Articles tagged with Radiation Therapy
A large European study found that an extra high-dose radiation boost after breast-conserving surgery significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence in young women. The study also showed that women of all ages benefited from the boost dose, but younger women were most likely to be free of cancer 10 years after treatment.
A large retrospective study found that radiation seed implants (brachytherapy) are equally effective in curing localized prostate cancer in men aged 60 and younger. The study results suggest that younger men should be presented with all viable treatment options, including brachytherapy, regardless of age.
A recent study found that African-American women with early-stage breast cancer are more likely to experience cancer recurrence 10 years after diagnosis compared to Caucasian counterparts. The research also revealed that younger African-American women tend to have larger tumors and more aggressive tumors than their Caucasian peers, hig...
Researchers found that women with early-stage breast cancer who received intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) had significantly fewer cases of serious dermatitis compared to those receiving conventional radiation. The study also showed that patients treated with IMRT experienced a shorter duration of dermatitis.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University found that positioning pelvic cancer patients on their stomachs rather than their backs improves the delivery of radiation therapy, reducing toxicity and improving precision. This method allows for more accurate targeting of tumors while sparing healthy tissues.
A study found that nearly a quarter of cancer patients receiving radiation therapy are not getting vaccinated against flu and pneumonia, posing a significant risk to their health. Oncologists can play a key role in informing patients about recommended vaccines during regular interactions.
A new integrated approach to intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) has been shown to provide high-quality care for head and neck cancer patients in community centers. The study found no significant differences in treatment outcomes or survival rates between academic and community centers.
Researchers found that PET scans at 3 months post-treatment can evaluate tumor response earlier and more accurately than current methods. Stereotactic body radiotherapy may be as effective as surgery in treating small tumors, but early detection is crucial to prevent treatment delays.
Gene therapy administered intravenously protected healthy tissues in mice during whole-body irradiation, with 90% survival rate at 30 days. The therapy offered no harm to systemic function and could potentially provide wide-reaching public protection in radiation emergencies.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have found that highly targeted radiation therapy can prevent long-term rectal damage in prostate cancer patients. The combination of intensity-modulated radiation and seed marker-based image-guided radiation therapies resulted in nearly 98% of participants having no rectal damage.
OHSU researchers found that combining surgery and radiation therapy increases early survival rates in patients with locoregional extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. The study analyzed 2,591 cases of bile duct cancer diagnosed between 1973 and 1998.
Stefanie LaRue, a 30-year-old LA resident, was diagnosed with Stage-4 Advanced/Metastatic Breast Cancer in 2005. She has since devoted her time to educating men and women about diagnosing breast cancer and preventing misdiagnoses in young women under 40.
A study published in Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that androgen deprivation therapy used to treat localized prostate cancer increases the risk of death from heart disease. The therapy can lead to metabolic syndrome, which raises the risk of type II diabetes or coronary artery disease.
A Swiss study suggests that surgery is the most effective treatment option for long-term prostate cancer survival, particularly among younger patients and those with poorly differentiated tumors. The study found higher 10-year survival rates for men who underwent prostatectomy compared to radiotherapy or watchful waiting.
Men with Gleason score 7 and tertiary grade 5 disease have a shorter time to PSA failure than those with Gleason score 8-10. This finding may affect management of care for men with prostate cancer.
A study of 215 cancer patients found that acupuncture did not reduce nausea caused by radiotherapy, but patients believed it helped. The treatment had no statistically significant effect on nausea duration or intensity.
A randomized trial found that vaginal brachytherapy significantly improves quality of life for women with endometrial cancer, reducing bowel symptoms and fatigue. Quality of life scores were higher in the brachytherapy group after six months, but did not differ at initial surgery.
A recent study published in The Lancet Oncology found that children with intracranial ependymoma can avoid the damaging effects of radiotherapy by receiving chemotherapy treatment instead. In a study of 89 children, 42% avoided radiotherapy and had better overall survival rates.
The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology has recognized 40 distinguished members as its 2007 ASTRO Fellows. The nominees have made significant contributions to the field of radiation oncology through research, patient care, education, or leadership.
A new study reveals that patients with localized prostate cancer are more likely to receive surgery if they see a urologist, while those who see a radiation oncologist and urologist tend to receive radiation therapy. The study suggests that men should seek a balanced perspective on treatment options from specialists.
Researchers found that high dose radiotherapy (74 Gy) improved cancer control and reduced the need for additional hormone treatment compared to standard radiotherapy (64 Gy). The new conformal radiotherapy method minimized bowel side effects.
Yixin Chen, an assistant professor at Washington University in St. Louis, has been awarded the prestigious Microsoft New Faculty Fellowship for his groundbreaking work on nonlinear optimization. The fellowship provides $200,000 in cash and resources to support his research, which aims to apply computational methods to medical operation...
Researchers have identified two genes associated with a poor response to radiotherapy in breast cancer treatment. The test could help warn patients of an increased risk and offer alternative treatments.
Researchers at the University of Alberta found that advanced cancer patients experience unique and persistent taste and smell abnormalities, leading to malnutrition and poor quality of life. A personalized diet tailored to an individual's needs may improve their quality of life.
Women treated with radiation for breast cancer between 1970 and 1986 have an increased risk of heart attack, angina, and congestive heart failure compared to the general female population. The study also found that smoking had a significant effect on heart disease risk in irradiated patients.
A new computer-based technique has the potential to automatically determine acceptable radiation plans in a matter of minutes, reducing the need for hours of manual tuning. The algorithm was tested on 10 prostate cancer patients and found to be effective in determining clinically acceptable treatment plans.
Researchers found that radiation therapy significantly reduced breast cancer recurrence and tumor development in older women with early-stage disease. The study, published in CANCER journal, recommends standard therapy for women of all ages and comorbidities, including mastectomy or breast conserving surgery with radiation.
A new study found that adding Cetuximab to radiation therapy does not increase the rate or duration of mucositis or dysphagia in head and neck cancer patients. The median follow-up time was 54 months, with fewer than 10% experiencing prolonged toxicities.
A new study published in CANCER journal reveals that patients with pancreatic cancer are more likely to receive radiotherapy if the treating hospital has it available, while rectal cancer patients have equal access regardless of hospital radiation capacity. The findings suggest adjuvant radiotherapy for pancreatic cancer may be over-ut...
A cost-utility analysis found that long-course palliative radiotherapy improved survival and quality of life in late-stage non-small-cell lung cancer patients. The study showed a $5,326 difference in lifetime societal costs between the two treatment regimens.
Acromegaly, a condition caused by pituitary gland disorders, has seen improvements in diagnosis and treatment due to advances in medical technology and medication. Effective control of the disorder is now possible for many patients, reducing negative implications such as tissue damage and hormone imbalance.
A study of SEER-Medicare records found that surgery or radiation therapy for early-stage prostate cancer increased lifespan in men between 65 and 80 years old. Treatment was associated with a 30% lower risk of death compared to observation, even for elderly men with low-risk disease.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that proton beam radiation therapy achieved better tumor control for advanced adenoid cystic carcinoma of the cranial base compared to traditional radiation therapy. The study reported a 9% local recurrence rate, while traditional radiation resulted in over 70% local recurrence.
A study found that adding radiation therapy after prostate gland removal reduced PSA relapse and disease recurrence risk by 50% and 38%, respectively. However, it did not improve overall survival or metastasis-free survival.
A study published in the Society of Integrative Oncology's Third International Conference found that antioxidant therapies do not hinder the effectiveness of radiation therapy for prostate cancer. The study, conducted by Cancer Treatment Centers of America, reviewed PSA levels of prostate cancer patients after receiving radiation thera...
A large study of over 7,500 men with prostate cancer treated with radiation therapy found that temporary PSA bounces do not increase the risk of cancer recurrence. Researchers believe this reduces stress and uncertainty for patients experiencing a PSA bounce after radiation.
A new study suggests that a rapidly rising PSA level before treatment is a key indicator of cancer spread in men with clinically localized prostate cancer. The study found that men with a high PSA velocity (PSAV) are at greater risk of metastatic disease and should receive hormone therapy in addition to radiation.
A new study found that a shortened radiation course for early-stage breast cancer is safe and effective, reducing treatment time by up to two weeks while maintaining similar side effects. Women reported mild pain and high satisfaction with cosmetic results.
Researchers found a correlation between high COX-2 intensity scores and increased risk of biochemical failure and distant metastasis. The study suggests that inhibiting COX-2 expression may make prostate cancer more responsive to radiation therapy.
A study evaluating extended-field intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for cervical cancer found that it resulted in significantly reduced side effects and comparable outcomes to standard radiotherapy. The treatment enabled patients to receive full therapeutic doses with less debilitating side effects.
A University of Pittsburgh study demonstrates that intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) can be uniformly delivered in a large health care system through centralized planning and treatment. This approach enables patients to receive consistent quality of care despite geographic distances.
A new cost-benefit analysis suggests that the most expensive combination cancer treatment may actually be the most cost-effective in the long run. The study found that patients who received induction chemotherapy and radiation therapy had better outcomes and saved money on treating complications and recurrences.
A study found that intravenous gene therapy protects normal tissue during whole-body radiation, leading to higher survival rates in mice. The therapy, administered before exposure, appeared to prevent the damaging effects of radiation, suggesting it is a viable delivery method for public protection in nuclear emergencies.
Researchers developed a formula that takes into account various risk factors, including age, cancer size and grade, and treatment options. The new computer tool helps doctors evaluate the potential benefit of additional radiation therapy for patients with early stage breast cancer.
A study found that women with disabilities are less likely to receive standard breast-conserving surgery and radiation therapy after diagnosis. Despite this, they have a 29% higher risk of dying from breast cancer, indicating the need for more accessible and equitable treatment options.
A new radiation technique called intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) significantly reduces painful skin burns in women with breast cancer. IMRT controls the intensity of each beam to spare nearby healthy tissue, minimizing radiation exposure and side effects.
The study found that men with aggressive locally advanced prostate cancer who received additional hormones lived longer, with a 31.9% increase in survival compared to those without further hormone therapy. The benefits also extended to men with less aggressive cancers, with improved disease-free and disease-specific survival rates.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital use MRI to track muscle damage from radiation therapy in children with soft tissue cancer. The study reveals that changes in muscle images can predict the amount of long-term damage that radiation may cause, enabling clinicians to design better treatment plans.
Researchers found that higher doses of 74-82 Gray radiation significantly reduce the risk of prostate cancer spreading to other parts of the body, even 8-10 years after treatment. Treatment centers using IMRT or 3D conformal radiation therapy with high doses can prevent cancer spread.
A retrospective study found that three-dimensional treatment planning reduced feeding tube dependency in 62% of patients. Higher T stages and two-dimensional treatment planning were independent predictors of feeding tube dependency.
A study found that patients base their treatment choice on cultural and personal prejudices, with false beliefs about radiation's impact being a major concern. Patients were also anxious about the terminology used in radiation therapy, evoking feelings more related to war than a cure.
New research reveals men treated with IMRT experience fewer long-term gastrointestinal side effects, despite higher radiation doses. The study found no significant difference in genitourinary side effects between the two treatments.
A study found that longer-term hormone therapy does not extend survival for high-risk prostate cancer patients. Instead, it may lead to a lesser degree of treatment side effects and improved quality of life.
Rita Davis-Goldsberry, a breast cancer survivor, received the Survivor Circle Award for her advocacy work with uninsured patients. Barbara Knight-Meyers, Ph.D., was recognized as a Distinguished Honoree for her volunteer work at Insight Seminars. Both women have given back to their community after receiving treatment for cancer.
A study by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center found that high-dose intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) achieved a 89% disease-free rate for patients with prostate cancer after an average of 8 years. The treatment also showed improved quality of life by reducing side effects and maintaining urinary continence.
Researchers found a daily dose of 150mg bicalutamide reduced disease progression risk by 44% and overall death risk by 35% compared to radiotherapy alone. This non-castration-based therapy shows similar survival rates, potentially improving quality of life for patients unwilling to undergo castration.
Studies found that trastuzumab treatment can cause impaired heart function in 28% of women with advanced breast cancer, which may be reversible. Additionally, radiation therapy to the left side of the chest increases the risk of heart disease and coronary artery disease.
A study published by the American Physiological Society found that a single therapeutic dose of radiation can cause up to 39% spongy bone loss in mice, reducing their weight-bearing connections by 64%. This has significant implications for astronauts on long space missions and patients receiving radiation therapy.
A new study published in The Lancet Oncology reveals that boost radiotherapy is an effective strategy to prevent cancer recurrence in young women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Researchers found that the most effective approach was radiotherapy with a boost, which significantly reduced the risk of cancer return.
A new study reveals that post-operative radiation therapy improves overall survival in select lung cancer patients whose disease has spread to regional lymph nodes. This is the first significant increase in survival rate since previous studies used outdated equipment.