The research suggests eliminating the interval mammogram would save healthcare costs without negatively impacting patient outcomes, decreasing unnecessary biopsies and stress.
A study found that a pelvic MRI scan can identify local recurrence in prostate cancer patients with rising or persistently elevated PSA levels. About one-third of these patients have a low PSA level of less than 1, making it possible to treat them with higher doses and potentially increasing cure rates.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has developed a guideline for palliative thoracic radiation therapy to treat advanced lung cancer. The guideline recommends various regimens of thoracic external beam radiation therapy as effective for symptom palliation, but not endobronchial brachytherapy or concurrent chemotherapy.
A culture of safety is crucial for reducing the chances of medical errors in radiation therapy, according to an article in Practical Radiation Oncology. By implementing principles such as automation, standardization, and checklists, teams can minimize risks and improve patient safety.
Researchers identified six gene markers in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer that can predict tumor relapse and survival rates. The six-gene classifier stratifies patients into low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups with significantly different relapse rates.
A study found that combining epigenetic therapy and molecular targeted therapy can improve outcomes for patients with elevated E-cadherin levels in advanced lung cancer. The treatment achieved significantly improved overall survival rates compared to erlotinib alone.
Researchers found that adding ipilimumab to paclitaxel/carboplatin improved progression-free survival rates for stage IIIb/IV non-small cell lung cancer patients. The study suggests that ipilimumab may be a valuable addition to standard treatments, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.
Researchers found significant exposure to erionite in North Dakota roads, comparable to affected Turkish villages. The mineral poses health risks through inhalation, prompting cautionary measures and potential preventive programs.
Researchers compared treatment outcomes of elderly patients with early-stage lung cancer treated with either surgery or stereotactic radiation therapy. The study found that both treatments had similar long-term survival rates, but surgery had a higher risk of mortality in the first 30 days.
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.
A large study found that men with localized prostate cancer who take aspirin with radiation therapy or surgery have a lower risk of dying from the disease. The use of anticoagulants reduced the risk of death by 6 percentage points, from 10% to 4%, at 10 years.
The study found that combining hormone therapy and radiation significantly decreased the risk of death among high-risk prostate cancer patients. The addition of radiation did not increase long-term side effects.
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 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.
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.
Routine prostate cancer screening significantly reduces the risk of metastatic disease within 10 years after treatment. Men diagnosed post-screening had a lower risk of spreading cancer compared to those treated prior to widespread screening.