Researchers found that high levels of VEGF-A and TGF-β1 before treatment correlated with lower survival rates and less complete tumor regression. A blood test for these proteins could help predict patients' pathological response and disease-free survival rates, allowing for more personalized treatment plans.
A randomized trial found that radiation therapy (RT) alone is as effective in reducing dysphagia as chemoradiotherapy (CRT), allowing patients to forgo chemotherapy. The study also demonstrated comparable survival prognosis between the two groups, highlighting a potential simpler treatment option.
A randomized phase II trial found that Manuka honey was not effective in reducing esophagitis pain during radiation therapy for lung cancer patients. The study enrolled 163 patients who received either standard supportive care or Manuka honey supplements, but showed no significant differences in pain levels.
Research presented at ASTRO's 56th Annual Meeting found no association between radiation therapy and increased risk of lymphedema in women with clinically node-negative breast cancer. The study results provide reassurance for breast cancer patients regarding the impact of radiation therapy on lymphedema risk.
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Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
Researchers from Montefiore and Einstein present findings on radiation therapy duration, dosing recommendations, and predictive indicators for clinical outcomes in locally-advanced cancers. The studies focus on improving personalized cancer care and overcoming treatment barriers.
Kids Konnected and the Breast and Gyn Health Project in California will each receive $8,500 awards to support their work assisting cancer patients and their families. The organizations will also be featured at ASTRO's Annual Meeting in San Francisco.
Seven physicians receive funding to advance radiation oncology research, including studies on cancer biology, physics, and treatment outcomes. Recipients will focus on improving radiation therapy and enhancing patient care.
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered that protein ZEB1 helps breast cancer cells repair DNA damage caused by radiation therapy, making them more resistant to treatment. This finding has significant implications for the development of new treatments targeting ZEB1 and other proteins involved in radioresistance.
A new triple therapy combining two immunotherapies and targeted radiation has prolonged the survival of mice with glioblastoma brain cancer by up to 67 days. The treatment induces an immune response against tumors, creating long-term immunity.
A study published in the British Journal of Cancer found that bladder cancer patients with high levels of the protein HIF-1α are more likely to benefit from a treatment called CON, which makes radiotherapy more effective. High levels of the protein were linked to better survival rates when patients had radiotherapy and CON.
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Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A two-step decision tree analysis was used to evaluate and distill existing quality standards, guidelines, and recommendations in radiation therapy. The study identified duplicate standards and gaps, achieving substantial agreement among evaluators.
Three plant-derived compounds, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, and trans-cinnamic acid, have been found to protect human skin cells from gamma radiation-induced damage during cancer radiotherapy. The compounds reduced reactive oxygen species and DNA damage by up to 40% and 15%, respectively.
ASTRO Gold Medal winners Mary K. Gospodarowicz, Leonard L. Gunderson, and Nancy J. Tarbell will receive the award for their outstanding work in research, clinical care, teaching, and service. They have made significant contributions to advancing radiation oncology, improving patient outcomes, and promoting global health.
Scientists have discovered a new drug that significantly improves the effectiveness of radiotherapy in stopping tumor growth and increasing long-term survival. The combination treatment reduces secondary lung tumors and demonstrates potential for improved cancer treatment.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has issued a new guideline detailing the use of adjuvant radiation therapy in treating endometrial cancer. The guideline recommends postoperative external beam radiation for patients with early-stage disease, and vaginal cuff brachytherapy for those at high risk of vaginal recurrence.
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UT Southwestern researchers found that blocking critical DNA repair mechanisms can slow down tumor growth and increase survival in glioblastoma patients. The study used a drug called NVP-BEZ235, which combined with radiation therapy significantly delayed tumor growth in mice, up to 60 days.
A clinical trial found that six months of hormone therapy added to radiotherapy significantly reduces the risk of prostate cancer relapse and progression. Men who received both treatments had a nearly 50% lower risk of biochemical progression compared to those treated with radiotherapy alone.
Researchers found that women who underwent radiotherapy for breast cancer have a small but significantly increased risk of developing a primary lung tumour. The risk increases with the amount of radiation absorbed by the tissue, with an estimated relative risk of 8.5% per delivered Gy to the lung.
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Researchers have developed a method to calculate the optimal dose of helium ions for radiation treatment, showing promising results in treating pediatric patients with neuroblastoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma. The use of helium ions may provide greater accuracy and reduced uncertainties compared to conventional radiotherapy or proton therapy.
A study found that permanent brachytherapy preserves erectile function in approximately 50% of prostate cancer patients, improving treatment outcomes. Researchers call for further training on discussing and assessing sexual side-effects of radiation treatment to ensure adequate patient information.
A recent study published in JAMA found that taking daily tadalafil did not prevent erectile dysfunction (ED) in men undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer. The study involved 242 men who received either tadalafil or a placebo, and showed no significant difference in ED prevention between the two groups.
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New research finds that radiotherapy after mastectomy reduces recurrence and death rates for women with early breast cancer in 1-3 positive lymph nodes. The study, which analyzed data from 3786 women, shows a significant benefit of radiotherapy regardless of chemotherapy or hormonal therapy use.
Interim results show omitted radiotherapy associated with higher early relapse rates in stage I/II Hodgkin's lymphoma. The study found no significant differences in progression-free survival between standard and experimental treatment arms.
The ASTRO white paper recommends specific guidance for high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy to improve patient safety and quality. The manuscript highlights the need for a quality management program, including checklists and forms, as well as multidisciplinary treatment team coordination.
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The trial found that men treated with the more intensive radiotherapy regime had a 55% survival rate without disease progression, compared to 43%. The study also showed that dose-escalated radiotherapy reduces the need for follow-up hormone treatment and is safe in the long term.
The study found that primary tumor location dictates the risk of disease in the opposite side of the neck, rather than lymph node involvement. No local or regional recurrences were reported, but distant metastasis occurred in 9% of patients.
A randomized controlled trial found that cognitive behavioral therapy plus hypnosis significantly reduced fatigue in breast cancer patients during and after radiotherapy. The treatment group had less fatigue than 79% of control group patients at the end of radiotherapy, with benefits persisting for up to six months.
A study found that daily humidification of the mouth and throat region during radiation therapy for head and neck cancer reduced mucositis and hospital stays by nearly 50%. Patients who used humidification spent significantly fewer days in the hospital to manage side effects compared to those who did not.
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A clinical trial found that adding bevacizumab to standard glioblastoma treatment did not increase overall survival, but did delay the risk of toxicity. The study also showed a decline in neurocognitive function and quality of life for patients receiving bevacizumab.
A thin transparent silicone dressing applied from day one can prevent severe skin reactions during radiation therapy, according to New Zealand research. The dressings create a protective environment for skin stem cells to heal from radiation damage.
Researchers explore the physics and biology of ion beam acceleration in cancer treatment, offering greater precision and reduced damage to healthy tissue. The symposium and press briefing discuss the benefits and challenges of hadron therapy, including its potential for cost-saving accelerator designs.
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The new guideline aims to reduce unnecessary re-excision rates by identifying optimal margin widths that minimize ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence. Wider margin widths do not significantly lower the risk, and the choice of radiation technique should not depend on margin width.
A 10.4-year median follow-up study by EORTC trial 22921 found that adjuvant chemotherapy does not improve survival or disease-free survival for cT3-resectable T4 M0 rectal cancer patients, highlighting the need for new treatment strategies.
A phase II clinical trial of Avastin (Bevacizumab) with cisplatin and pelvic radiation for locally advanced cervical cancer showed promising results. The study found improved overall survival rates of 89.8% at 2 years and 80.2% at 3 years compared to historical controls.
Patients treated with IMRT experience fewer side effects and lower cancer-related deaths compared to traditional radiation therapy. The study found that IMRT is a safe and beneficial treatment option for patients with head and neck cancer, with improved survival rates and reduced life-threatening recurrences.
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The new system enables real-time interaction with the patient's body and radiotherapy applicator, allowing for precise radiation of potentially cancerous tissues. This innovation aims to reduce treatment time and minimize healthy tissue damage.
A recent study published in BJU International found that radiation therapy used to treat uterine cancer may increase the risk of developing bladder cancer. Patients treated with pelvic radiation therapy had a twice-higher incidence and nearly three times higher death rate from bladder cancer compared to those without radiation.
Researchers have found that omitting radiotherapy in older patients with hormone-receptor positive breast cancer who undergo surgery and hormone therapy is a viable option, resulting in a lower rate of unnecessary treatment. The study suggests that these patients are at low risk of recurrence, making radiotherapy optional.
The EORTC-ESTRO joint session will present the latest research on soft tissue sarcoma treatment, emphasizing the importance of early patient management. Key experts will discuss optimal timing sequences for radiotherapy in limb and retroperitoneal sarcomas, as well as current concepts in chordoma management.
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Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers found that LIF levels were predictive of NPC patient response to radiation therapy, with patients having higher serum levels of LIF being resistant to treatment. LIF itself promotes NPC progression and radioresistance. Circadian clock proteins BMAL1 also regulate redox proteins preventing oxidative stress damage in neurons.
A team of researchers discovered that abnormal mitochondria may be responsible for cancer cells' resistance to radiation therapy. The study found that a mutation in the E2F gene led to dysfunctional mitochondria that produced less energy, making cancer cells more resistant to radiation-induced cell death.
Researchers found that LIF levels are predictive of NPC patient response to radiation therapy, with patients resistant to treatment having higher serum levels of the cytokine. LIF promotes NPC progression and radioresistance.
A Stanford study found that dilute bleach baths can impede skin damage caused by aging, excess sun exposure, or radiation therapy. The inexpensive chemical may provide a new way to treat radiation dermatitis, a common side effect of cancer treatment.
Researchers developed predictive models to forecast genito-urinary (GU) toxicity and erectile dysfunction in prostate cancer patients after high-dose radiotherapy. Smoking and dosimetric factors were key predictors of acute urinary symptoms, with the model confirmed by a larger cohort analysis.
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A new '1-stop' radiotherapy technique has shown non-inferiority to traditional treatment in reducing breast cancer recurrence. The TARGIT trial found a single dose of targeted radiation during or soon after surgery reduced local recurrence risk by 80% compared to standard radiotherapy.
A recent study from the University of Manchester found that tumor oxygen levels impact treatment response. By analyzing gene expression, researchers can predict which patients will benefit from hypoxia-reducing agents before radiotherapy.
A comprehensive review of Medicare claims found that nearly all the increase in IMRT for prostate cancer was due to self-referral, leading to unnecessary radiation therapy. Self-referring urologists increased IMRT use by 146%, while non-self-referrers remained unchanged.
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Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center discovered a compound derived from cruciferous vegetables can protect rats and mice from lethal radiation doses. The compound, DIM, also showed potential in preventing or mitigating sickness caused by radiation exposure.
A study found that single-fraction radiotherapy, given in one session, is as effective as multiple-fraction treatment but has lower costs. Patients who received single-fraction treatment had poorer prognoses, but it offers benefits for patient-centric palliative care.
Researchers estimated that approximately 0.60 Gray of the daily radiotherapy dose is 'wasted' due to overnight and weekend tumor growth, suggesting shorter treatment schedules may be more effective against breast cancer recurrence. This finding supports current trends to deliver shorter radiotherapy schedules.
A clinical trial suggests that combining radiotherapy with an anti-cancer drug called APG101 blocks a cell-signalling pathway crucial for glioblastoma development. The treatment showed promising results, with patients receiving the combination therapy living longer than those treated with radiotherapy alone.
A meta-analysis of over 11,000 patients showed that hyperfractionated radiotherapy (AFRT) reduces the risk of death by 8% compared to standard fractionation radiotherapy (SFRT). AFRT also improves locoregional control, with a significant increase in five-year survival rates.
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A new study has found that treating chest lymph nodes in early breast cancer patients improves overall survival without increasing side effects. The research involved 4004 patients from 43 centres and found that irradiating the IM-MS lymph nodes gave a better patient outcome than radiation therapy to the breast/thoracic wall alone.
Researchers found that unstable chromosomes with breaks at common fragile sites are associated with a less favorable response to radiation therapy and surgery in prostate cancer patients. These abnormalities are often linked to DNA instability, which is characteristic of cancer cells.
A new process called 'Smart Rounds' optimizes the safety and efficacy of radiation therapy by formalizing multidisciplinary reviews at the beginning of treatment planning. This leads to safer, more individualized radiation treatment plans and better utilization of medical resources.
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A new study presented at ASTRO's Annual Meeting has identified the Common-Terminology-Criteria-for-Adverse Events (CTCAE) scale as a reliable method for assessing patient reactions to radiation therapy. The study found that using this standardized scale improved consistency among caregivers, enabling more uniform and effective care.
The project will provide state-of-the-art training in modern, high-quality image-guided radiotherapy, increasing productive research and improving cancer patient care. Researchers from various disciplines will benefit from the six-day workshop, lecture and exercise-based course.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found stereotactic body radiotherapy to be a viable option for elderly patients with localized pancreatic cancer, offering a six-to-seven-month increase in lifespan and minimal side effects. The study also showed that two patients lived nearly two years after treatment.
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A Mayo-led study has found that sulfasalazine, a commonly prescribed medication for inflammatory bowel disease, fails to reduce diarrhea in patients receiving radiation therapy. The study suggests that the medication may actually increase the risk of diarrhea when used during pelvic radiation therapy.
A study of Stage T1aN0 breast cancer patients found no significant increase in deaths from cardiac disease or secondary malignancies among those receiving external beam radiation therapy (XRT). Women who received XRT had better survival rates and fewer deaths from all causes compared to non-XRT groups.