Articles tagged with Radiation Therapy
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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
A major study of women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) found that surgery followed by radiotherapy offers better protection against invasive cancer. However, the benefit of radiotherapy decreases over time, suggesting a need for personalized treatment decisions.
A systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that patients with localized and locally advanced prostate cancer may be spared radiotherapy following surgery. The authors recommend closely following patients after surgery and offering radiotherapy only if the cancer recurs. This approach may spare many men from radiotherapy's associate...
A large randomized trial found that post-operative radiotherapy (PORT) does not significantly improve disease-free survival in completely resected non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The study included 501 patients and showed no significant difference in overall survival between the PORT group and the control group.
A clinical trial found that patients with IDH-mutant high-risk LGG, regardless of codeletion status, receive a survival benefit from adding postradiation chemotherapy. The study supports the use of WHO-defined molecular subgroups in predicting response to treatment.
A retrospective analysis found that Black pediatric patients are less likely to receive proton therapy, which may lead to increased side effects and long-term health disparities. The study calls for addressing barriers to access and promoting equitable distribution of this high-cost treatment.
Researchers have discovered new genes that play a crucial role in determining the success of radiotherapy in cancer treatment. These genes, which encode for repair mechanisms used by cancer cells, can be missing or dysfunctional in some patients, making them more likely to respond to radiation therapy.
A single dose of targeted radiotherapy during surgery is comparable to conventional radiotherapy in efficacy for most women with early breast cancer. This reduces the need for extra hospital visits and minimizes side effects. The long-term results show no significant difference in survival or likelihood of cancer recurrence.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that delaying radiation therapy for men with unfavorable intermediate-risk or high-risk localized prostate cancer, who are receiving radiation and hormone therapy, is unlikely to impact survival. This flexibility in radiation timing could help patients minimize exposure to COVID-19 by s...
A study examined the association between radiotherapy timing and overall survival in patients with prostate cancer. The analysis of National Cancer Database data found that delaying radiotherapy relative to androgen deprivation therapy was associated with improved overall survival.
The Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences special issue shares stories about interpersonal skills beyond technical aspects to care for patients during medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures. Guest Editor Sue Robins curated this issue as a learning experience for technologists, therapists, and patients alike.
A new study reveals racial disparities in high-cost proton radiotherapy for childhood cancer treatment, with Black and low-income children facing barriers to access. The research highlights the urgent need for equitable healthcare policies to ensure all children receive quality cancer care regardless of their race or socioeconomic status.
A case series evaluates radiotherapy delivery to 209 cancer patients during the COVID-19 outbreak. Key findings include improved outcomes and reduced treatment delays.
The study's lead researcher found that using a graphics processing unit (GPU) increased the speed of real-time tumor tracking by five times, improving accuracy over previous methods. This breakthrough could lead to safer and possibly fully automated radiation therapy in the future.
A study found that radiotherapy alters the behavior of immune cells, and reprogramming them with an existing drug can enhance its effects in brain cancer. The researchers demonstrated that combining radiotherapy with daily dosing of a CSF-1R inhibitor extended survival in mouse models of glioblastoma.
A 10-year study found that radiotherapy in five larger doses, rather than daily doses, is equally effective and safe in the long term. This approach benefits patients with low risk of relapse who cannot tolerate daily radiation due to frailty or chronic conditions.
A new project, ITAR, aims to design and develop novel radiotherapy machines for African hospitals, addressing acute shortages of radiotherapy machines. The project will define persistent shortfalls and develop solutions to increase capacity for treating cancer patients in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has released its first clinical guideline on radiation therapy for cervical cancer. The guidelines address indications and best practices for external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy in postoperative and definitive settings, including the use of chemotherapy and IMRT.
The NRG Oncology trial NSABP B-43 found a statistically non-significant, modest reduction in the rate of recurrence among women that received trastuzumab. The study showed an annual IBTR event rate of 0.80% per year in the RT+T group compared to 0.99% per year in the RT group.
A one-week course of higher-intensity radiation is recommended to treat bowel cancer patients, reducing side effects and risks associated with COVID-19. Surgery can be safely delayed by up to 12 weeks, allowing for reduced hospital appointments and maintaining social distancing rules.
A randomized trial of high-dose targeted radiation versus observation found no significant difference in progression prevention among 54 men with recurrent hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. The study suggests that observation may be a viable alternative to radiation therapy for this patient population.
A new phase II trial found a combination of radiation therapy and pembrolizumab to be effective in treating locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, particularly for patients ineligible for cisplatin chemotherapy. The treatment showed encouraging survival outcomes and acceptable toxicity.