Articles tagged with Oncology
A 2013 survey of radiation oncologists found that peer review is a common practice in medicine, but there is wide variation in its performance. Seventy-eight percent of respondents reported being involved in peer review, and 74% expressed interest in formal guidelines to improve the process.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that nearly a quarter of patients who underwent initial breast conservation surgery had a subsequent surgical intervention. The study, which included over 316,000 patients, identified patient and tumor factors associated with repeat surgeries.
Charlie Ma, Ph.D., a Professor and Director of Medical Physics at Fox Chase Cancer Center, has been selected as an ASTRO Fellow. He is recognized for his contributions to the field of radiation oncology, including research, education, and patient care.
A shorter course of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been found to improve the quality of life for high-risk prostate cancer patients, with faster recovery times and better outcomes compared to a longer 36-month ADT regimen. The study analyzed data from 561 patients who received radiation therapy and long-term ADT.
Research presented at ASTRO's 56th Annual Meeting found no association between radiation therapy and increased risk of lymphedema in women with clinically node-negative breast cancer. The study results provide reassurance for breast cancer patients regarding the impact of radiation therapy on lymphedema risk.
A two-step decision tree analysis was used to evaluate and distill existing quality standards, guidelines, and recommendations in radiation therapy. The study identified duplicate standards and gaps, achieving substantial agreement among evaluators.
Researchers Jonathan Powell, G. William Wong, and Elias Zambidis will explore novel treatments for diabetes using protein design, hormone discovery, and stem cell therapy.
The ASTRO white paper recommends specific guidance for high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy to improve patient safety and quality. The manuscript highlights the need for a quality management program, including checklists and forms, as well as multidisciplinary treatment team coordination.
A West Virginia outpatient oncology clinic experienced a rare outbreak of Tsukamurella bloodstream infections in 2011-2012, attributed to improper handling of intravenous saline. The outbreak led to changes in infection control practices, including the use of pre-packaged manufactured saline flushes.
Radiation oncologists face higher workloads and decreased confidence when treating unfamiliar cases, as shown in a UNC study. The researchers used NASA-TLX to measure perceived workload and found that performance decreased with longer completion times.
A study of 582 patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) found SBRT to be safe and effective, with a three-year freedom from local progression rate of 79.6%. The biological effective dosage was the most significant factor influencing outcomes.
A retrospective study found that placing a stent within the aorta facilitated tumor removal and eliminated heart-lung bypass needs. Patients with non-small cell lung carcinomas and sarcomas benefited from this minimally invasive approach.
The ASTRO white paper emphasizes the vital role of patient-specific peer review in improving patient safety and quality of care. The report details suggested targets for peer review throughout various areas within radiation therapy, prioritizing those most likely to impact patient outcomes.
A Swedish study found significant heterogeneity in continence rates among patients after radical prostatectomy, suggesting that some receive suboptimal care. The research used multivariate models to evaluate surgeon variation and identified a negative correlation between potency and continence rates.
A large observational study conducted by a group of researchers in Sweden and the Netherlands suggests that surgery offers better survival benefits than radiotherapy for men with localized prostate cancer, especially in younger age groups and those with fewer comorbidities. The study found that radical treatment, preferably surgery, is...
A study published in the Journal of Urology analyzed 25 years of data after radiation therapy for prostate cancer patients and found that follow-up evaluations are necessary for 15 years after treatment. The study also confirmed using radiation therapy results in comparable disease-free survival rates to radical prostatectomy.
A recent study by Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology has led to the redefinition of hormone-sensitive breast tumours, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes. Gene expression analysis revealed discrepancies between histopathological data and molecular profiles, prompting a new definition that incorporates progesterone receptor levels.
About one in four physicians use social media daily to scan or explore medical information, with oncologists more likely to keep up with innovation. Meanwhile, primary care physicians use social media to get in touch with peers and learn from them.
A new study from Penn researchers shows that implementing a Conditions Reporting System improves perceptions of safety and reduces incidents in multi-site clinical practices. The system, which encourages staff to report errors, has led to positive responses on staff surveys focusing on the culture of safety.
Mark P. Carol, MD, a distinguished leader in IMRT and IGRT, has been recognized as ASTRO's 2012 Honorary Member for his groundbreaking approach to developing these techniques. He will be honored at the ASTRO 54th Annual Meeting on October 30, 2012.
A combination of anastrozole and fulvestrant extended the median survival time of women with Stage 4 hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. The treatment option showed a significant overall survival benefit, particularly exciting for patients who have not had a new treatment in over a decade.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has awarded five physicians with research grants to promote the advancement of radiation therapy. The Junior Faculty Career Research Training Award and Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Research Seed Grant Award support young researchers in radiation oncology, biology, physics, ...
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has named its 2012 class of Fellows, recognizing their significant contributions to the field of radiation oncology. The new Fellows include renowned experts in research, patient care, education, and leadership.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has selected J. Robert Cassady, George T.Y. Chen, and Mark W. Dewhirst as the Society's 2012 Gold Medal recipients for their groundbreaking research, clinical care, teaching, and service in radiation oncology.
Breast cancer patients treated with IMRT had lower incidence of acute and chronic toxicities compared to standard WBI. Larger breasted women also benefited from reduced toxicities with IMRT.
A new, cost-effective method for detecting ALK rearrangement in non-small cell lung cancer patients has been developed. This approach is comparable to the established gold standard, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and could enable more patients to access potentially life-saving crizotinib therapy.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has awarded five physicians with research grants to support their career development and research in radiation oncology. This year's winners include Abhijit Patel, MD, PhD, and David Kozono, MD, PhD, who will receive a $100,000 award over two years.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has named 21 esteemed members as its 2011 Fellows, acknowledging their significant contributions to radiation oncology. These distinguished professionals have demonstrated excellence in research, patient care, education, and leadership, making them highly respected in the field.
A new procedure called InterStim Therapy uses electrical impulses to stimulate the sacral nerve and improve muscle function, reducing or eliminating bowel incontinence in 80% of patients. This minimally invasive treatment offers a long-term solution for patients seeking relief from the debilitating symptoms of fecal incontinence.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has published a white paper to improve the safe use of IMRT, which requires more time and resources from cancer clinics. The report provides practical guidance to strengthen IMRT programs, reducing errors and improving treatment outcomes.
Survival rates for wealthier patients with glioblastoma have improved since 2000, while those in poorer areas and older than 70 have remained stagnant. The addition of temozolomide to post-operative radiation therapy has been shown to improve overall survival in younger patients.
The journal Brachytherapy will now publish six times a year, with a meeting abstracts supplement annually. This expansion reflects the American Brachytherapy Society's commitment to providing radiation oncologists and other healthcare professionals with state-of-the-science treatments.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology's new journal, Practical Radiation Oncology (PRO), has published its inaugural issue. PRO will provide a forum for radiation oncologists to share information on current practices and advancements in the field. The journal aims to improve the quality of radiation oncology practice through disc...
A study published in CMAJ found that showing clinical empathy to patients can improve their satisfaction of care and motivate them to stick to their treatment plans. Empathy is a distinct ability to understand another's experience and act in a helpful manner, which can be acquired and taught in medical school.
Researchers found significant exposure to erionite in North Dakota roads, comparable to affected Turkish villages. The mineral poses health risks through inhalation, prompting cautionary measures and potential preventive programs.
Researchers compared treatment outcomes of elderly patients with early-stage lung cancer treated with either surgery or stereotactic radiation therapy. The study found that both treatments had similar long-term survival rates, but surgery had a higher risk of mortality in the first 30 days.
Researchers found that adding ipilimumab to paclitaxel/carboplatin improved progression-free survival rates for stage IIIb/IV non-small cell lung cancer patients. The study suggests that ipilimumab may be a valuable addition to standard treatments, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.
A study presented at the ESMO Congress found that a patient's overall survival time is linked to the time to treatment failure for each line of chemotherapy. Analyzing data from 980 women with metastatic breast cancer, researchers identified this key factor as the most significant determinant of overall survival.
N. Reed Dunnick is being recognized for his dedication to bridging the gap between diagnostic radiology and radiation oncology. As an accomplished leader in the field of radiology, Dr. Dunnick has been involved with numerous professional societies throughout his career.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has selected five physicians as recipients of two grants, the Junior Faculty Career Research Training Award and the Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Research Seed Grant Award. The awards support junior physician faculty and residents/fellows in radiation oncology research.
The EAU Congress ended its 25th anniversary meeting in Barcelona with awards for outstanding research in urology. Despite volcanic eruptions disrupting travel plans, the congress proceeded and recognized excellence in cancer and non-cancer research.
The Society of Interventional Radiology Press has released an updated edition of 'Patient Care in Vascular and Interventional Radiology,' a 448-page resource covering major aspects of patient care. The new edition is complemented by a study guide, presenting questions and detailed answers for continuing medical education.
A study found that prostate cancer treatment options differ based on the type of specialist consulted. Men who see a radiation oncologist are more likely to receive radiation therapy, while those who consult with a urologist with or without a medical oncologist are treated more frequently with hormone therapy, watchful waiting, or radi...
Over a two and half year period, the FDA approved 53 new oncology and hematology drugs, including 39 receiving regular approval and nine accelerated approval. Most approvals were based on single-arm, non-randomized controlled trials.
The new T classification is based on tumor size and has been validated as appropriate for pathologic findings. The study found significant differences in survival rates among revised T subsets, highlighting the importance of the revised TMN classification for lung cancer treatment planning.
Research analyzed over 100,000 patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer and found a modest but statistically significant improvement in one-year and two-year overall survival rates from 13.2% to 19.4% and 4.5% to 7.8%, respectively.
A recent study found that 95% of radiation oncologists utilize advanced imaging modalities like FDG-PET and MRI for target delineation. The most common technologies used were FDG-PET and MRI, with nearly 75% of respondents using one or both.
Pediatric physicians tend to pragmatically consider religion and spirituality in family decision-making and end-of-life situations, but view them as barriers when they conflict with medical decisions. The study found that pediatricians often welcome patients' religious beliefs when medicine has failed or all options are exhausted.
Stereotactic radiosurgery is an effective and safe method for eliminating tremors caused by Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. Long-term results show that SRS favorsably compares to deep brain stimulation and radiofrequency treatments in terms of tremor relief and complications.
The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) has developed new guidelines for radiation dose delivery and reporting in brachytherapy procedures. The task force aims to provide consistent and reproducible dosimetric information, improving treatment accuracy and patient outcomes.
A recent study found that lenalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone is associated with better short-term overall survival and lower toxicity than traditional high-dose therapy in newly diagnosed myeloma patients. The treatment regimen shows acceptable toxicity and low early mortality, making it a viable option for these patients.
A national RTOG study found that prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) significantly decreased the incidence of brain metastases during the first year post-treatment. Patients who received PCI were two and one-half times less likely to develop brain metastasis than those who did not.
Veterinary oncologists at MU's Scott Endowed Program in Veterinary Oncology participated in COTC's first trial, investigating a novel method to deliver the TNF-α gene to tumor blood vessels. The study showed a dramatic decrease in tumor size and provided insight into safe dosage for both human and canine patients.
Eight projects across eight countries will receive funding and expert guidance to improve treatment capacity for childhood cancer. The initiatives aim to narrow the 80/20 divide, where 80% of childhood cancers occur in resource-limited countries.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has approved erlotinib as an alternative to docetaxel for NSCLC patients, with the manufacturer Roche offering a discounted price. This approval is part of a collaboration between NICE and manufacturers to reduce drug costs within the NHS.
A study led by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has found that acetylated resveratrol can protect cells from radiation damage in mouse models. The researchers hope to develop a small molecule radioprotector that can be easily administered in emergency situations.
A new type of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) called balloon brachytherapy is as effective in keeping breast cancer from coming back as standard external beam radiation. This shorter treatment option makes radiation therapy more convenient for patients, potentially increasing the rate of breast conservation.
A substudy of the IBIS II trial found no significant differences in cognitive assessments between postmenopausal women receiving anastrozole and placebo, but noted more endocrine symptoms such as hot flushes in the anastrozole group.
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.
ASTRO awarded several scholarships to young researchers in radiation oncology, including the Junior Faculty Career Research Training Award to Christopher D. Willey and Erik P. Sulman. The Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Research Seed Grant Award also supported projects by Randall Joel Kimple and Shig-Hsin Eddy Yang.