Articles tagged with Radiation Therapy
A phase III trial found that combining radiotherapy with cetuximab improved disease-free survival in patients with HPV-negative head and neck cancer, but not overall survival. The treatment was also associated with higher rates of acute toxicity.
Researchers discovered that DNA repair determines how cancer cells die following radiotherapy, with specific pathways triggering cell death noticed by the immune system. Blocking these pathways can force cancer cells to die in a manner that alerts the immune system, leading to new potential treatments.
Researchers developed a new type of plastic scintillator that offers improved optical clarity, mechanical strength, and detection accuracy. This advancement has the potential to create next-generation radiation detectors that are safer, stronger, and more cost-effective.
A Phase III clinical trial found that stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) added to sorafenib improved progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly those with macrovascular invasion. The study also showed improvements in quality of life for these patients.
A phase 2 study conducted by Mayo Clinic found that 56% of participants were alive after 12 months, with a median overall survival of 13.1 months. The treatment, which combines short-course hypofractionated proton beam therapy with advanced imaging techniques, was more effective in patients over 65 with favorable tumor genetics.
Researchers combine a precision cancer drug with an antibody and radiation therapy to eliminate tumors without causing side effects. The approach uses the cancer drug as a molecular flag for cancerous cells, allowing immune cells to target them. This method has shown promise in eliminating lung cancer in mice with minimal side effects.
A new ASTRO survey finds that prior authorization delays lead to treatment interruptions, hospitalizations, and patient deaths. The problem is worsening, with patients experiencing longer treatment delays than during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Combining PVA with a boron-containing compound improved the effects of radiation therapy for cancer, making it more selective of tumor cells and prolonging drug retention. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatment options for challenging cancers.
A randomized phase 3 trial found that adding temozolomide to radiation therapy improves long-term survival for adult patients with low-grade gliomas. The 10-year survival rate was 70% with combined treatment, compared to 47% with radiation alone.
The updated ASTRO guideline recommends personalized treatment approaches for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, including non-surgical alternatives and intensified treatment regimens. The guideline aims to improve outcomes while preserving quality of life.
A phase II clinical trial showed that combining radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy can shrink tumors and allow surgery, resulting in significantly improved outcomes. The study found that patients who underwent surgery had a 82% reduction in risk of death at one year follow-up.
Patients receiving MRI-guided SBRT experienced significantly fewer urinary and bowel side effects compared to CT-guided treatment. MRI guidance also correlated with improved scores on specific quality-of-life measures, including bowel function and sexual health.
Researchers found that non-invasive stereotactic radiosurgery significantly improves tumor control and reduces symptoms such as tinnitus, cranial nerve deterioration, and vestibular dysfunction. Early treatment can prevent tumors from growing over time and spare patients from irreversible problems.
A new clinical trial found that the addition of immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab to standard treatment improved disease-free survival rates for patients with stage 3 soft tissue sarcoma. The study showed that pembrolizumab reduced recurrence or death for patients by 15 percentage points compared to standard treatment.
A comprehensive analysis of 52,000 men with prostate cancer treatment found substantial long-term risks of urinary and sexual complications. Men treated with radiotherapy faced a threefold risk of bladder cancer diagnosis, while those who underwent prostatectomy had a sixfold increased risk of complications.
Researchers have developed a 'mini-protein' that targets cancer cells expressing Nectin-4, allowing for direct delivery of radiation to tumours. The treatment shows promise in targeting multiple types of cancers and has the potential to be safe for repeated administrations.
Researchers at Osaka University demonstrated that ultra-short, high-dose proton irradiation increases cell survival rates even under normoxic conditions. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a cancer treatment method with fewer side effects.
Researchers have found that tumors with a short-lived response to hormone therapy had a mutation in the p53 gene, which can be targeted by CDK2 inhibitors. A new study also provides updated dosing guidelines for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to minimize complications in patients with spinal metastasis.
Children who survived childhood brain cancer are more likely to struggle academically, with a greater chance of being held back and performing poorly on state testing. The study's findings highlight the need for better support and resources to help these students succeed.
Researchers at Jefferson Lab's BRIC are assessing proton therapy's potential to replace radioisotope-based treatments, with a focus on reducing radiological risks. The study aims to bridge the gap between nuclear physics and medical professionals, exploring proton therapy's capabilities for cancer treatment.
A new study found that common breast cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, can increase expression of aging markers in breast cancer survivors. The study suggests that these treatments can have a more extensive impact on the body than previously thought, leading to accelerated biological aging.
Researchers identified AM-101 as a potential new way to enhance radiation therapy for patients with lung cancer that has spread to the brain. The drug's ability to activate GABA(A) receptors increases autophagy in lung cancer cells, making them more sensitive to radiation treatment.
A new study by Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers shows that daily MRI imaging paired with radiation can monitor tumor changes in real-time. The technology has the potential to signal early warning signs of tumor growth, allowing for faster and more targeted treatment adaptations.
The NRG Oncology trial found that atezolizumab given concurrently with chemoradiation did not improve overall survival for patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer. However, the study suggests that LS-SCLC patients benefit from immunotherapy when given after completion of chemoradiation.
A multi-center phase III trial found photon- and proton-based radiation therapies to be similarly safe and effective in treating low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Patients treated with either IMRT or proton therapy reported no significant differences in quality of life, tumor control, or progression-free survival.
A new trial suggests that adding immunotherapy to chemoradiation can extend survival in patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer. However, the findings also indicate that delivering the treatments at different times yields varying results, with concurrent treatment not offering improved survival benefits.
A new study found that hypofractionation does not increase complications for patients with breast cancer who undergo mastectomy and plan breast reconstruction. The trial enrolled 898 patients and showed that reducing treatment time by nearly half is safe and effective, saving patients time and money.
A randomized trial halted after patients in the control arm reached a record high two-year progression-free survival rate of 98%. Deintensified treatments involving lower radiation dose and immunotherapy did not perform as well as standard chemoradiation.
Natural Killer (NK) cell-based therapies have shown promise in preclinical and clinical studies for treating Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), offering a potential cure with minimal prior antigen sensitization. However, the dysfunction of NK cells in AML patients poses a significant challenge that must be overcome to unlock their full ther...
A survey found that spiritual beliefs and distrust of clinical research contribute to Black patients' hesitation to enroll in cancer trials. Despite trusting their medical teams, some patients express concerns about the purpose of research and its potential impact on their health and community.
A pooled analysis of three large, phase III clinical trials found that more than 40% of brain metastases patients can fully reverse cognitive losses with conformal radiation techniques. Recovery was more likely for those treated with highly targeted radiation compared to standard whole-brain treatment.
A phase II clinical trial found that radiopharmaceuticals, specifically 177Lu-Dotatate, can extend progression-free survival for patients with refractory meningioma by nearly 80% after six months. The therapy offers a safe and effective treatment option for those with aggressive tumor growth.
Leading researchers from Penn Medicine will showcase clinical trial results and new data on FLASH radiation therapy. The institution is one of the world’s leading academic medical centers, with a proud history of groundbreaking discoveries and innovations.
UCLA investigators presented data on chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer, MRI-guided radiotherapy for prostate cancer, and symptom self-reporting during treatment. Researchers developed a predictive model to identify patients most likely to respond to chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer.
Recent advances in radiation therapy have improved breast cancer outcomes with reduced side effects. Researchers at MD Anderson have demonstrated the benefits of hypofractionation in reducing lymphedema risk and improving treatment tolerance.
A new study has found that baseline testosterone, age, and duration of ADT are key predictors of testosterone recovery. The researchers developed a nomogram to estimate recovery times based on patient-specific characteristics, providing valuable insights for improving patient outcomes.
Researchers have discovered copper-based nanocapsules that can trigger cuproptosis in tumor cells, overcoming acquired radiation resistance and improving the effectiveness of radiotherapy. The nanocapsules also activate an abscopal effect, inducing immunogenic cell death and stimulating antitumor immunity.
Researchers integrated personalized daily adjustments into proton therapy, ensuring more precise treatment and reduced radiation exposure. The new workflow, developed by PSI researchers, involves low-dose CT scans before each irradiation and adapts the treatment plan to the patient's current anatomy.
Researchers have developed a novel platform for testing radiation therapy effects on brain cells, providing insights into how the brain reacts to cancer treatment. The study aims to improve treatment strategies by understanding the impact of radiation on neural circuits, ultimately leading to personalized care for patients.
A new study published in Annals of Oncology found that long-course radiotherapy is safer and more effective than short-course radiotherapy for preserving organs in rectal cancer patients. The treatment was shown to prevent regrowth of the primary tumour, but had similar overall survival rates.
A new study published in The BMJ found that shorter-course radiation therapy is safer and more convenient for breast cancer patients than conventional schedules. Moderate hypofractionation reduced the risk of acute radiation dermatitis by 46% compared to conventional fractionation, while also improving cosmesis and quality of life.
New vaccines are being explored as a promising approach to treating glioblastoma, a highly lethal brain cancer with limited treatment options. These vaccines have been generally well-tolerated and have shown promise in improving survival rates for GBM patients.
Researchers developed a novel compound to target prostate cancer using radioactive atom astatine-211, potentially overcoming issues with previous compounds like deastatination. The study found high accumulation in tumors and low accumulation in vital organs, highlighting the potential of this new compound for targeted alpha therapy.
A new treatment approach has been confirmed effective in a major study, showing that locally advanced rectal cancer patients can experience complete tumour disappearance without needing surgery. This method reduces the risk of recurrence and preserves normal bowel function, offering a promising alternative to traditional treatments.
A 30-year study suggests that radiotherapy can prevent breast cancer recurrence in the same location for up to 10 years after surgery, but survival rates remain similar. The study found fewer deaths from breast cancer among those who received radiotherapy compared to those who did not.
Researchers found that adding metastasis-directed radiation therapy to standard chemotherapy improved progression-free survival by 7.8 months in patients with oligometastatic pancreatic cancer. The approach also showed increased immune responses and longer survival times.
Researchers have developed novel X-ray-sensitizers that can efficiently generate singlet oxygen for targeted cancer therapy using low-dose X-rays. This breakthrough could lead to a more effective and patient-friendly alternative to current radiotherapy methods, potentially reducing the risk of adverse effects.
The study establishes criteria for identifying extranodal extension on imaging, allowing radiologists to make accurate calls and provide patients with less invasive treatments. This shift towards practice change has the potential to reduce side effects and improve outcomes for patients with HPV-associated head and neck cancers.
Researchers at the University of Plymouth have discovered that administering a HDAC6 inhibitor prior to radiotherapy can inhibit cellular growth and increase cell death in meningioma samples. This promising approach could lead to improved treatment outcomes for malignant meningioma patients.
Pre-clinical trials show that targeted alpha radiation therapy can increase survival rates by up to 36.4% and has minimal adverse effects for patients. Researchers hope this new approach could improve current average survival rates beyond 18 months.
Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have received a $1.8 million grant to advance personalized cancer therapy for prostate cancer patients. They aim to predict and prevent long-term side effects from radiation treatment, improving quality of life for men diagnosed with the disease.
A new liquid biopsy method analyzes gene fragments in the bloodstream to detect and track cancer, enabling oncologists to tailor treatment approaches to individual patients. This non-invasive test can help monitor treatment success, detect cancer recurrence, and improve patient quality of life.
Researchers explore the feasibility of deep learning models in segmenting lesions on PET/CT images to improve salvage radiation therapy planning for prostate cancer. The study demonstrates promising potential to reduce inter- and intra-observer variations, leading to more accurate treatment outcomes.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center found fewer side effects with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), with similar survival outcomes compared to 3D-CRT. The study validated heart exposure as an important radiation planning objective, revealing better five-year overall and progression-free survival rates for IMRT.
Researchers at Howard University have identified a new therapeutic strategy to combat prostate cancer by depleting amino acids. This depletion induces oxidative stress and DNA damage in cancer cells, making them more susceptible to treatment with DNA repair-targeted and immune checkpoint blockade therapies.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has published an updated clinical guideline for treating patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The guideline emphasizes the importance of tailored radiation strategies to maximize patient survival while minimizing side effects. It provides recommendations fo...
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the one-neutron stripping process in lithium-6 and bismuth-209 reactions. The study reveals that this process yields results comparable to fusion reactions, especially at energy regions near nuclear barriers.
Researchers at the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center discovered that pediatric DIPG tumors have a distinct metabolic pathway that allows them to evade treatment. By inhibiting this pathway, radiation therapy became effective in killing cancer cells.
A Phase III trial led by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found proton therapy to be non-inferior to traditional radiation therapy in treating head and neck cancer. The study revealed a significant reduction in malnutrition and feeding-tube dependency with proton therapy.
The NRG-RTOG 0848 clinical study found that adding chemoradiation to adjuvant systemic therapy improves overall survival for node-negative pancreatic cancer patients, but not for those with node-positive disease. Disease-free survival was also improved in both groups.