A recent study found that larynx preservation treatments using chemotherapy followed by radiation have a low-risk of severe voice disability, with only 15% of patients experiencing severe vocal impairment. The treatment also resulted in minimal eating or swallowing problems, with 57% of patients unaffected.
A study found that pretreatment SUVmax is a strong predictor of disease-specific survival, overall survival, and disease-free survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients. Higher SUV-LN was associated with distant metastasis, suggesting more aggressive treatment approaches may be needed.
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.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology's IHE-RO program has been awarded a grant to develop interoperability standards and build test tools software. The goal is to create universal health records for cancer patients and improve communication between radiation oncology equipment.
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.
A study found that cancer patients value honesty from their oncologists about treatment outcomes, with prostate cancer patients showing a stronger preference for candor. The study also reveals that patients prefer casual clothing and informal communication styles, such as being called by their first names.
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 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 randomized study found that preventative brain radiation for nonsmall cell lung cancer patients decreased the risk of brain metastases by over 50%, but increased short and long-term memory loss. The study also showed no significant difference in overall survival between treated and untreated patients.
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.
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...
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.
Stereotactic radiosurgery is an effective and safe method for eliminating tremors caused by Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. Long-term results show that SRS favorsably compares to deep brain stimulation and radiofrequency treatments in terms of tremor relief and complications.
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.
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 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.
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 American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is partnering with Gilda's Club Chicago to promote cancer survivorship. The two organizations will participate in the Survivor Circle exhibit at ASTRO's 51st Annual Meeting, highlighting programs that help patients and families cope with cancer.
Halos of Hope, a non-profit organization established in 2007, will partner with ASTRO to provide comfort and dignity to chemo patients. The partnership aims to educate members about the organization's mission and programs focused on supporting cancer survivors.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has named its 12th class of ASTRO Fellows, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of radiation oncology through research, patient care, education, or leadership. The fellows will be recognized at the 51st Annual Meeting in November.
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...
A study found that African-American patients with non-small cell lung cancer have a higher copy number of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene, predicting better long-term outcomes when taking erlotinib and gefitinib. Few EGFR mutations were observed, highlighting the need for more research in this patient population.
A phase III clinical trial found that adding bevacizumab to erlotinib therapy improves progression-free survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients, but not overall survival. The combination also shows a response rate and tumor shrinkage.
A study found that pemetrexed-based treatment is more effective in patients with non-squamous histology than those with squamous histology, indicating improved survival benefits for some lung cancer patients.
A recent study published by the American Society for Radiation Oncology found that males diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer have a higher mortality rate than females. The research also revealed that gender is a significant prognostic factor in lung cancer patients' overall survival rates.
A multi-center phase II clinical trial found improved survival in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with chemotherapy and targeted therapies bevacizumab and cetuximab. The combination showed no safety concerns, indicating a potential future treatment option for lung cancer.
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.
Long-term cancer survivors are more likely to experience severe psychological distress than adults never diagnosed with cancer. Younger survivors aged less than 65 years old were particularly at risk, the study found. The research aims to raise awareness of psychosocial needs among long-term survivors and encourage routine screening.
A new web site, CaP Calculator, provides cancer specialists with access to the latest research and helps them individualize patient treatment options. The tool allows doctors to evaluate the risk of disease spreading and the effectiveness of surgery and radiation treatment.
A randomized clinical trial shows acupuncture reduces hot flashes and vasomotor symptoms in breast cancer patients, providing additional benefits like increased energy and well-being. The treatment has no side effects compared to commonly used drugs.
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 short one-week course of radiation before surgery significantly reduces rectal cancer recurrence risk by 76% compared to post-operative treatment. However, this approach also causes impairment in sexual and bowel functions, affecting the quality of life for 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.
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 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 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 quality assurance program improves the standard of care in cancer patients by ensuring valid and statistically significant data, enabling better treatment protocols. This program strengthens clinical trials conducted by cooperative groups and supported by the National Cancer Institute.
Debra DeMella, a brain tumor survivor, received the 2008 Survivor Circle Award from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) for her dedication to helping others living with cancer. She founded Brainstormers, a brain tumor support group, and served on various boards to improve quality of life for patients.
Dr. Evans, a pioneering figure in pediatric oncology, has been recognized by ASTRO for her groundbreaking work on neuroblastoma staging and patient care. She has also co-founded the Ronald McDonald House and received numerous awards for her dedication to cancer research.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has named 30 individuals as its 2008 Fellows, honoring their significant contributions to radiation oncology. The recipients have demonstrated excellence in research, patient care, education, and leadership, making them outstanding professionals in the field.
The Kenneth B. Schwartz Center and ASTRO are partnering to raise awareness of cancer survivorship through the Survivor Circle exhibit at ASTRO's Annual Meeting. The center supports compassionate healthcare and education, and will participate in the exhibit to promote its mission.
ASTRO awarded several scholarships to young researchers in radiation oncology, including the Junior Faculty Career Research Training Award to Christopher D. Willey and Erik P. Sulman. The Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Research Seed Grant Award also supported projects by Randall Joel Kimple and Shig-Hsin Eddy Yang.
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.
A study of over 11,000 men found that those receiving radiation seed implants had a significant reduction in mortality risk compared to those on watchful waiting/active surveillance within six months of diagnosis. Brachytherapy was shown to be as effective as radical prostatectomy and surgery in extending life expectancy.
A large European study found that an extra high-dose radiation boost after breast-conserving surgery significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence in young women. The study also showed that women of all ages benefited from the boost dose, but younger women were most likely to be free of cancer 10 years after treatment.
A recent study found that African-American women with early-stage breast cancer are more likely to experience cancer recurrence 10 years after diagnosis compared to Caucasian counterparts. The research also revealed that younger African-American women tend to have larger tumors and more aggressive tumors than their Caucasian peers, hig...
A study found that a pharmaceutical monoclonal antibody can prevent pulmonary fibrosis, a serious side effect of radiation therapy for advanced lung cancer. This breakthrough may lead to more effective radiation therapies and extend patients' lives.
A large retrospective study found that radiation seed implants (brachytherapy) are equally effective in curing localized prostate cancer in men aged 60 and younger. The study results suggest that younger men should be presented with all viable treatment options, including brachytherapy, regardless of age.