Articles tagged with Radiation Therapy
Combining bevacizumab with standard chemoradiation therapy prolongs survival and delays disease progression in patients with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The study results show over 90% of patients surviving 2 years without distant metastases.
A retrospective study found that women treated with accelerated partial breast irradiation therapy have a two-fold increased risk for subsequent mastectomy, most likely due to tumor recurrence or local complications. APBI brachytherapy was also associated with higher incidence of acute and late toxicities compared to traditional whole ...
A retrospective case series review found that carbon dioxide laser ablation had lower recurrence rates compared to radiation therapy, with minimal morbidity. The treatment option is particularly advantageous for large lesions in cosmetically sensitive regions of the head and neck.
Researchers found that taking a probiotic before radiation therapy can protect the intestine from damage in mice, and may help prevent similar problems in human patients. The probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG protected the lining of the small intestine in mice exposed to radiation.
A phase III trial found that concurrent chemo-radiotherapy significantly improved the 5-year overall survival of patients with stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The treatment regimen resulted in higher progression-free and distant metastasis-free survival rates compared to radiation alone.
Combining radiotherapy with androgen deprivation therapy significantly improves overall survival for men with locally advanced prostate cancer. The study, published in The Lancet, found that patients receiving both treatments had a higher 7-year survival rate compared to those receiving ADT alone.
Men with locally advanced or high-risk prostate cancer who receive combined radiation and hormone therapy live longer and are less likely to die from their disease. The treatment improved overall survival by 23% and disease-specific survival by 43% compared to hormone therapy alone.
A large study of over 10,000 breast cancer patients found that radiotherapy significantly reduces the risk of cancer recurrence and mortality. The study found that radiotherapy almost halves the 10-year-risk of recurrence and reduces the 15-year-risk of mortality by a sixth
Early-stage laryngeal cancer patients receiving primary surgery have a higher four-year survival rate compared to those treated with radiation. Meanwhile, chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy has seen increased use in advanced-stage patients, improving their survival rates.
A study by Fox Chase researchers found that a portion of the prostate bed is outside IMRT treatment margins in post-prostatectomy patients, suggesting too little treatment in the target area and too much in surrounding structures. The Calypso system helps ensure precise delivery within narrow treatment margins.
A survey of radiation oncologists and healthcare professionals reveals that fears of getting into trouble and embarrassment are the primary barriers to using online error-reporting systems. Despite this, most respondents recognize the value of reporting errors and near-misses for improving care and patient safety.
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 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.
A study comparing 6,597 patients across four European countries found substantial differences in treatment approaches for rectal cancer. The use of radiotherapy and chemotherapy varied greatly between countries, despite comparable stages of disease.
Researchers developed prediction models that accurately predict erectile function after prostate cancer treatment based on pretreatment sexual function and patient characteristics. The models found that men who underwent certain treatments had a higher chance of regaining functional erections suitable for intercourse.
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.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that IMRT improved treatment outcomes for patients with extranodal lymphoma of the head and neck, with minimal side effects. The study showed high response rates and no severe dry mouth, relapses, or tissue abnormalities.
Researchers found that combining six common quality assurance measures can prevent more than 90% of potential patient-harming incidents. A checklist of relatively low-tech measures and use of film-based radiation-dose measurements were key to safety.
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.
A study published in Cancer Research suggests that stem cell therapy can improve cognitive function in patients with brain cancer who experience radiation-induced learning and memory loss. The treatment involved human neural stem cell transplants, which led to significant improvements in cognitive function compared to control rats.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that combining short-term hormone therapy (ADT) with radiation therapy significantly improves overall survival rates for men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. The treatment also resulted in a 10% reduction in disease-specific deaths among high-risk patients.
New treatment options, including stereotactic ablative radiotherapy, have led to significant improvements in the survival of elderly Dutch lung cancer patients. Median survival for NSCLC patients increased by nearly 8 months between 2003 and 2009.
Researchers have found a new treatment option for children with relapsed or primary refractory high-risk neuroblastoma, using combined positron emission tomography and X-ray computed tomography to select patients for molecular radiotherapy. The therapy was well-tolerated and showed promise in improving symptoms and quality of life.
A new study by Thomas Jefferson University researchers finds that receiving radiation therapy immediately after a radical prostatectomy is a cost-effective treatment for prostate cancer patients. Urologists were less likely than radiation oncologists to recommend adjuvant radiation therapy or believe it improves overall survival.
A prospective study found that smoking significantly increases a woman's risk for peripheral artery disease (PAD), which can cause pain and discomfort. The study also suggests that smoking cessation reduces the risk, but even after 20 years of abstention, the risk remains elevated.
Researchers found that women with estrogen receptor negative cancers who did not receive radiation were 91% more likely to die from breast cancer. There is a corresponding increase in the use of radioactive implants for these patients.
The RTOG 0525 Phase III Trial Comparing Conventional Adjuvant Temozolomide with Dose-Intensive Temozolomide in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma found no significant improvement in overall patient survival or disease progression for patients who received dose-intensive temozolomide plus radiotherapy. However, the trial demonst...
Scientists selectively sensitized prostate cancer cells to radiation therapy by knocking down a key protein repair gene. The approach shows promise for treating locally advanced prostate cancer, reducing disease recurrence.
Two new studies published in Annals of Internal Medicine explore treatments for older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and patients with severe allergic asthma. Long-acting inhaled beta-agonists were found to increase survival rates over anticholinergics, while omalizumab improved symptoms and quality-of-life sc...
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.
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.
A study found that Medicare reimbursement policy significantly affects the use of costly breast cancer therapy, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The analysis showed a sharp increase in IMRT usage and costs between 2001 and 2005, with billing rates varying by region and treatment setting.
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.
Thomas Jefferson University researchers show intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) delivers higher doses to the prostate bed while sparing surrounding tissue, leading to improved PSA levels and reduced side effects. The study fills a gap in documentation of this technique's benefits for post-operative patients.
A cancer specialist at Children's Hospital Los Angeles has been awarded $1.7 million by the NCI to develop a new strategy to overcome resistance of cancer cells to radiation therapy. The goal is to create personalized radiation therapy regimens with fewer side effects.
Research suggests that most second cancers are due to lifestyle and genetics, not radiotherapy. The study found an estimated 8% proportion of second cancers related to radiotherapy, with higher risks for younger patients and organs exposed to higher radiation doses.
A study published in PLoS ONE found that simulated acupuncture, also known as placebo, was just as effective as real acupuncture in reducing nausea in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. The researchers suggested that the benefits may be due to patient expectations and extra care received during treatment.
A new study found that combining 6 months of hormone therapy with radiotherapy significantly improved survival rates for men with locally advanced prostate cancer. The treatment reduced the risk of death from prostate cancer by half and deaths from any cause by a third compared to radiation alone.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that patients with invasive T3 and T4 non-small lung cancer who received chemotherapy before surgery had a significantly improved survival rate. The study, published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, showed that median survival was greatest for those who rec...
A new predictive model identifies patients at high risk of dysphagia after head and neck cancer treatment, allowing for early intervention and improved quality of life. The study found that large tumours, swallowing problems, and tumour location are key risk factors for developing dysphagia.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology's new journal, Practical Radiation Oncology (PRO), has published its inaugural issue. PRO will provide a forum for radiation oncologists to share information on current practices and advancements in the field. The journal aims to improve the quality of radiation oncology practice through disc...
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.
The PARSPORT trial found that intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) spares the major salivary glands, reducing xerostomia and improving quality of life in head and neck cancer patients. IMRT significantly reduces the incidence of dry mouth and leads to recovery of saliva secretion.
A study published in Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that breast cancer recurrence rates can vary significantly based on the treating surgeon. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 women with ductal carcinoma in situ and discovered that positive or close margins following surgery substantially compromised disease...
A study comparing photon-based and proton-beam radiation therapies found that photon-based therapy resulted in better long-term survival rates, particularly among younger patients and those with ependymomas. The research suggests a potential shift in treatment guidelines for spinal cord glioma patients.
Researchers developed a new imaging technique that uses single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with computerized tomography (CT) scans to pinpoint critical lymph nodes under the arm. This allows physicians to block these nodes from X-ray beams, reducing radiation and subsequent lymphedema in breast cancer patients.
Women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who undergo radiotherapy after surgery experience a significant reduction in local cancer recurrences and invasive disease, with the effect lasting long-term. Treatment with tamoxifen also reduces recurrence rates, particularly in the opposite breast.
A panel of experts addressed safety concerns in medical imaging, highlighting the risks associated with excessive radiation exposure. The Image Wisely initiative aims to educate patients and professionals on the benefits and risks of medical imaging.
Active surveillance outperforms initial treatment for low-risk prostate cancer, providing a higher quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) and reducing adverse effects of treatment. The optimal strategy depends on individual patient preferences for surveillance or treatment.
A new study found that patients with head and neck cancer who have never smoked have significantly better survival rates and fewer treatment complications than smokers. The researchers suspect that human papillomavirus may play a role in this difference.
A study of 282 individuals found that radiation therapy for head and neck cancer can cause significant hearing loss, with severe cases affecting daily life. The research highlights the need to consider hearing loss as a potential health issue in cancer patients undergoing treatment.
A new study combining stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) with chemotherapy Cetuximab effectively controls and treats recurrent head and neck cancers. The regimen reduces treatment time while minimizing debilitating side effects.
Researchers found that levels of a prostate-specific protein up to 18 months after salvage radiation therapy predict mortality and disease progression. Patients with rising PSA levels are at higher risk of spread and death, while those with stable levels may not require immediate hormonal therapy.
Physicist Lei Ren received the Basic Science Abstract Award for his research on reducing radiation therapy imaging dose by optimizing cone beam computed tomography (CT) usage. The new technique aims to lower imaging doses by eightfold, improving treatment outcomes for lung cancer patients affected by breathing motion during treatment.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) minimizes gastrointestinal complications in prostate cancer patients. The study compared IMRT to three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and found that men treated with IMRT had fewer serious bowel complications.
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 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 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.