Articles tagged with Radiation Therapy
A new study published in The Lancet Oncology found that older women with early-stage hormone-receptor positive breast cancers who receive hormone treatment and surgery can safely omit radiotherapy. This group of patients is at low risk of cancer recurrence, making radiotherapy unnecessary.
A new tool assesses radiotherapy-related toxicities in lung cancer patients using patient-reported outcomes, revealing strongest agreement with quality-of-life measures. The study found that clinicians' recorded toxicities underestimated their severity, highlighting the potential for early detection and improved treatment.
A new study found that adding radiation treatment to hormone therapy saves more lives among older men with locally advanced prostate cancer, reducing cancer deaths by nearly 50 percent. The treatment was also associated with fewer deaths from any cause.
Women undergoing left-side breast cancer radiation therapy can reduce heart exposure by holding their breath, resulting in a 90% disease-free survival rate and a median reduction of 62% in radiation dose. The breath-hold technique also shows a lower risk of ischemic heart disease after 8 years.
A new study reveals that two-thirds of women treated for early-stage breast cancer in the US receive longer radiation therapy than necessary, despite multiple randomized trials and professional society guidelines showing that hypofractionated radiation is clinically effective and less costly.
A recent study published in Cancer journal reveals that older breast cancer patients continue to receive radiation therapy despite evidence suggesting limited benefits. The study analyzed data from a national health database and found that only about one-third of eligible women no longer receive radiation therapy.
Researchers developed an anti-cancer drug that protects normal cells from radiation damage while sparing cancer cells. The compound, RTA 408, increases the effectiveness of radiation therapy in prostate cancer models and has potential applications for treating accidental radiation exposure.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have found that combining AZD3965 with radiotherapy reduces tumour growth in mice and increases anti-tumour effects. The study suggests a new treatment approach for cancer patients by targeting tumours through metabolism
Research found that post-operative radiation therapy improved overall survival for patients with resected NSCLC, with a median survival time of 42 months compared to 38 months without PORT. Factors associated with better survival included female gender, adenocarcinoma histology, and younger age.
Scientists from Queen's University Belfast have made a groundbreaking discovery in attosecond science, tracking ultra-fast electron movement within a nanometer-sized molecule. This research has implications for understanding how radiotherapy kills cancer cells and improving solar cells.
A study published in Practical Radiation Oncology evaluated the use of image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) in treating pediatric cancers. The results show that IGRT is commonly used to improve localization and precision in radiation delivery, particularly for tumors near sensitive structures or organs.
Researchers found combining immunotherapy with radiotherapy helps the immune system target and destroy cancer cells resistant to initial treatment. This approach improved survival rates and protected mice against disease recurrence.
A recent study found that high-dose radiotherapy did not improve survival rates or delay local relapse in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma who had undergone chemotherapy and surgery. However, researchers discovered that about 20% of patients expressed the PD-L1 protein, which could be targeted with immunotherapy treatments.
Researchers found modest acute changes in cardiac biomarkers and electrocardiogram findings following thoracic radiation therapy, but no clinically significant cardiac events. The study suggests that longer follow-up and increased dose range may reveal the impact of radiation on late RT-related toxicity.
Cancer patients with malignant spinal cord compression who receive a single dose of 10 Gy radiation therapy have preserved mobility, comparable to those receiving five daily doses of lower-radiation therapy. The study also found similar changes in bladder function and overall survival rates between the two groups.
A phase I/II trial of hypofractionated radiation therapy found that prostate cancer patients reported similar quality of life, bladder and bowel function before and after treatment. The study's results also indicated that different regimens of hypofractionated RT produced similar outcomes in terms of patient-reported quality of life.
Researchers present long-term results of RTOG 0236, confirming good primary tumor control and positive 5-year survival rates for patients with inoperable lung cancer. The study found a 40% 5-year survival rate, with seven percent estimated five-year primary tumor failure rate.
A study found that single fraction radiation therapy (SFRT) is equally effective as multiple fraction radiation therapy (MFRT) in improving patients' pain, function, and quality of life, including for those with excluded characteristics. The results support the generalizability of prior randomized controlled trials to real-world practice.
Research found that NSCLC patients who never smoked had a significantly lower risk of developing secondary primary lung cancers (SPLC) compared to current smokers. The study analyzed 1,484 patients and found that five years after diagnosis, current smokers were more likely to develop SPLC.
A new study suggests that combination treatment may not be necessary for all patient populations with the disease. Patients over 65 years old with small tumors and low risk tumor sizes achieved comparable survival after treatment with adjuvant radiation therapy alone, without undergoing endocrine therapy.
A meta-analysis of 757 Stage IV NSCLC patients found that factors such as timing of metastases and lymph node involvement impact overall survival. The study identified three risk groups with different five-year OS rates, and highlighted the importance of identifying patients who are most likely to benefit from aggressive treatments.
A study of 91 prostate cancer patients found that vessel-sparing radiation therapy preserves sexual function without compromising cure rates. Patients who received combination EBRT and brachytherapy reported improved sexual function at five years post-treatment.
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.
A new radiotherapy strategy for treating advanced small-cell lung cancer significantly prolongs long-term survival and reduces cancer recurrence in the chest. The study found that patients treated with thoracic radiation therapy had a 50% lower risk of cancer recurrence compared to those who did not receive it.
A study of over 41,000 patients with stage I and II Hodgkin's Disease found that those receiving consolidated radiation therapy had a higher 10-year survival rate of 84 percent compared to 76 percent for non-RT recipients. The data also showed a decrease in RT utilization, highlighting ongoing disparities in treatment.
A shorter course of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been found to improve the quality of life for high-risk prostate cancer patients, with faster recovery times and better outcomes compared to a longer 36-month ADT regimen. The study analyzed data from 561 patients who received radiation therapy and long-term ADT.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.