Articles tagged with Radiation Therapy
A clinical trial comparing two treatments for advanced head and neck cancer found that adding a targeted biologic therapy to chemotherapy did not improve patient outcomes. The study's results suggest that the current standard of care therapy may be sufficient, at least for now.
Researchers John Wong, Ronald Berger, and Hien Nguyen receive awards and funding to develop life-saving technologies. The Life Prizes aim to accelerate the translation of promising research into commercial applications, speeding up the delivery of innovative medical solutions.
A pilot study may lead clinicians to more accurately predict which patients will suffer from gastrointestinal side effects of radiotherapy. The technology uses an electronic nose and FAIMS to analyze stool samples and identify patterns in toxicity levels.
Research suggests that monitoring hepatic function with HIDA SPECT prior to and during radiation therapy can help tailor treatment plans for unresectable liver cancer patients. This assessment method allows for personalized radiation doses while minimizing the risk of liver injury.
Researchers developed a diffusion abnormality index (DAI) to measure brain tumor response to radiation therapy. The study showed that changes in DAI can predict post-treatment response with high sensitivity and specificity.
This study found that SUVmax is a significant and clinically independent marker for progression-free survival in stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The research included 95 medically inoperable patients who received stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), with median overall survival of 25.3 months and progression...
A study found that 1 in 4 lung cancer patients in Andalusia did not receive the radiotherapy they needed, resulting in a 3,000-day loss of life. This underuse has negative consequences for patients, highlighting the need for improved radiotherapy protocols.
A new radiation therapy method using volume-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) has been shown to significantly reduce prostate cancer treatment time by approximately 14%. The study found that VMAT patients had shorter average room times, with some patients experiencing similar treatment times as those using gold-marker tracking.
A new study found differences in urinary, bowel, and sexual function after short-term follow-up, but those differences were no longer significant 15 years after initial treatment. Men who underwent prostatectomy were more likely to experience urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
Researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center found that qigong reduces depressive symptoms and improves quality of life in women undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer. The study suggests that qigong may prevent a delayed symptom burden and expedite recovery, especially for women with elevated depressive symptoms.
A new study finds that prostate cancer stigma is a significant barrier to diagnosis and treatment in Ghana, with many men diagnosed at late stages and opting out of therapy. The researchers aim to develop tailored treatment regimens and increase PSA screening rates to improve health outcomes.
A study reveals that radiotherapy services are insufficiently equipped in 10 European countries to meet the growing demand for treatment, with Nordic countries and Belgium being well-equipped. The authors suggest further investigation into optimizing efficiency to address fragmentation of radiotherapy services.
A study of 722 patients found that those taking beta-blockers for other conditions lived longer after receiving radiotherapy. The use of beta-blockers improved survival rates without disease spreading or recurring, but not locoregional progression-free survival.
A comprehensive study analyzed 232 papers on prostate cancer treatments and found that surgery is the most cost-effective option, saving lives at a lower cost than radiation therapy. The analysis also showed that treatment plans for localized prostate cancer vary dramatically across different centers.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found no significant difference in toxicity between proton radiotherapy (PRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) among Medicare beneficiaries with prostate cancer at 12 months post-treatment. Despite its widespread use, PRT's benefits and harms remain unknown.
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that proton radiotherapy provides minimal relief from side effects such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction compared to standard radiation treatment IMRT. The study revealed no long-term benefits for proton therapy, despite high costs.
Researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute found that a ketogenic diet significantly enhances the anti-tumor effect of radiation, leading to improved survival rates for mice with malignant gliomas. The study suggests that the diet could be used as an adjuvant therapy without FDA approval.
A study by Thomas Jefferson University researchers found that deviating from radiation therapy protocols increases the risk of treatment failure and mortality. The analysis of eight large clinical trials revealed a significant association between protocol deviations and inferior clinical outcomes.
A new study from Henry Ford Hospital found that delaying radiation therapy after hysterectomy can increase the risk of uterine cancer recurrence. Patients who started treatment within nine weeks after surgery had a five-year relapse-free survival rate of 90%, compared to 43% for those treated later.
A study by Mayo Clinic found that an oral rinse of antidepressant doxepin significantly eased pain associated with oral mucositis in patients receiving radiation therapy for cancers of the head and neck. The treatment was well-tolerated, with common side effects including stinging and burning sensations.
Researchers found that men whose testosterone fell following radiation therapy were more likely to experience an increase in prostate-specific antigen (PSA), often indicating cancer recurrence. This discovery may lead doctors to use testosterone levels as a guide for treatment decisions.
A long-term study found that radiotherapy after surgery significantly improves biochemical progression-free survival and local control for high-risk prostate cancer patients. However, its effects on clinical progression-free survival and overall survival are less clear.
Researchers developed a new radiation treatment method that reduces the risk of permanent neurocognitive damage in children with brain tumors. The study found that proton therapy and photon therapy techniques significantly decreased the risk of these adverse effects, potentially leading to better quality of life for affected children.
Mark P. Carol, MD, a distinguished leader in IMRT and IGRT, has been recognized as ASTRO's 2012 Honorary Member for his groundbreaking approach to developing these techniques. He will be honored at the ASTRO 54th Annual Meeting on October 30, 2012.
Emanuel Hamelburg, a Boston-area prostate cancer survivor, has been recognized for his dedication to cancer awareness and advocacy. He was awarded the Survivor Circle Award by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) in 2012.
Researchers have discovered a new PET imaging agent that can predict the early response to treatment for head and neck cancer patients. The agent, 3'-deoxy-3'F-18-fluorothymidine (18-F-FLT), showed high accuracy in detecting therapeutic responses and identifying patients needing close follow-up.
A new study by USC researchers shows that controlled fasting enhances the effectiveness of radiation therapy in treating gliomas, a type of brain tumor with a median survival of less than two years. Fasting improved survival rates in mice treated with radiation therapy alone or in combination with chemotherapy.
A preclinical study found that a mTOR inhibitor can protect normal stem cells from radiation-induced damage, preventing debilitating conditions like mucositis. The study suggests a promising approach for preventing and treating cancer patients' quality-of-life issues with radiation therapy.
Patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received radiation therapy had an increased median survival of 21 months compared to 16 months. The percentage of patients not receiving treatment declined from 20 percent to 16 percent between 1999-2003 and 2004-2008.
Researchers found a significant link between radiotherapy and an increased risk of developing diabetes in childhood cancer survivors. The study, which analyzed over 2500 patient questionnaires and medical records, suggests that radiation exposure to the tail of the pancreas may be particularly damaging.
Research suggests that radiation therapy is not necessary for older women with low risk of breast cancer recurrence, according to a recent editorial published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The study found that patients over 70 years old with estrogen receptor-positive tumors did not show improved survival or quality of life with...
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.
A recent study found that radiation therapy after lumpectomy can help prevent mastectomy in early-stage breast cancer patients, particularly those with high-grade tumors. The research, published in the Journal Cancer, contradicts current national treatment guidelines.
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 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.
A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that stereotactic ablative radiotherapy is an effective treatment option for elderly patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment did not negatively impact health-related quality of life, and functional and symptom outcomes remained stable after two years.
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.
A new study has shown that giving a daily low-dose of the chemotherapy drug carboplatin at the same time as radiotherapy significantly prolongs survival in elderly patients with lung cancer. Patients who received combined chemoradiotherapy were nearly a third less likely to die than those given radiotherapy alone.
A study of 163 patients with cervical cancer found that 3D image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT) achieved high rates of tumor control and low side effects, making hysterectomies unnecessary for most women. The technique was effective in controlling the return and spread of the disease, and overall survival was 84% after three years.
Patients with HPV-positive throat cancer have significantly better control of the tumour, disease-specific survival, and overall survival when treated with radiotherapy alone compared to HPV-negative patients. HPV-positive light or non-smokers have even more favourable outcomes.
A randomized trial found that the ARCON regime improves control of cancer at its primary site, disease-free survival, and metastasis-free survival in patients with low Hb levels. However, overall survival remains compromised due to other health problems.
Researchers discovered that the stem cells essential for regenerating the parotid gland are mainly located in its major ducts, which can be easily avoided during radiotherapy. This technique could reduce complications and improve quality of life for head and neck cancer patients suffering from dry mouth syndrome.
A study from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center found that Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) is associated with a higher risk of later mastectomy, increased radiation-related toxicities and post-operative complications compared to traditional whole breast irradiation.
Researchers have identified a microRNA, miR-625-3p, that can accurately diagnose malignant pleural mesothelioma with an accuracy of 82.4%. Additionally, high-dose radiotherapy has shown promising response rates for patients with disease confined to one side of the chest.
A study published in JAMA found Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) to be more effective in reducing certain side effects and preventing cancer recurrence compared to conventional conformal radiation therapy (CRT). IMRT was also comparable to proton therapy, a newer technique.
A recent study compared the adverse effects of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), proton therapy, and conformal radiation therapy in treating localized prostate cancer. The results showed that IMRT was associated with fewer gastrointestinal adverse effects and hip fractures but more erectile dysfunction, while proton therapy...
A study by Dr. Andreas Engert and colleagues found that six cycles of BEACOPPescalated chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy are more effective in treating advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma with fewer treatment-related events. This approach also reduces toxicity compared to the standard eight-cycle regimen.
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 wide negative margins are associated with a lower risk of local recurrence in women with ductal carcinoma in situ treated with breast-conserving surgery. Researchers recommend considering radiotherapy as the top priority to complement targeting wider free margins.
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.
A new report by a national scientific committee reveals that gains in cancer survival have come at the cost of second malignancies and cardiovascular disease. The report calls for the development of better risk estimates and prediction models to prevent serious health problems among cancer survivors.
A team of researchers identified a beta-1 integrin signaling pathway crucial for HNSCC resistance to radiotherapy. Inhibiting this pathway sensitized cells to radiation and delayed tumor growth in mice.
Researchers developed a new radiotherapy technique that targets cancerous tissue while reducing irradiation of healthy tissue. This approach resulted in lower toxicity and higher completion rates among patients compared to traditional techniques.
A new study published in CANCER found that many older lung cancer patients receive radiation therapy without extending their lifespan. Researchers analyzed data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare registry to determine if additional radiation therapy after surgery improves survival rates.
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.
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 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 study by UC Davis researchers found that newer radiation therapy technology, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), improves patients' quality of life for those with advanced head and neck cancers. IMRT was associated with fewer long-term side effects, leading to better quality of life.
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.