Articles tagged with Radiation Therapy
The NRG-RTOG 0815 trial found that adding androgen suppression to dose-escalated radiotherapy did not improve overall survival, but reduced rates of biochemical failure and distant metastases. Future studies are needed to identify subsets of patients who may benefit from this intervention.
A new analysis of US national data finds that external-beam radiation therapy is a proven treatment option for patients with unresectable liver cancer but is rarely prescribed, with only 3.6% of patients receiving it. The study suggests that institutional and regional practice patterns play a key role in driving treatment decisions.
A recent clinical trial found that a shortened course of radiation therapy after prostate removal surgery does not increase long-term side effects or lower quality of life compared to conventional treatment. Patients who underwent hypofractionated, post-operative radiation therapy experienced comparable genitourinary and gastrointestin...
A Phase III clinical trial found no significant increase in genitourinary or gastrointestinal toxicity with hypofractionated post-operative prostate bed radiotherapy compared to conventional radiotherapy. However, dose-escalated radiation therapy was not shown to be superior to conventional RT.
Scientists at Osaka University developed a novel system for targeted cancer radiation therapy using gold nanoparticles labeled with astatine-211. The nanoparticles are highly toxic to cancer cells while remaining localized, minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute use computer modeling to study the relationship between tumor-immune environment and radiation response. They discover that tumor cells will either escape immune predation or be eradicated based on the numbers of immune effector and suppressor cells present. The model hel...
Researchers identified a pattern that links the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) proteins with a reduction of serotonin, which may help predict who will develop late-life depression. The study found that individuals expressing this pattern had more severe depressive symptoms.
Researchers have developed a new cancer photodrug that can treat deep-seated tumors more effectively and with reduced toxicity. Copper cysteamine photosensitizers allow the production of reactive oxygen species to kill cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy cells.
Researchers found that radiation therapy triggers heart muscle cells to express different genes and increase sodium ion channels, reducing arrhythmias. The treatment also continued to show benefits for at least two years in surviving patients.
A new study finds that left-sided breast cancer radiation therapy increases the risk of coronary artery disease in younger survivors, with a significant increase in risk seen at 10.5% for those who received left-sided radiation therapy compared to 5.8% for right-sided.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 observational studies found that radiation-induced cancer risks from radioactive iodine therapy are small. Higher dose levels may detectable in observational studies, but overall risk remains low.
A Dartmouth research team has been selected to present their abstract on a new advancement in Cherenkov imaging at the ASTRO Annual Meeting. The work, which involves designing a color-sensitive camera to image Cherenkov emission from patients, allows for more accurate quantification of radiation delivery and safe treatment.
Researchers from Cleveland Clinic have published results showing that Temporally Feathered Radiation Therapy (TFRT) is a safe and feasible approach to reduce toxicity in radiation treatment. The technique optimizes radiation delivery time to improve normal tissue recovery, potentially improving patient quality of life.
Researchers at McGill University identified proteins that drive cancer stem cells in brain tumours. Targeting the protein galectin1 may provide a more effective treatment for glioblastoma when combined with radiation therapy. The study found significant improvement in tumour response to radiation therapy, resulting in expanded lifespan.
A study by the Center for Cell-Based Therapy in São Paulo, Brazil, has discovered a set of biomarkers that can be used to predict which patients with glioblastoma may have tumors resistant to radiation therapy. The genetic signature helps doctors choose the best treatment option for these patients.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London confirmed HER2's role in predicting DCIS recurrence and response to adjuvant radiotherapy. HER2 overexpression is associated with a significantly increased risk of in situ recurrence.
Researchers found changes in erythrocyte morphology and nanoparticles on cell surfaces during radiation therapy, which may indicate treatment effectiveness or prognosis. The study suggests that analyzing these changes could lead to the development of a diagnostic method for assessing RT efficacy.
A new clinical guideline from ASTRO provides guidance on the use of radiation therapy to treat adult patients with soft tissue sarcoma, recommending optimal radiation dosing and techniques. The guideline also addresses the role of radiation therapy for retroperitoneal sarcomas.
A WVU researcher led a task group to develop guidelines for reducing data transfer errors in radiation therapy. The measures aim to safeguard against medical errors in treatments that over half of all cancer patients receive.
Men with high-risk prostate cancer benefit from multimodality care, which includes hormone therapy and radiation. The study found significant differences in deaths when guideline-concordant multimodality care was not delivered.
A study by Princess Margaret researchers found that AI-generated radiation treatments were deemed clinically acceptable for patients in most cases, with 89% of ML-treatments preferred over human-generated ones. However, physician preferences changed when actual treatment was at stake, reducing the use of ML-generated treatments to 61%....
Researchers at University College London have pioneered a single-dose radiotherapy approach for breast cancer treatment that is as effective as traditional radiotherapy and avoids potential damage to nearby organs. The treatment, TARGIT-IORT, has been shown to reduce the risk of fatal cardiovascular disease and other cancers in patients.
Researchers found radiotherapy induces consistent genomic damage through DNA deletions, which can lead to poor outcomes. Targeting error-prone DNA repair mechanisms may enhance radiotherapy efficacy.
A new study led by UT Southwestern scientists shows that an experimental drug, avasopasem manganese (AVA), enhances radiation's capacity to kill tumors while protecting healthy tissue from collateral damage. The findings could provide a much-needed boost to radiation treatments used against various tumor types.
A small molecule drug enhances the killing effect of radiotherapy by selectively generating hydrogen peroxide in cancer cells, which are more susceptible to its toxic effects. The study demonstrates synergistic effects in mouse models of lung and pancreatic cancer.
A study at Karolinska Institutet found that low PDGFRb protein levels are associated with better radiotherapy results in women with early-stage DCIS. Combining PDGFRb blocking drugs may improve treatment efficacy.
The review highlights focused, high-dose radiation's potential to destroy small tumors with minimal impact on surrounding normal tissue. Researchers aim to tailor radiotherapy to optimize benefits and minimize risks through advanced techniques like stereotactic body radiation therapy and radiosurgery.
A phase 1 clinical trial found that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is safe for treating patients with multiple metastases. The treatment used precisely targeted beams of high doses of radiation to destroy tumors, reducing damage to noncancerous tissue.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed personalized, 3D-printed shields to shield patients undergoing radiation therapy. The device can reduce tissue injury by up to 15% in the gastrointestinal tract for prostate cancer patients, and by up to 30% in the mouth for head and neck cancer patients.
A comparative effectiveness study investigates COVID-19's association with radiation therapy benefits and risks in simulated patients. The study found that standard radiation therapy may increase mortality risk among COVID-19 patients.
Researchers at UPMC demonstrated that allogeneic adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) can mitigate acute radiation syndrome, a condition known as total body irradiation. ASCs were found to improve survival rates and repair damage to the hematopoietic system in mice exposed to high levels of radiation.
Researchers investigated the use of lithium chloride to promote restoration of oral mucosa integrity and taste function after radiation. The study found that LiCl alleviated weight loss and tongue ulceration while promoting epithelial cell proliferation and inhibiting transition in tongue mucosa.
Cancers resistant to radiotherapy may be rendered susceptible through immunotherapy treatment, according to a new study. The research found that profiling the immune landscape of cancers before therapy can identify patients who are likely to respond well or poorly to radiotherapy.
A University of Chicago study has identified multiple targets to improve cancer therapy outcomes. By depleting Ter cells and blocking artemin signaling, researchers found enhanced control of tumor burden in mice.
Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center identified a new approach combining an anti-psychotic drug, a statin and radiation to improve overall survival in mice with glioblastoma. The triple combination extended median survival 4-fold compared to radiation alone, providing hope for improved treatment options.
The BeamSite Cherenkov imaging camera system captures real-time images of the beam directly on the patient, allowing radiation oncologists to verify accuracy of dose and beam delivery. This technology has improved treatment quality, precision, and patient safety during radiation therapy.
A combination of reduced-dose radiotherapy using IMRT combined with concurrent cisplatin met the threshold for disease control and quality of life in good-risk patients with HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. This approach yields improved outcomes compared to standard treatment, with lower rates of acute toxicities.
The NRG Oncology trial shows improved in-field tumor control with adaptive radiotherapy, increasing local-regional tumor control by 11% and primary tumor control by 17%. The study's results suggest individualizing radiotherapy dose prescriptions according to patient's intrinsic sensitivity for better survival outcomes.
Researchers found that two families of gut bacteria interfere with radiotherapy in mice, reducing the effectiveness of treatment. The study identified a short-chain fatty acid called butyrate as the key compound responsible for this effect, which interferes with the activation of cytotoxic T cells and dendritic cells.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw a decrease in radiotherapy treatment courses, particularly among older patients. The new study reveals that the English NHS adapted its services quickly to protect patients, with some types of cancer seeing increased use of radiotherapy.
Dartmouth researchers have developed a method to convert standard linear accelerators to deliver ultra-high-dose rate radiation therapy beams, known as FLASH. The beams have been shown to protect normal tissues from excess damage while maintaining the same treatment effect on tumor tissues.
A new study found that physicians did not recognize significant symptoms in over half of breast cancer patients who reported pain, itchy skin, swelling, or fatigue during radiation therapy. The under-recognition was more common among younger patients and those from Black backgrounds, suggesting the need for better symptom detection met...
For older patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, omitting postoperative radiation therapy did not compromise survival or increase risk of distant metastasis. Local recurrence rates were higher in those who didn't receive radiation therapy.
Researchers developed biodegradable esophageal stents using 3D printing to treat radiation esophagitis, promoting tissue regeneration and mitigating inflammatory reactions. This breakthrough could improve patient outcomes and quality of life for those suffering from this condition.
Researchers found a significant impact on mortality if cancer treatment is delayed, whether it's surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. A four-week delay in treatment was associated with an increased risk of death across all common forms of cancer treatment.
Scientists discovered that radioresistant cancer cells' invasiveness increases following radiotherapy, thanks to upregulated lysosome trafficking. The Arl8b molecule plays a key role in this process, while the BORC complex is required for its interaction with lysosomes.
A new study examined recent data on African American patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer and found that while Black patients are now more likely to receive effective treatments, disparities persist. The use of surgery remained a significant disparity across racial groups, despite increasing utilization over time.
The study found that patients with a radio-sensitive genotype have better survival with standard radiation therapy, while those with the resistant genotype fare better with high dose radiotherapy. High dose radiotherapy is associated with shorter survival times among patients with the sensitive genotype.
A survey of nearly 400 cancer survivors found that 87% experienced sexual side effects, but most were not formally asked by their oncologist. Female patients were particularly unlikely to be discussed with. Researchers recommend using a standard questionnaire to initiate conversations and improve patient experience.
The number of radiation therapy facilities in the US has grown by 17% over 15 years, with a disproportionate increase in urban areas. Despite this growth, 4.5% of the population lives more than 50 miles from a treatment center, highlighting access disparities.
Researchers at UCI and CHUV/UNIL have developed a new cancer treatment that uses ultra-high dose rate radiation therapy to eliminate brain tumors without causing significant side effects. This breakthrough technique, known as FLASH-RT, has shown promising results in mice and has the potential to be used for a range of cancer types.
A randomized phase III trial found that stereotactic radiosurgery reduces cognitive decline without compromising survival for patients with four or more brain metastases. Patients who received SRS had better preserved cognitive function compared to those who received whole-brain radiation therapy.
A randomized phase II/III trial found that SBRT reduced pain in patients with spinal metastases by 35% after three months, compared to 14% for conventional radiation. Patients treated with SBRT also experienced higher satisfaction rates related to financial considerations.
A randomized phase III trial found that image-guided intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) improves long-term toxicity-free survival and reduces gastrointestinal side effects in women with cervical cancer. The study showed a significant reduction in moderate-to-severe gastrointestinal side effects compared to 3D-CRT, with improv...
A new study found that adding advanced PET scans to radiation plans for prostate cancer increases disease-free survival rates. After three years, 75.5% of patients treated with the additional imaging were still cancer-free, compared to 63% in the control group.
A phase II trial shows similar safety and efficacy with single- and multiple-fraction treatment for patients with limited oligometastases. The study found comparable survival rates, local control rates, and disease-free survival rates between the two treatment groups.
A new Penn study found administering radiation therapy to multiple myeloma patients waiting for CAR T cells to be manufactured was safe and did not interfere with cellular therapy. Patients who received radiation 34 days or fewer before infusion had similar rates of severe side effects as those who did not receive radiation.
A new study from Penn Medicine found that proton therapy reduces the risk of radiation-induced heart diseases in lung cancer patients. Mini-strokes and heart attacks were significantly less common among patients who underwent proton therapy compared to those treated with conventional photon-based radiation therapy.
The new guideline provides options for different treatments to improve survival rates and quality of life for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Recommendations address patient selection, pelvic radiation treatments, integration with chemotherapy and surgery, and follow-up care.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) will highlight groundbreaking studies and discussions on cancer treatment advances, COVID-19, and racial representation in radiation therapy clinical trials at its upcoming Annual Meeting.