Articles tagged with Radiation
Researchers at Arizona State University are working on a project to improve the performance of technology in extreme environments, supported by a $1.7 million grant from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. The team is focusing on specialized materials that can withstand high radiation and extreme temperatures.
Researchers discovered a complex cell mechanism that makes breast cancer cells resistant to radiation treatment. The mechanism is activated by the protein HOXB9, which accelerates DNA repair and increases radiation resistance.
A survey of radiation oncologists and healthcare professionals reveals that fears of getting into trouble and embarrassment are the primary barriers to using online error-reporting systems. Despite this, most respondents recognize the value of reporting errors and near-misses for improving care and patient safety.
Researchers found that non-English speaking patients had significantly worse treatment outcomes compared to those who spoke English, despite similar racial backgrounds. The study highlights the importance of interpreter services in cancer care for linguistically diverse patients.
Researchers found that Fox Chase Cancer Center's pathologists can better predict prostate cancer recurrence using their own Gleason scores than those from other institutions. This accuracy enables doctors to advise patients on the best treatment options and outcomes.
A study by the American Society for Radiation Oncology found that cancer patients in their 60s were more likely to use web-based technology to answer quality of life survey questions. The use of this technology increased survey completion rates from 52% to 90% six months after treatment.
A randomized phase III trial found that higher doses of radiation therapy do not improve overall survival for stage III non-small cell lung cancer patients. The standard dose of radiation therapy (60 Gy) was shown to be sufficient and effective in treating the disease.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have developed a new technique for delivering radiation therapy using a multileaf collimator, significantly reducing treatment time and minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding tissues. The new method achieves better target coverage and dose sharpness than traditional CyberKnife technology.
A new study cautions that thoracic imaging protocols must carefully balance radiation doses to the breast and lungs. The study found that changing protocols can reduce breast radiation dose by over 50% and lower lung radiation dose. Researchers emphasize the need for caution when planning CT protocols.
Linda Meyer, a radiation oncology nurse manager at Allegheny General Hospital, has been selected for the 2011 ASTRO Nurse Excellence Award. She is recognized for her exceptional care and commitment to educating nurses in the field.
A new 'CAP50' regimen combining chemotherapy and radiation before surgery shows promise in reducing rectal cancer recurrence risk by 88% three years after treatment. The study found that the increase in radiation dose did not extend treatment duration, while avoiding side effects.
A new study found that CT fluoroscopy for spine injections can reduce radiation exposure when the planning CT scan is optimized. The study suggests that reducing the coverage of the planning CT to only areas of interest and adjusting tube current or peak kilovoltage can lower the dose.
A team of researchers evaluated the effect of low-power Terahertz radiation on mouse stem cells, finding temperature increases were minimal and heat shock protein expression was unaffected. However, certain genes showed clear effects from THz irradiation, suggesting further investigations are needed to generalize findings.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is partnering with the Cancer Support Community Greater Miami to raise awareness of cancer survivorship issues. The partnership will be showcased at ASTRO's 53rd Annual Meeting, where attendees can learn about the programs offered by the Cancer Support Community Greater Miami.
Experts offer practical strategies for reducing radiation dose in chest CT scans, including stratifying protocols based on clinical indications and limiting scan length. Pediatric CT scans require lower doses compared to adult patients, and using appropriate scan parameters can further reduce radiation exposure.
Radiation dose optimization in head CT scans is crucial for reducing exposure and improving patient safety. Experts recommend using techniques such as lower tube current, automatic exposure control, and scanning at a lower tube voltage to minimize dose without compromising image quality.
The study aims to investigate the pathobiology of acute lung injury (ALI) and develop novel therapeutic approaches. Researchers will focus on the role of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in lung cell signaling and inflammation.
Researchers found two genetic variations linked to increased risk of second cancers in childhood Hodgkin's lymphoma patients treated with radiation. These markers appear to decrease activation of the PRDM1 gene, which can protect against cancer when exposed to radiation.
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.
Wake Forest University and Fisk University have partnered to create crystals that can accurately detect nuclear threats, radioactive material, and chemical bombs. The $900,000 grant will support research in radiation detection, leading to improved detector devices for screening cargo and passengers.
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.
Researchers found that transplanted stem cells restored learning and memory abilities in rats, with as few as 100,000 cells sufficient to improve cognition. The study provides hope for future stem cell therapies to alleviate side effects of radiotherapy for brain tumors.
A University of Michigan study found that breast cancer patients may be underreported for radiation treatment after breast-conserving surgery, with discrepancies in the SEER database affecting up to 1 in 5 cases. The study highlights the need for improved data accuracy to inform clinical decision-making and policy.
A new study found that despite publication of treatment guidelines, only 55% of older high-risk breast cancer patients received recommended radiation treatment after mastectomy. The lack of improvement in radiation use suggests guidelines may not be effectively improving care for breast cancer patients.
A new study has identified predictors that can help guide treatment decisions for head and neck cancer patients who require a second round of treatment. Certain characteristics, such as cancer-free period and radiation dose, can determine which patients are most likely to benefit from this potentially toxic treatment.
A multicenter clinical trial found stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to be an effective treatment option for patients with localized prostate cancer, delivering results in just five 30-minute sessions. The study's findings suggest that higher doses of radiation are safe and can lead to improved outcomes.
Researchers at Oregon State University have experimentally confirmed the presence of the rotational Doppler effect in individual molecules for the first time. The finding has implications for understanding molecular spectroscopy and high-energy electron studies.
A University of Alberta study found that submandibular gland transfer helps prevent radiation-induced dry mouth in cancer patients. The procedure improved speech but made swallowing more difficult, leading to nutritional issues and decreased quality of life.
A recent study found that low-dose chest CT is effective in reducing radiation doses for evaluating cardiothoracic surgery patients. The study, conducted at the University Hospitals Case Medical Center, demonstrated a 42% reduction in radiation dose compared to traditional methods.
A new study finds that breast shields can significantly reduce skin entrance radiation dose to the breast by up to 38% without increasing overall radiation dose. This technique is considered the best method for protecting women from radiation exposure during chest CT examinations.
A recent study suggests that eliminating CT venography of the pelvis can significantly reduce a patient's exposure to excessive radiation dose. The study found that only 0.3% of patients presented with isolated pelvic VTE after pulmonary embolism was ruled out.
A new study found that annual mammograms are as effective as interval post-treatment mammograms in detecting breast cancer recurrences. The research suggests eliminating the interval mammogram would save healthcare costs without negatively impacting patient outcomes, decreasing unnecessary biopsies and stress.
A study found that Medicare reimbursement policy significantly affects the use of costly breast cancer therapy, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The analysis showed a sharp increase in IMRT usage and costs between 2001 and 2005, with billing rates varying by region and treatment setting.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has developed a guideline for palliative thoracic radiation therapy to treat advanced lung cancer. The guideline recommends various regimens of thoracic external beam radiation therapy as effective for symptom palliation, but not endobronchial brachytherapy or concurrent chemotherapy.
Researchers will test a novel antibody against TGFβ to enhance radiation therapy's effectiveness in metastatic breast cancer patients. The goal is to induce an immune response against tumor sites outside the radiation field.
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.
A study comparing pelvic anatomy after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and open prostatectomy found significant differences in pelvic distances. These findings may impact post-operative radiation therapy for patients requiring this treatment.
A Wayne State University study found that soy isoflavones can sensitize cancer cells to radiation while protecting normal tissue. The study demonstrated that soy isoflavones can block DNA repair mechanisms in cancer cells, leading to increased killing of lung cancer cells by radiation
A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that soy isoflavones can sensitize cancer cells to radiation, increasing killing efficiency while protecting normal lung tissue from damage. Researchers used a soy mixture consisting of genistein, daidzein and glycitein to demonstrate this effect.
Women with DCIS who develop invasive breast cancer in the same breast have higher mortality rates, study finds. Radiation treatment after lumpectomy reduces risk of ipsilateral invasive breast cancer, while treatment with tamoxifen also offers protection.
The Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) has developed a primary standard for the measurement of short-lived radioactive thoron, allowing for accurate calibration of thoron measuring instruments. This enables the estimation of risks associated with thoron exposure through its progenies.
A study found that dialysis patients receive high doses of radiation, increasing their cancer risk. The researchers recommend tracking radiation exposure to develop alternative strategies and justify CT scans.
Researchers have developed a protective strategy that shields primate ovaries from damage caused by radiation and chemotherapy. Pretreatment with the FDA-approved drug FTY720 preserves fertility in female rhesus monkeys, allowing successful pregnancies and healthy offspring.
A culture of safety is crucial for reducing the chances of medical errors in radiation therapy, according to an article in Practical Radiation Oncology. By implementing principles such as automation, standardization, and checklists, teams can minimize risks and improve patient safety.
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...
Researchers developed a novel approach to space electronics using silicon-germanium technology, enabling reliable performance in extreme temperatures and radiation conditions. The new capabilities reduce weight, size, complexity, power, and cost while increasing reliability and adaptability.
A new study reports a significant increase in CT scans performed in emergency departments, with the percentage of ED visits involving CT imaging rising from 2.8% to 13.9% between 1995 and 2007. The study found a remarkable growth rate of 16% per year, driven by increased awareness of cost and radiation concerns.
Physicists at UC Santa Cruz are developing a new particle detector called the Insertable B Layer (IBL) to upgrade the ATLAS detector at the LHC, improving sensitivity in Higgs boson searches and enabling new physics discoveries. The IBL will be installed in 2015 and use advanced technology to withstand higher radiation doses.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that precisely targeted radiation therapy is a safe and effective treatment for paranasal sinus cancer, controlling the disease with fewer serious side effects. The study used intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that hypofractionated radiation therapy does not increase urinary or gastrointestinal problems. This new treatment approach delivers a higher total dose of radiation in fewer sessions, without compromising quality of life.
A randomized study found that standard chemotherapy and radiation therapy remain the most effective treatment for early, intermediate-stage Hodgkin's lymphoma patients. The study also showed that a more intensive chemotherapy regimen is not more effective than standard ABVD chemotherapy in treating this group of patients.
A large randomized study found that preoperative radiation therapy significantly reduces the risk of local recurrence after 10 years for patients with rectal cancer. The treatment, combined with total mesorectal excision surgery, keeps colorectal cancer from returning in 50% of cases.
Stereotactic radiation is a proven alternative to surgery or anti-epileptic drugs for treating trigeminal neuralgia in MS patients. The study shows that radiosurgery using Gamma Knife is highly effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life for those affected.
Elizabeth A. Brunton, a registered nurse at Scripps Clinic, has been recognized with the 2010 ASTRO Nurse Excellence Award for her exceptional patient care and dedication to education. She developed patient education materials and created an orientation program to help patients understand radiation therapy.
ASTRO recognizes Brian Hill as a cancer survivor who has given back to the community through his nonprofit, The Oral Cancer Foundation. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic tonsil cancer in 1997 but went on to donate $1,000 prize money to benefit the foundation.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) partners with Mama's Kitchen to promote cancer survivorship and raise awareness on nutritional support for cancer patients. The partnership aims to provide essential nutrients to those affected by cancer, highlighting the importance of community care and volunteerism.
Menssana Research Inc. has been awarded a $4.2 million contract by the US government to develop a breath test for detecting radiation exposure. The test aims to identify biomarkers of radiation exposure in patients receiving radiation therapy, with the goal of creating a rapid and reliable diagnostic tool.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has partnered with the Emilio Nares Foundation to promote cancer survivorship. The foundation offers life-enhancing services, emotional, and spiritual support to children and their families battling cancer.
Mayo Clinic researchers have identified five genes that relate directly to radiation response, which could lead to the development of novel therapies tailored to individual cancer patients. The findings may enhance treatment outcomes for roughly half of all cancer patients who undergo radiation therapy.