Articles tagged with Radiation
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) honored outstanding researchers in radiation oncology, recognizing excellence in clinical and basic science research. The awards include Resident Clinical/Basic Science Research Awards, Resident Poster Viewing Awards, and Annual Meeting Scientific Abstract Awards.
A robotically assisted percutaneous coronary intervention system has been shown to be safe and feasible in a first-in-human study, reducing radiation exposure and contrast media usage. The technique allows for technical precision and improved procedural effectiveness compared to manual PCI.
A retrospective review study found that capecitabine with concurrent radiation was as effective as traditional 5-FU with radiation or fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy alone in treating locally advanced gastric cancer. The results suggest a potential new adjuvant therapy approach for resected gastric cancers.
Researchers found that a low-carb diet based on animal protein may increase death risk compared to a vegetable-based diet. Additionally, patients often overestimate the benefits of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and radiation-free magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) offers an accurate diagnosis for peripheral arterial disease.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new mathematical model that can plan radiation doses and schedules for high-dose therapies more efficiently. The Generalized Linear-Quadratic Model covers all dose levels and schedules, enabling faster clinical trials and earlier availability of life-saving treatments.
A new technique developed by Dr. Scott Oliver may revolutionize the treatment of eye cancer, preventing blindness in most patients by blocking up to 55% of harmful radiation with silicone oil.
Overutilization of medical imaging services exposes patients to unnecessary radiation and adds to healthcare costs. Radiologists recommend a national collaborative effort to develop evidence-based appropriateness criteria and implement practice guidelines to reduce overutilization.
The adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) technique has been shown to reduce the radiation dose associated with coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) by 27 percent. This novel method allows for a reduction in tube current while maintaining diagnostic image quality, demonstrating an additive effect on existing te...
Researchers are investigating the effects of radiation on human bone strength to improve treatment for cancer patients with bone metastases. The study aims to establish the mechanical strength of bone before and after stereotactic radiosurgery, which has been shown to cause high fracture rates in post-treatment patients.
Researchers aim to mitigate radiation-induced gastrointestinal syndrome using stem cell-based therapies. The new grant will support the development of bone marrow transplant techniques and identify chemical agents that accelerate repair and regeneration of irradiated stem cells.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a new image-processing algorithm that reduces perfusion CT radiation doses by up to 20 times, improving image quality and patient safety. The algorithm has been successfully tested in animal models and is being explored for clinical implementation.
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.
A study found that high-dose radiation targeting the neural stem cell niche in brain cancer patients doubles their progression-free survival time. Patients who received higher doses experienced 15 months of progression-free survival, while those with lower or no doses had 7.2 months.
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.
A new prediction tool calculates individualized risk for local recurrence five and ten years after surgery, helping physicians and patients weigh treatment options. The nomogram integrates available information to estimate absolute risk, providing a valuable tool in decision-making.
Researchers have discovered that silicon oil can absorb nearly 50% of radioactive rays during radiation therapy for ocular melanoma. The study, published in Archives of Ophthalmology, suggests that the substance acts as a physical shield to reduce radiation exposure to the eye.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have identified a simple, non-toxic pill that decreases radiation toxicity when given after radiation exposure. The drug, called PQ, temporarily stops bone marrow cells from dividing, protecting against radiation-induced damage.
Researchers found that optimal brachytherapy dose on the same day as implant reduces relapse risk by 20 percentage points, achieving cure in 94.4% of patients. Calculating radiation dose on implant day allows for immediate adjustments to ensure treatment efficacy.
At GSI Helmholtzzentrum, researchers successfully produced and observed element 114, with a preliminary atomic number of 114. The production rate was higher than ever measured for this element, paving the way for future studies.
A large medical center implemented an imaging algorithm to reduce cumulative radiation exposure and CT scans for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages. The study showed a 25.6% decrease in mean number of CT examinations per patient and a 12.1% overall reduction in cumulative radiation exposure.
A new ASIR technique reduces CT colonography radiation dose by 50% without compromising image quality, improving patient safety. The study found no significant differences in image quality between standard and low-dose images using ASIR.
A new technique called z-axis modulation can significantly reduce the radiation dose associated with unenhanced computed tomography (CT) scans of the head. By applying this simple method, radiologists can achieve a 35% reduction in patient dose while maintaining optimal image quality and noise levels.
A study presented at the ARRS 2010 Annual Meeting found that adaptive image filters can significantly improve image quality while lowering patient radiation doses for chest and abdominal CT scans. The filters improved image clarity, reducing radiation doses by up to 40 mAs for chest scans and up to 100 mAs for abdominal scans.
Researchers have developed a computer-based system called Valkyrie that can automatically track patient-specific radiation dose exposure from CT scans. The system uses patient size and weight to provide accurate radiation dose information.
A new 4-dimensional software program helps doctors adjust for breathing movements when treating lung cancer with radiotherapy. This allows for more accurate targeting of tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
By adjusting the radiation dose based on a child's weight, researchers were able to significantly lower the radiation dose associated with pediatric chest CT scans. The study found that radiation doses could be reduced by up to 73% for children weighing less than 33 pounds.
A study at Thomas Jefferson University found that non-invasive coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a cost-effective alternative to invasive cardiac catheterization. Performing CTA before catheterization results in significant cost savings, with an average of $789 per patient.
A study found that terminal cancer patients spend most of their remaining lifespan on radiotherapy, but only 26% experience palliation or pain reduction. The authors conclude that radiotherapy is not tailored to individual patient needs, leading to excessive and often uncompleted treatments.
A new study from the University of Michigan found that mastectomy patients are less likely to receive radiation therapy than those who had lumpectomy. Despite medical guidelines recommending radiation after mastectomy for certain patients, only 78% received it, compared to 95% of lumpectomy patients.
A modified technique for ECG-triggered coronary CTA significantly reduces the radiation dose delivered to patients, with no impact on image quality or interpretability. The study, published in the American Journal of Roentgenology, involved 886 patients and found a 45% increase in radiation dose with increased padding duration.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has awarded travel grants to 17 radiation oncology professionals to attend Advocacy Day. The grants aim to support the financial constraints faced by residents and nurses in advocating for their patients' interests.
A study of over 18,000 women aged 65 and older with breast cancer found that delaying radiation treatment after surgery increased local recurrence risk. The risk rose incrementally by day, with a 19% increase at longer intervals.
A world-renowned radiologist advocates for using ultrasound as the first-line imaging test for better diagnosis capability in evaluating acute female pelvic and lower abdominal conditions. Ultrasound is considered safer, radiation-free, and superior in diagnostic capability compared to CT scans.
A recent study found that larynx preservation treatments using chemotherapy followed by radiation have a low-risk of severe voice disability, with only 15% of patients experiencing severe vocal impairment. The treatment also resulted in minimal eating or swallowing problems, with 57% of patients unaffected.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a way to prevent glioblastoma cells from growing back after radiation by blocking their access to oxygen and nutrients. The discovery, using the small molecule AMD3100, has shown promise in preventing tumor recurrence.
A three-week course of accelerated hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation has been shown to be as safe and effective as the standard five-week regimen for women with early-stage breast cancer. The study, led by Dr. Tim Whelan, found that patients treated with this accelerated therapy had a low risk of side effects and recurrence of ...
The American Society for Radiation Oncology's IHE-RO program has been awarded a grant to develop interoperability standards and build test tools software. The goal is to create universal health records for cancer patients and improve communication between radiation oncology equipment.
A new study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that digital mammography significantly lowers radiation doses (22%) compared to conventional film mammography. This reduction could be greater for women with larger and denser breasts, leading to improved cancer detection rates.
A new study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center reveals racial disparities in radiation therapy rates for early stage breast cancer patients, with black women less likely to receive standard treatment. The study examined over 37,000 patients and found significant variations in radiation rates across different regions.
A non-absorbed oral co-polymer therapy under development by Midway Pharmaceuticals demonstrates ability to protect against radiation damage and prevent lethal bacterial infections in animal models. The compound, PEG 15-20, may provide new way to prevent serious GI side effects of radiation in cancer patients.
A recent study suggests that mammography screening in young women with genetic or familial predisposition to breast cancer may increase their breast cancer risk. The study found that repeated exposure to low-dose radiation increases breast cancer risk among these women, particularly those under age 20 or with five or more exposures.
Researchers found that transplanted stem cells restored learning and memory to normal levels in rats four months after radiotherapy. The treatment showed promise in reversing radiation-induced damage of healthy tissue in the brain.
A shortened, more intensive course of radiation therapy has been shown to be as effective as traditional treatments for early-stage breast cancers, with no significant side effects. This accelerated hypofractionated whole breast irradiation option is more time-efficient and cost-effective.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that radiation therapy for women with early-stage breast cancer can be shortened from six to seven weeks to four weeks using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The study showed acceptable side effects and similar cure rates and cosmetic results as traditional treatment.