Articles tagged with Radiation
The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) has issued a report recommending standardized ways to measure, manage, and prescribe radiation dosages for CT scans. The report aims to reduce radiation exposure while maintaining optimal image quality.
Using breast shields during pediatric chest MDCT reduces radiation dose and minimally increases image noise. The study found that shielding alone reduced the dose by 26%, while combining shielding with automatic tube current modulation (ATCM) reduced it by 52%.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 30,000 women with breast cancer and found that female surgeons were more likely to prescribe post-surgical radiation therapy. Women who received radiation had a surgeon trained in the US or with an M.D. degree compared to a D.O. degree.
Researchers at Tohoku University found that monitoring total entrance skin radiation dose can accurately determine maximum radiation skin dose during coronary angioplasty. This allows radiologists to avoid skin injury to patients, a major disadvantage of the procedure.
Researchers found that simultaneous treatment resulted in a five-year survival rate of 15.1 percent, compared to 10.6 percent with sequential therapy. The study's findings suggest that concurrent chemotherapy and radiation is the new standard of care for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville found that partial breast irradiation can expose as much lung and heart tissue to potentially toxic radiation as whole breast irradiation. This suggests that both methods carry equivalent risks and benefits.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that stereotactic radiation is an effective alternative to surgery for benign brain tumors called non-acoustic schwannomas. The study showed excellent local tumor control with minimal side effects, making it a promising treatment option.
A new study by Fox Chase Cancer Center found that higher doses of radiation therapy for prostate cancer do not lead to decreased sexual function. The research used intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and showed no significant difference in sexual function scores between two treatment groups.
A large European study found that an extra high-dose radiation boost after breast-conserving surgery significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence in young women. The study also showed that women of all ages benefited from the boost dose, but younger women were most likely to be free of cancer 10 years after treatment.
OHSU researchers found that combining surgery and radiation therapy increases early survival rates in patients with locoregional extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. The study analyzed 2,591 cases of bile duct cancer diagnosed between 1973 and 1998.
Stefanie LaRue, a 30-year-old LA resident, was diagnosed with Stage-4 Advanced/Metastatic Breast Cancer in 2005. She has since devoted her time to educating men and women about diagnosing breast cancer and preventing misdiagnoses in young women under 40.
A ventilation/perfusion lung scan (V/Q scan) is a reliable alternative to CT angiograms in diagnosing pulmonary embolisms, especially in young women. The study found that V/Q scans can exclude pulmonary embolism with low probability clinical assessment, reducing radiation exposure and breast cancer risk.
A recent study found that a split-bolus CT urography technique can reduce both radiation dose and number of images produced, while maintaining high sensitivity and specificity. This new method has the potential to replace traditional excretory urography protocols for diagnosing urinary tract abnormalities.
A study found that providing informational handouts to parents about CT radiation risks can improve their understanding, increasing awareness of the potential increased risk of cancer related to pediatric CT. Parents became less willing to undergo CT if their doctor believed it was equally effective to observation.
Researchers found a strong correlation between tumor responses during treatment and three months after completion, suggesting PET scans can be performed earlier to modify treatment plans. This could lead to better tumor control and survival rates, potentially changing standard practice guidelines.
The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology has recognized 40 distinguished members as its 2007 ASTRO Fellows. The nominees have made significant contributions to the field of radiation oncology through research, patient care, education, or leadership.
Researchers have found that a combination of radiation treatment and angiogenesis inhibitors can overcome tumor radioresistance by inducing apoptosis in tumor cells. This dual therapy approach shows promise in treating tumors resistant to radiation, offering a new potential treatment strategy.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are developing a physics-based virtual model to simulate real-time organ motions for radiation therapy. The 4-D VIP-Man will allow doctors and medical physicists to accurately predict and monitor anatomical changes, providing the most effective treatment possible.
According to a randomized controlled trial, radiation therapy is the preferred treatment option for patients with locally advanced stage IIIA-N2 non-small-cell lung cancer who have responded to chemotherapy. This finding suggests that surgery may not improve survival rates compared to radiation after chemotherapy treatment.
A new computer-based technique has the potential to automatically determine acceptable radiation plans in a matter of minutes, reducing the need for hours of manual tuning. The algorithm was tested on 10 prostate cancer patients and found to be effective in determining clinically acceptable treatment plans.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic Cancer Center found that giving patients both radiation and chemotherapy after completely removing invasive pancreatic cancer significantly improves patient survival rates. More than half of the 454 patients who received adjuvant therapy survived two years, with a five-year survival rate of 28%.
A new study by Herman Suit and colleagues reveals great heterogeneity in radiation-associated cancer risk between species, strains, and organs. The researchers conclude that dose reductions to less than 2 Gy can lead to substantial gains in reducing secondary cancer risks.
Researchers found that a common diabetes drug prevents memory and learning problems caused by whole-brain radiation treatments in animal studies. The study suggests the drug may improve the quality of life for cancer patients receiving radiation therapy.
A study of 160,000 women screened in their 40s compared to those in their 50s found little change in estimated overall survival. The authors conclude that the benefits of early detection may outweigh the risks of radiation-induced breast cancer, but the uncertainty remains too great to make a definitive recommendation.
A new minimally invasive approach to partial breast irradiation offers an additional treatment option for women with early-stage breast cancer. The procedure uses ultrasound to guide balloon catheter placement, reducing the risk of damaging healthy tissue and allowing for a shorter treatment regime.
A new 'inverse planning' system developed by the Georgia Institute of Technology improves brachytherapy treatment for prostate and other cancers. The system optimizes radiation doses to tumor cells while minimizing effects on nearby structures, leading to better local tumor control and reduced side effects.
A large study of over 7,500 men with prostate cancer treated with radiation therapy found that temporary PSA bounces do not increase the risk of cancer recurrence. Researchers believe this reduces stress and uncertainty for patients experiencing a PSA bounce after radiation.
A new study found that a shortened radiation course for early-stage breast cancer is safe and effective, reducing treatment time by up to two weeks while maintaining similar side effects. Women reported mild pain and high satisfaction with cosmetic results.
A large-scale study involving over 7,500 men with prostate cancer has concluded that a rise in PSA levels after treatment, known as PSA bounce, does not impact overall survival. The study found no statistical difference in survival rates between patients who experienced a bounce and those who did not.
A study found that women with more than four positive lymph nodes are four times more likely to develop lymphedema when treated with a boost, despite similar risks of nodal recurrences. The increased risk may outweigh the benefits of receiving an extra dose of radiation.
A study found that MammoSite Brachytherapy does not always deliver lower doses of radiation to the heart during treatment of left-sided breast cancers compared to IMRT. The researchers analyzed data from 101 women with left-sided breast tumors treated with IMRT and found that in some patients, IMRT confers less radiation to the heart.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that lower doses of radiation are equally effective in treating acoustic schwannomas, a benign but potentially devastating brain tumor. This treatment approach may preserve more hearing and reduce the need for surgery.
A University of Pittsburgh study demonstrates that intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) can be uniformly delivered in a large health care system through centralized planning and treatment. This approach enables patients to receive consistent quality of care despite geographic distances.
A study led by Rush University Medical Center found the Perspecta Spatial 3D system enhances radiation treatment planning by providing a better understanding of tumor location and size. The device generates true 3D imagery, allowing for more efficient and natural visualization of anatomical and dose data.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have identified changes in brain chemistry associated with post-cancer radiation-induced dementia. They found that whole-brain radiation causes changes in glutamate receptors, which may lead to cognitive deficits.
A study found that radiation after surgery and chemotherapy improves overall survival in non-small cell lung cancer patients with lymph node involvement. Patients who received radiation lived almost two years longer than those without radiation.
A new radiation technique called intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) significantly reduces painful skin burns in women with breast cancer. IMRT controls the intensity of each beam to spare nearby healthy tissue, minimizing radiation exposure and side effects.
Researchers at Purdue University found that considering all interactions among temperature, radiation, precipitation, and land use can aid humans in preparing for extreme shifts in weather patterns. They discovered that a lack of precipitation will have the most dramatic effect on living conditions in the future.
Rita Davis-Goldsberry, a breast cancer survivor, received the Survivor Circle Award for her advocacy work with uninsured patients. Barbara Knight-Meyers, Ph.D., was recognized as a Distinguished Honoree for her volunteer work at Insight Seminars. Both women have given back to their community after receiving treatment for cancer.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that helical high-resolution multi-detector CT (MDCT) is more effective than conventional high-resolution CT in detecting bronchiectasis. The new technique can identify abnormal airways with greater accuracy, but at a higher radiation dose.
Three cancer researchers, Asif R. Harsolia, Sandeep S. Hunjan, and Ping Zhang, have won the ASTRO Poster Recognition Award for their exceptional contributions to radiation oncology. Their work demonstrated top-notch science presented at ASTRO's Annual Meeting.
A university health physicist offers radon testing as a campus community service, providing long-term testing kits to residents. The program aims to provide accurate information and reassurance to homeowners concerned about radon levels in their homes.
A recent study has shown that trastuzumab reduces recurrence of HER-2 positive breast cancer by 50 percent and does not add complications to radiation treatment. The study was conducted on 1,460 patients who received radiation in the original N9831 group, with no significant difference in side effects.
A study by OHSU Cancer Institute physicians validates the reclassification of breast cancer stages, improving disease-free survival rates for patients previously diagnosed with Stage II and III. The revised classification system has been shown to increase 10-year survival rates for these patients, from 30-36%.
A recent study found that young men with localized prostate cancer can benefit from external beam radiation therapy, similar to older patients. The study showed no statistically significant differences in survival rates, disease progression, or signs of recurrence between three age groups: under 55, 60-69, and 70 and over.
A U-M study found that non-invasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) can be effectively treated with lumpectomy and radiation, with only 8% of women experiencing recurrence. Regular follow-up mammograms are a reliable way to detect any return of cancer.
A new device allows physicians to monitor patients and control exam table movement safely behind a lead plastic shield, reducing radiation exposure by 90% to the head, arms, and legs. This technique preserves physicians' ability to perform procedures without heavy lead gowns, extending their career longevity.
A new study found that using a low radiation dose of 30 mAs can achieve high technical success rates for interventional procedures such as biopsies and catheter placements. The study showed that with minimal image quality, procedures can still be successfully performed.
A recent study found that extending localizer radiographs and extra axial images beyond defined levels increases radiation exposure. Limiting these areas can significantly reduce radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic quality. The researchers discovered that a total of 562 extra images were acquired in the studied examinations.
Researchers used HOXB4 to expand hematopoietic stem cells in monkeys, greatly improving their engraftment after radiation damage. The treatment could accelerate the recovery of patients with failed hematopoietic systems by expanding limited numbers of stem cells, such as those found in cord blood.
Researchers found that mice with APC mutations are more resistant to radiation when receiving staggered doses, potentially impacting radiation treatment protocols for colon cancer patients. The study's findings could lead to adjustments in treatment timing to minimize damage and optimize repair processes.
A comprehensive survey of 4,091 atomic bomb survivors found a significant association between radiation dose and the prevalence of thyroid diseases, including malignant and benign tumors. Those exposed at younger ages showed higher dose-response relationships for thyroid cancers and nodules.
A study led by Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center aims to determine the risk level for birth defects and other adverse outcomes in children of cancer survivors. Researchers analyze data from Denmark and Finland, where extensive patient information is available, to quantify risks based on chemotherapy and radiation exposure.
A longitudinal study found that breast cancer survivors experience persistent fatigue in a minority of cases, highlighting their resilience. Factors associated with fatigue include depressive symptoms, pain control problems, and treatment with radiation and chemotherapy.
Researchers at U-M found that focused radiation combined with chemotherapy significantly improves survival rates for liver cancer patients. The new method delivers an intensive punch directly to tumors while limiting exposure to normal tissue.
A new study has successfully treated 99.1% of children with heart rhythm problems using a 3-D computer-assisted navigation system, reducing radiation dose by nearly half compared to traditional methods. The treatment also resulted in fewer RF applications and improved accuracy in finding specific locations.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have found hormone therapy will not diminish the value of radiation for prostate cancer. Additionally, a leukemia drug shows modest benefits in suppressing PSA levels for some men with localized prostate cancer.
Proteome Systems has received a $20 million grant from the US government to develop therapeutic compounds for treating radiation damage. The company's 'catalytic scavenger compounds' show potential in preventing radiation-induced tissue damage and are expected to protect victims of radiation exposure, including first responders.
A new study found that radiation therapy can effectively control primary tumors and spare vision in patients with uveal melanoma. The procedure involves plaque radiotherapy, which delivers radiation to the eye tumor via a small metal shield containing radioactive seeds.
A recent study found that single men with bone metastases are less likely to seek multiple radiation treatments, potentially due to lack of social support. The study suggests clinicians should be sensitive to the greater likelihood of negative outcomes in single male patients.