Articles tagged with Radiation Therapy
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 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.
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.
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.
The study found that combining hormone therapy and radiation significantly decreased the risk of death among high-risk prostate cancer patients. The addition of radiation did not increase long-term side effects.
A new study found higher progression-free survival rates for HPV-positive head and neck cancer patients treated with cetuximab and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Patients showed a 100% one-year progression-free survival rate compared to 31% for those without HPV.
Studies show that adding radiation to hormone therapy for prostate cancer increases survival chances, while aspirin use reduces risk of cancer death. Prostate cancer screening improves quality of life by catching the disease earlier, and radiation before surgery keeps colorectal cancer from returning.
Elizabeth A. Brunton, a registered nurse at Scripps Clinic, has been recognized with the 2010 ASTRO Nurse Excellence Award for her exceptional patient care and dedication to education. She developed patient education materials and created an orientation program to help patients understand radiation therapy.
A new study from UT MD Anderson Cancer Center estimates a tenfold shortage of radiation oncologists over the next decade, driven by growing demand for radiation therapy. The researchers propose stop-gap measures to address the gap, including team-care models and increased residency training programs.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) partners with Mama's Kitchen to promote cancer survivorship and raise awareness on nutritional support for cancer patients. The partnership aims to provide essential nutrients to those affected by cancer, highlighting the importance of community care and volunteerism.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has partnered with the Emilio Nares Foundation to promote cancer survivorship. The foundation offers life-enhancing services, emotional, and spiritual support to children and their families battling cancer.
Ex-RAD shows significant radioprotective benefit in mice exposed to lethal whole body irradiation, with oral administration producing a high survival rate. The study demonstrates the ability of Ex-RAD to provide radioprotective benefit by injection and oral delivery.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new mathematical model that can plan radiation doses and schedules for high-dose therapies more efficiently. The Generalized Linear-Quadratic Model covers all dose levels and schedules, enabling faster clinical trials and earlier availability of life-saving treatments.
A new study has demonstrated that combining a specific drug with radiotherapy significantly improves treatment outcomes for cervical cancer patients. The research found that the addition of cisplatin to radiotherapy reduces the likelihood of death by 23%, leading to improved survival rates.
Researchers aim to mitigate radiation-induced gastrointestinal syndrome using stem cell-based therapies. The new grant will support the development of bone marrow transplant techniques and identify chemical agents that accelerate repair and regeneration of irradiated stem cells.
A study at the American Association of Physicists in Medicine meeting found that intensity modulated arc therapy can effectively treat brain tumors while reducing damage to surrounding sensitive tissues, such as ears and parts of the brain. This technique uses continuous rotation of X-ray sources around a patient during treatment.
Research finds that radiation therapy to lymph nodes in the chest increases cardiac hospitalization risk among patients with pre-existing heart disease. Patients treated with chemotherapy alone have lower cardiac complication rates, highlighting the need for post-treatment monitoring and intervention.
Researchers have found that modulating the adrenal gland's production of glucocorticoid hormones can regulate the resetting of the internal body clock, providing a new potential therapy for jet lag. This discovery also has implications for those who suffer from rotating shift work and its associated health problems.
The TARGIT-A trial found that targeted intraoperative radiotherapy (TARGIT) is non-inferior to whole breast external beam radiotherapy in reducing local recurrences. Patients who underwent TARGIT had similar recurrence rates to those receiving conventional radiotherapy, with lower rates of radiotherapy toxicity.
Researchers found that acute neurological toxicity is associated with chronic toxicity and shorter overall survival in high-grade glioma patients. Patients experiencing acute toxicity had a median survival of 7.8 months, compared to 11.8 months for those without.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy significantly improves survival rates for patients with recurrent brain cancers, while minimizing side effects. The treatment provides longer survival without experiencing common chemotherapy and targeted therapy side effects.
A Phase I trial combining pemetrexed with radiation and chemotherapy for stage III non-small-cell lung cancer demonstrates tolerability and efficacy. The regimen allows high cytotoxic doses during radiotherapy, increasing the chance of killing cancerous cells.
Researchers have developed a system that uses real-time X-ray images to visualize tumors and minimize radiation damage to surrounding tissues. The tool allows for precise targeting of radiotherapy, increasing the dose of radiation administered to lung and liver cancers.
A new meta-analysis reports that hyperfractionated and accelerated radiotherapy regimens improve overall survival in non-small-cell lung cancer patients by 3% after 5 years. Modified fractionation of radiotherapy also shows benefits for small-cell lung cancer patients, although the difference is not statistically significant.
A new 4-dimensional software program helps doctors adjust for breathing movements when treating lung cancer with radiotherapy. This allows for more accurate targeting of tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
A study found that terminal cancer patients spend most of their remaining lifespan on radiotherapy, but only 26% experience palliation or pain reduction. The authors conclude that radiotherapy is not tailored to individual patient needs, leading to excessive and often uncompleted treatments.
A global study of nearly 10,000 women with early breast cancer found significant variations in treatment approaches across nine countries. Women with T1 tumours were more likely to receive breast-conserving surgery, while those with T2 tumours underwent mastectomies at varying rates.
A new accelerated radiotherapy regimen has been shown to improve disease-free survival and locoregional control without increasing late radiation side-effects in patients with head and neck cancer. The six-fraction per week schedule reduces treatment time while maintaining effective tumour control.
A new oral anti-cancer drug, vorinostat, is safe to combine with short-term palliative radiotherapy in patients with advanced pelvic cancer. The therapy may enhance the effect of radiotherapy and could become a component of long-term curative treatment. Patients showed tumor response and reduced side effects when treated with vorinostat.
Researchers at UC Davis Cancer Center found that African-American women with advanced breast cancer have poorer survival rates than white and Hispanic counterparts, regardless of radiation therapy. Despite lower radiation therapy rates, black patients did not benefit from the treatment.
A multi-centre study found that specific lymph node radiotherapy is well-tolerated in early breast cancer patients after mastectomy or breast conserving surgery. The treatment showed no increased toxicity to the heart at three years follow-up, and estimated overall survival rates of 79%.
New research from Karolinska Institutet found that radiotherapy can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life due to sustained inflammation in arteries. The study suggests that post-radiotherapy changes in gene expression may be the cause of this increased risk, which can appear years after treatment.
A phase II study found that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) effectively eliminated targeted tumors in patients with early-stage inoperable non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment resulted in a 97.6% primary tumor control rate at 3 years, outperforming conventional radiotherapy.
A clinical trial has shown that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) can eliminate primary tumors in nearly 98% of lung cancer patients. The treatment is fast, convenient and effective, with more than half of patients alive three years after diagnosis.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) shows high rates of primary tumor control and improved survival for patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer. The study's findings suggest that SBRT provides more than double the rate of primary tumor control compared to conventional radiotherapy.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has awarded travel grants to 17 radiation oncology professionals to attend Advocacy Day. The grants aim to support the financial constraints faced by residents and nurses in advocating for their patients' interests.
A new study published in the Lancet finds that apixaban is more effective and convenient than enoxaparin in preventing thromboembolism after knee replacement surgery. The anticoagulant also poses less risk of bleeding, a concern with current treatments. This could lead to better patient outcomes and quality of life.
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.
Proton beam radiation therapy has been shown to provide encouraging results for patients with locally advanced sinonasal malignancies, with high local control rates at five and eight years after treatment. The study found no significant difference in local control rates based on histological subtype, T stage, or prior surgery.
A new study found that testosterone deficiency after chemotherapy or radiation therapy affects male cancer survivors' quality of life and energy levels. Young male cancer survivors with low testosterone may benefit from replacement therapy.