Articles tagged with Radiation Therapy
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Research found that split-course palliative radiotherapy reduced patients' symptoms by 52-84% and provided long-lasting relief in 58% of cases. Cancer survival rates were not adversely affected by a two-week break in treatment, demonstrating the regimen's potential as an optimal option for symptom management.
Research published in Journal of Thoracic Oncology investigates the effectiveness of surgery as a standalone treatment for stage I small cell lung cancer. The study found three- and five-year survival rates of 58.1% and 50.3%, respectively, for patients who underwent lobectomies without radiotherapy.
A three-week course of accelerated hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation has been shown to be as safe and effective as the standard five-week regimen for women with early-stage breast cancer. The study, led by Dr. Tim Whelan, found that patients treated with this accelerated therapy had a low risk of side effects and recurrence of ...
A study published in The Lancet Oncology found that hypofractionated radiotherapy schedules do not increase adverse symptoms or worsen body image compared to the international standard treatment. Patients reported moderate or striking concerns about body image, but these did not differ between radiotherapy schedules.
The study analyzed data from 15 trials involving 3,452 women, finding that chemoradiotherapy improved survival rates compared to radiotherapy alone. This treatment also reduced the chance of cancer recurrence and spread.
A non-absorbed oral co-polymer therapy under development by Midway Pharmaceuticals demonstrates ability to protect against radiation damage and prevent lethal bacterial infections in animal models. The compound, PEG 15-20, may provide new way to prevent serious GI side effects of radiation in cancer patients.
A study of 3,754 women found that nearly 50% experience pain symptoms 2-3 years after breast cancer treatment, with young age and supplemental radiation therapy increasing the risk. The most common areas affected by pain are the axilla, arm, breast area, and side of the body.
Adding cetuximab to radiation therapy improves survival rates in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer, with benefits persisting for up to 5 years. Patients who develop a prominent rash after treatment show significantly improved overall survival compared to those without the rash.
A shortened, more intensive course of radiation therapy has been shown to be as effective as traditional treatments for early-stage breast cancers, with no significant side effects. This accelerated hypofractionated whole breast irradiation option is more time-efficient and cost-effective.
A new study by Henry Ford Hospital found that a patient's socioeconomic status has no effect on their outcome following curative radiation therapy for prostate cancer. The study analyzed data from 788 patients and found that all patients, regardless of race or income, had similar survival rates and biochemical control rates.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy is effective in controlling optic nerve sheath meningioma growth while preserving vision. The treatment resulted in a high rate of stabilized or improved visual acuity, with minimal late complications.
A new study found that a shorter, five-week course of hypofractionated radiation is as effective as standard radiation therapy in reducing prostate cancer recurrence. The treatment delivered higher doses of radiation in fewer sessions, resulting in no significant difference in cancer recurrence or side effects between the two groups.
A study presented at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) found that hypofractionated radiation treatment is more effective in stopping cancer from growing in high-risk prostate cancer patients compared to standard radiation therapy. The new treatment also had no increased risk of negative side effects, making it a valua...
A new study suggests that PET imaging before radiation therapy should not be used to determine areas that may benefit from higher doses of radiation. Researchers found that activity patterns in some patients changed completely after treatment, making it unreliable as a predictor.
A phase III study found that short-term hormone therapy given prior to and during intermediate dose radiation treatment significantly increases the chance of living longer (51 percent) compared to those who receive radiation alone. The benefit appeared to be greatest for men at medium-risk for disease failure.
Researchers found proton therapy to have excellent early tolerance with minimal urinary and rectal toxicity. The study showed a low rate of Grade 3 genitourinary and gastrointestinal side effects, with the most common being minor rectal bleeding.
A study by Fox Chase Cancer Center researchers found that radiation therapy alone can lead to undetectable PSA levels in patients with prostate cancer. Patients with low PSA scores had less chance of biochemical failure and a higher chance of being cured compared to those with detectable PSA levels.
A national clinical trial shows that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is effective in treating early-stage lung cancer in patients with unrelated medical comorbidities. The primary lung cancer did not recur 98 percent of the time, and more than half of patients were alive three years after diagnosis.
A study found that adding proton therapy 'boost' to X-ray radiation therapy significantly reduces prostate cancer recurrences in low- and intermediate-risk patients. The high-dose treatment also proves safe with minimal side effects, benefiting these patients with conventional doses of radiation.
A phase III study found that short-term hormone therapy added to radiation treatment significantly increases survival in medium-risk prostate cancer patients by 51% compared to those receiving radiation alone. In contrast, low-risk patients showed no significant benefit from this combination.
A recent study found that radiation therapy significantly improves regional recurrence control in melanoma patients who underwent lymphadenectomy. The treatment reduced the risk of cancer returning to the lymph nodes by 12 percentage points compared to observation.