Articles tagged with Radiation
A team of researchers has identified a biochemical signaling pathway that protects normal tissues from radiation damage. Blocking this pathway increases tumor death in mouse experiments, offering hope for new cancer therapies.
Researchers found that exercise after whole-brain radiation treatment improved erasable memory in mice, comparable to humans' experience. Exercise also reduced depressive-like behaviors in irradiated mice, suggesting a protective effect against memory loss and depression.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is partnering with Gilda's Club Chicago to promote cancer survivorship. The two organizations will participate in the Survivor Circle exhibit at ASTRO's 51st Annual Meeting, highlighting programs that help patients and families cope with cancer.
Halos of Hope, a non-profit organization established in 2007, will partner with ASTRO to provide comfort and dignity to chemo patients. The partnership aims to educate members about the organization's mission and programs focused on supporting cancer survivors.
A new analysis from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center reveals that radiation costs can range from $1,700 for conventional techniques to over $16,000 for Cyberknife treatment. Fewer treatments have also been shown to be equally effective in relieving bone pain associated with cancer.
Researchers have identified highly radiosensitive patients who can guide personalized radiotherapy, avoiding severe side effects. The study aims to develop a blood test that can predict patient reaction to radiotherapy, enabling tailored treatment and improved tumour control.
Researchers at Medical College of Wisconsin used prospective electrocardiogram (ECG) gating to significantly reduce patient radiation dose during CT angiography. The study compared retrospective and prospective ECG gating techniques, finding that image quality was equivalent but radiation doses differed substantially.
A new adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) technique significantly reduces patient radiation doses during CT scans, enabling improved image quality. The study found that ASIR can reduce radiation doses by up to 65% without compromising diagnostic accuracy.
Researchers from Turkey performed a non-radiation ERCP procedure on six pregnant patients with choledocholithiasis and one patient with biliary fistula, showing no complications. Laboratory and ultrasonographic follow-up confirmed successful treatment and stone extraction without radiation exposure.
A study found that many coronary angioplasty procedures in developing countries exceed the known dose reference level, highlighting the need for patient dose estimations and management. The research aims to introduce these concepts to interventional radiologists and cardiologists in these countries.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has named its 12th class of ASTRO Fellows, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of radiation oncology through research, patient care, education, or leadership. The fellows will be recognized at the 51st Annual Meeting in November.
A new low-dose unenhanced CT scan has been shown to correctly identify patients with appendicitis while delivering 50% less radiation than traditional standard-dose enhanced CT scans. The study used this method on 78 patients and achieved high accuracy rates from two independent radiologists.
A study found that CT scans used to screen for coronary artery calcification could lead to an estimated 42 additional radiation-induced cancer cases per 100,000 men and 62 cases per 100,000 women. The wide dose variation from different scanners resulted in a wide range of estimated radiation-induced cancer risks.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered new compounds that can be given orally to prevent radiation-induced injuries, including kidney, lung, skin, and intestinal tract damage. The EUK-400 series, which are synthetic antioxidants, protect tissues against damage caused by free radicals.
The Society of Interventional Radiology has released new clinical practice guidelines for managing patient radiation dose in interventional procedures. The guidelines emphasize the need for diligence in safely using fluoroscopy to minimize radiation exposure, particularly in procedures such as embolization and TIPS creation.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School have discovered a way to lower patient radiation doses during pulmonary CT angiography. By adjusting the peak kilovoltage setting, they were able to achieve superior vascular enhancement while maintaining image quality.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that personalized chemotherapy regimens can effectively treat childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) without cranial radiation. The study, conducted by researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, found a cure rate of 90% for all patients, with impro...
Researchers found that 31P MRS can detect changes in liver ATP levels related to liver damage score and pathologic changes. The study showed significant differences in ATP quantification among groups, indicating its potential as a non-invasive method for detecting early acute hepatic radiation injury.
A study found that MDCT with prospective ECG triggering reduces chest radiation dose by 71% compared to retrospective gating, delivering a lower dose of 9mSv. Image quality was also slightly better with prospective triggering.
Researchers found that implementing new techniques to reduce radiation exposure from cardiac computed tomography angiography did not compromise image quality. The study showed a 53.3% reduction in patient radiation doses, with increases in low-volume imaging centers and improved use of lower tube voltage.
AT-101, a cottonseed-derived compound, has shown promise in treating glioblastoma multiforme by halting the growth of tumor cells. The treatment, which must be properly dosed and monitored, has been effective in slowing cancer progression in many patients, offering new hope for those with this aggressive form of brain cancer.
Researchers have developed a new radiotherapy technique that uses real-time images to guide the radiation beam, allowing for more accurate targeting of tumors. This approach promises to reduce damage to healthy tissue and minimize nasty side effects.
A study found that half of patients with multiple CT scans within a year accrued additional radiation-induced cancer risks above baseline greater than 1 in 110. Researchers advise reviewing patient's CT imaging history and cumulative radiation dose before performing another CT exam.
Researchers found that lithium promotes DNA repair in healthy cells but not in brain tumor cells, protecting healthy hippocampal neurons from radiation-induced damage. This mechanism could provide a way to increase the radiation dose to kill tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue.
The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute is evaluating the effectiveness of the Calypso system in delivering precise radiation therapy to head and neck cancer patients. The system uses electromagnetic transponders implanted in a customized mouth guard to monitor patient movement and improve treatment accuracy.
The 64-slice CT scanner is the most efficient radiation source for evaluating pregnant patients with possible pulmonary emboli, according to a study. This technology reduces fetal exposure by shortening scan times and minimizing scatter radiation, while still providing accurate diagnoses.
A study found that most ordering physicians underestimate radiation doses from CT scans and overestimate their cancer risk, according to the American College of Radiology. The study suggests that improved radiation education is needed for medical professionals.
Researchers found that adjusting kVp and mAs levels according to a child's body shape can significantly decrease radiation dose during CT scans. The study used phantoms representing average waist sizes for children, resulting in lower doses at smaller phantom diameters.
A study by researchers at the University of Virginia found that MRI is highly accurate in diagnosing appendicitis in pregnant patients, with a success rate of 94%. This non-invasive imaging technique offers a safe alternative to radiation-based CT scans and ultrasound, which often fail to provide accurate results.
Patients with a history of radiation exposure are more likely to develop aggressive thyroid cancer and experience worse clinical outcomes. The study found that radiation-exposed patients were more likely to undergo total or near-total thyroidectomy, have distant metastases, and die from the disease.
A new study by researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that higher doses of radiation combined with chemotherapy improve survival in patients with stage III lung cancer. Concurrent chemotherapy increases treatment effectiveness and overall survival rates.
Researchers found that acupressure wristbands reduced nausea by 23.8% in cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment, with no difference between the two wristband groups.
A study at the University of Erlangen found that reducing tube voltage from 120 kV to 100 kV lowered cardiac CT radiation doses in adult patients weighing 185 pounds or less by 39% without compromising image quality. The lower dose resulted in effective radiation doses ranging from 4.9 to 11.9 mSv, compared to 8.8 to 16.9 mSv at 120 kV.
Research at the University of Navarra Hospital found that high-dosage perioperative brachytherapy effectively controls 86% of head and neck tumor cases after a seven-year follow-up. The technique reduces treatment time by two weeks compared to conventional radiotherapy, improving patient outcomes.
A new technique called stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has been shown to significantly improve survival rates for early-stage lung cancer patients, with a median survival range of over 32 months. The treatment doubles the odds of surviving and can even cure at least half of the patients, offering hope without the need for surgery.
Daniela Trani, a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University Medical Center, has been selected as an NSBRI Postdoc Fellow to investigate the effects of space radiation exposure on human health. Her research aims to understand injury responses to space radiation-induced inflammatory signaling in cells.
Researchers found that administering losartan before, during and after radiation therapy prevents or lessens cognitive impairment in rats. The study validates a hypothesis that anti-hypertensive drugs can protect the brain from radiation-induced injury.
Marvin Meistrich's research focuses on the molecular details of normal sperm development and the connection between cancer therapies and sterility. He aims to find ways to restore fertility in thousands of young men and boys who receive treatment that might leave them sterile.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that 19% of women eligible for post-mastectomy radiation were not treated. Researchers emphasize the importance of educating patients and improving doctor-patient communication about this potentially lifesaving treatment.
A study found that many young women who received chest radiation for a childhood cancer are not getting regular mammography screenings, despite being at an increased risk of breast cancer. Women aged 25-50 with a history of pediatric malignancy and chest radiation showed low rates of screening mammograms.
A study found that elderly patients with glioblastoma are less likely to undergo surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy due to concerns about toxic side effects. The median survival for these patients was only four months.
A new angled gantry approach to coronary CT angiography significantly reduced breast radiation exposure by half. Researchers found that imaging the heart with an angled gantry acquisition reduced the overlap with the lower breast from 6.5cm to 3.2cm, warranting further machine development.
A new study published by researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina suggests that the risk of cancer from radiation exposure during cardiac CT scans is substantially lower than previously reported for general populations. The study found a cancer risk of 1 in 1000, which mirrors more closely the typical patients who receiv...
A new study presents a promising alternative to traditional treatments for women with breast implants who develop early-stage cancer. Brachytherapy, a targeted radiation treatment, offers better cosmetic outcomes and avoids the risk of implant hardening compared to whole-breast radiation therapy.
New research from Medical University of South Carolina finds the cancer risk from cardiac CT radiation exposure is 1 in 1000, significantly lower than previous estimates of 1 in 114. The study highlights the importance of personalized patient selection guidelines to minimize radiation risks.
Researchers used a VHF radio interferometer system to study cloud-to-ground lightning flashes, revealing new characteristics and progression speeds of different types of leaders. The system allows for microsecond-order time and space reconstruction, enabling detailed analysis of lightning flash processes.
A study found cone-beam CT to be highly sensitive and specific in detecting cortical defects before and after percutaneous vertebroplasty, comparable to MDCT. Cone-beam CT also identified cement leakages without the need for additional radiation exposure.
A new theoretical model has been developed to estimate radiation skin doses during CT-guided interventional procedures, which can be used in real-time to optimize techniques and minimize the risk of radiation injuries. The results indicate accurate estimation of peak skin doses using this model.
Astronomers have discovered that the number of newly formed stars is higher than initially calculated, with heavy stars forming in clusters near the center of galaxies. The study found that these clusters are more common in the core regions of galaxies, leading to a different ratio of heavy to light stars.
Researchers at OHSU Cancer Institute discovered that combining stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) with immunotherapy significantly increases the efficacy of treating lung cancer. The study found that SBRT helped to activate more 'killer' immune cells, leading to better tumor clearance.
A retrospective study found that women with 3 or fewer involved lymph nodes have a low relapse rate after undergoing pre-operative chemotherapy and mastectomy. Patients with zero involved lymph nodes had a zero percent recurrence rate.
A new study from Fox Chase Cancer Center suggests that young women with DCIS are not more likely to experience recurrence than older women. The study analyzed data from 440 patients treated between 1978 and 2007 and found no significant difference in recurrence rates based on age.
Researchers at OHSU Cancer Institute have determined that the prostate moves up and down by up to 2 millimeters during the breathing cycle, affecting radiation treatment accuracy. This new information will help doctors determine suitable margins for treatment, reducing side effects and improving patient outcomes.
A new study at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that irradiating axillary and supraclavicular lymph nodes may not improve outcomes for breast cancer patients with negative lymph nodes. The research suggests avoiding radiation to these areas may reduce serious side effects such as lymphedema and pulmonary problems.
Morphormics' proprietary technology enables the rapid creation of anatomical roadmaps, improving radiation treatment planning and delivery decisions. The grant will support marketing efforts to bring this UNC-developed technology to patients with prostate cancer worldwide.
Debra DeMella, a brain tumor survivor, received the 2008 Survivor Circle Award from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) for her dedication to helping others living with cancer. She founded Brainstormers, a brain tumor support group, and served on various boards to improve quality of life for patients.
A nationwide study found that black women are less likely than white women to receive standard radiation therapy after a lumpectomy, with significant regional variations. The disparity affects over 37,000 patients and highlights the need for further research into underlying reasons and potential barriers to care.
Robotic navigation systems, such as Sensei and Niobe, enhance catheter-based procedures by minimizing fluoroscopy times and radiation exposure. These systems have shown promising results in isolating pulmonary vein antra and ablation of atrial arrhythmias.
Cardiac computed tomography (CTA) is reliable for excluding coronary artery disease but lacks hemodynamic relevance and poses radiation risks. Fundamental insights into CAD suggest a graded prognosis according to ischemia severity, making revascularization unnecessary in some cases.
Dr. Evans, a pioneering figure in pediatric oncology, has been recognized by ASTRO for her groundbreaking work on neuroblastoma staging and patient care. She has also co-founded the Ronald McDonald House and received numerous awards for her dedication to cancer research.