Articles tagged with Radiation Therapy
A phase II trial involving 45 patients found that an alternating regimen of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, plus cetuximab, yields favorable complete response rates and long-term results comparable to the best reported in literature. However, skin toxicity and toxicities resulting in patient deaths were also observed.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center found that targeted radiation therapy can eradicate all signs of disease in up to 21% of patients with stage-IV cancer who have only a few sites of metastasis. The treatment was well-tolerated, with limited side effects, and showed promising results in controlling tumor growth.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has named 30 individuals as its 2008 Fellows, honoring their significant contributions to radiation oncology. The recipients have demonstrated excellence in research, patient care, education, and leadership, making them outstanding professionals in the field.
Medical physicists are developing new imaging technologies to improve breast cancer detection and treatment. Researchers have also identified ways to predict treatment success using oxygen levels within tumors, and are exploring innovative techniques such as modulated electron therapy for shallow tumor treatment.
A study showed that Caphosol use led to lower OM rates and severity, as well as low pain medication use and high patient satisfaction among cancer patients. High efficacy ratings were also reported by physicians.
A study found that radiation treatment after radical prostatectomy was associated with a significant increase in prostate cancer-specific and overall survival. Men with rapid PSA doubling time or high Gleason score benefited from early salvage radiotherapy, which improved survival by over 75%.
A study of 635 men found that radiation therapy significantly prolongs survival in those with recurrent prostate cancer, particularly those with rapidly growing tumors. This breakthrough suggests that radiation can be a life-extending treatment option for these patients.
A study found that specialist nurse-led clinics provided longer, more frequent consultations and better symptom management for cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Patients reported improved social eating, social contact, and reduced oral and nutritional problems. The study suggests that clinical nurse specialists can effectively m...
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has selected Christopher Rose, M.D., and Joel Tepper, M.D., as the recipients of the 2008 Gold Medal. The award recognizes their outstanding contributions to radiation oncology and leadership in the field.
A study found that Black and Hispanic women are less likely than white women to receive follow-up radiation for early breast cancer, suggesting thousands may be undertreated. The disparity is attributed to various barriers, including logistical problems, insurance status, and patient preferences.
Researchers reviewing randomized trials found that antioxidant supplementation may reduce overall survival in patients receiving radiotherapy. Conversely, no clear evidence suggests that antioxidant treatment increases tumor response rates during chemotherapy.
A new study published in Radiology found that MRI detection of extracapsular extension is an important factor in determining outcome for men scheduled to undergo radiation therapy. Patients with substantial extracapsular spread are more likely to experience recurrence and spread of their cancers.
A study found that 46% of patients received a maximum dose above 10% beyond the prescribed level, while 63% got a minimum dose below 10%, highlighting the need for standardization in intensity-modulated radiation therapy.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital are conducting a phase III clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of gene therapy in combination with radiation therapy for patients with intermediate risk prostate cancer. The trial aims to improve patient outcomes by delaying hormone therapy, which can have severe side effects.
Researchers found that a short course of hormonal therapy before and with radiation therapy slowed cancer growth by up to eight years, particularly the development of bone metastases. This delayed cancer progression increased survival rates among older men with potentially aggressive prostate cancer.
The study analyzed data from a national cancer registry and found that type of treatment, sex, race, and insurance status are significantly associated with survival rates among patients with advanced laryngeal cancer. Total laryngectomy was found to be the most effective treatment in increasing survival likelihood.
The overuse of CT scans in the US may result in a future public health problem, with an estimated 1.5-2% of cancers potentially caused by radiation from CT scans. Columbia researchers suggest reducing CT-related radiation dose, replacing scans with non-radiation options, and decreasing total scans to prevent unnecessary irradiation.
Researchers found that simultaneous treatment resulted in a five-year survival rate of 15.1 percent, compared to 10.6 percent with sequential therapy. The study's findings suggest that concurrent chemotherapy and radiation is the new standard of care for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine have identified an enzyme called MOF that is essential for tumor development and growth. By manipulating MOF in tumor cells, researchers hope to make them more sensitive to radiation therapy, which could lead to improved cancer treatment outcomes.
A study of over 11,000 men found that those receiving radiation seed implants had a significant reduction in mortality risk compared to those on watchful waiting/active surveillance within six months of diagnosis. Brachytherapy was shown to be as effective as radical prostatectomy and surgery in extending life expectancy.
A large-scale analysis of over 2,000 patients reveals that men with high-risk prostate cancer who receive radiation therapy after a prostatectomy are less likely to experience disease recurrence. Additionally, men whose cancer persists after surgery benefit from reduced cancer spread if they receive salvage therapy.
Researchers found that patients with glioblastoma multiforme treated with radiation and chemotherapy drug temozolomide can live up to four years after diagnosis, compared to three percent of those who received only radiation. The treatment has become the standard for GBM patients worldwide.
A study found that a pharmaceutical monoclonal antibody can prevent pulmonary fibrosis, a serious side effect of radiation therapy for advanced lung cancer. This breakthrough may lead to more effective radiation therapies and extend patients' lives.
A retrospective study found that patients taking statin drugs alongside high-dose radiation therapy had a 10% higher chance of being cured of prostate cancer at 10 years after diagnosis. The study also showed reduced rates of cancer spreading to distant parts of the body in men who took statins during radiation treatment.
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.