Articles tagged with Radiation Therapy
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.
The SUPREMO trial will investigate the benefits of postoperative radiotherapy after mastectomy in women at intermediate risk of breast cancer recurrence. The study aims to identify a molecular signature that can refine selection for radiotherapy and explore its impact on quality of life.
Researchers compared WBRT plus SRS to SRS alone in patients with limited brain metastases. The study found that SRS alone was associated with increased brain tumor recurrence but not worsened neurologic function or increased risk of death. Frequent monitoring of brain tumor status is recommended for this treatment option.
A study of 8,724 elderly women found that radiation therapy reduced breast cancer recurrence and mastectomies. Patients aged 70-79 years in good health gained the most benefit from radiation therapy.
A recent study found that young men with localized prostate cancer can benefit from external beam radiation therapy, similar to older patients. The study showed no statistically significant differences in survival rates, disease progression, or signs of recurrence between three age groups: under 55, 60-69, and 70 and over.
A new study finds that using PET and CT scans together during radiation therapy planning reduces errors due to patient motion, allowing for more accurate targeting of cancer cells. This approach may lead to more effective treatment with lower side effects.
Researchers developed a chemotherapy gel that slowly releases doxorubicin to kill remaining cancer cells, eradicating tumors in mice. The treatment also reduces breast deformity by filling dimples and indentations after surgery.
Researchers found that donepezil significantly improved symptoms of short-term memory loss and mood changes in brain tumor patients who underwent radiation therapy. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, suggests that donepezil may be effective in reducing symptoms associated with brain tumors and their treatments.
A multicenter trial found sirolimus-eluting stents to be more effective than vascular brachytherapy (VBT) in treating restenosis within a stent. The study showed significant differences in major adverse cardiac events, target lesion revascularization rates, and target vessel failure rates.
A large population-based study found that older men with early prostate cancer who received radiation therapy or surgery lived significantly longer than those who were observed. The study, which examined over 48,000 men between 65 and 80 years old, demonstrated a survival advantage for treatment over observation.
A study of 2337 lung cancer patients with advanced disease found that nearly 1% survived for five years after receiving low-dose palliative radiation therapy, including 18 who achieved an apparent cure. Prognostic factors were not found to predict survival in these patients.
A meta-analysis of 36 clinical trials reveals that optimal radiation therapy significantly improves patient survival rates in breast cancer patients. The analysis found a 2.9% and 6.4% absolute increase in survival at 5 and 10 years, respectively.
A new study found that radiotherapy significantly reduces breast cancer mortality and local recurrence rates, particularly in women with lymph node involvement. Radiotherapy can improve long-term survival, especially for those with a history of breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy.
A study found that women's travel distance to a radiation facility significantly impacted the use of Breast-Conserving Surgery (BCSR). The odds of receiving BCSR fell by 50% for every 5-mile increase in distance. Socioeconomic factors, such as lack of insurance and ethnicity, also negatively affected BCSR usage.
Researchers found that women who underwent radiation therapy for anal and rectal cancer had nearly double the rate of fractures compared to those without radiation therapy. The study also found that most fractures (90%) were hip fractures, highlighting the need for preventive measures.
Researchers found a higher rate of pelvic fractures in women who received pelvic irradiation for cancer compared to those who did not. The study, which included 6,428 women aged 65 years and older, showed a significant increase in fracture risk for all three types of cancer diagnoses.
A new combination treatment for glioblastoma has been found to improve survival rates without negatively affecting patients' quality of life. The study, which involved 573 patients, found no significant differences in six out of seven health-related quality of life measures after three months.
ECCO 13 study investigates post-treatment parenthood success rates in Hodgkin's lymphoma patients, with radiotherapy and chemotherapy linked to higher pregnancy success. The research highlights the importance of preserving fertility in young cancer survivors.
A Dutch study found that higher doses of radiotherapy significantly improved patient outcome over a five-year period. An anti-androgen therapy trial suggested early treatment can benefit locally advanced disease, while immunotherapy trials are showing promising results for androgen-independent prostate cancer.
Patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer responded well to high doses of radiation administered through extracranial stereotactic body radiation therapy. The Phase I clinical trial treated 47 individuals with the procedure, which spared them from surgery and allowed for higher doses of radiation in a shorter period.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have found hormone therapy will not diminish the value of radiation for prostate cancer. Additionally, a leukemia drug shows modest benefits in suppressing PSA levels for some men with localized prostate cancer.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have successfully treated 72 patients with metastatic liver lesions using precision radiation therapy. The treatment resulted in a median survival time of 13 months, showing promise as an effective option for patients who previously had limited treatment options.
Researchers have found a dose-response relationship between IMRT volume and oral mucositis severity in head and neck cancer patients. Constricting IMRT dose can lessen toxic effects of treatment, reducing side effects for patients.
Combining chemotherapy with radiation therapy before surgery improves local tumor control and reduces cancer return rates. The study, published by the American Society for Radiation Oncology, suggests this treatment should be recommended for most rectal cancer patients.