Articles tagged with Radiation
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.
A new one-week radiation treatment for breast cancer patients has shown promising results, with no patient recurrence after 48 months and 80% of women experiencing good-to-excellent cosmetic outcomes. The treatment uses MammoSite brachytherapy to deliver high doses of radiation to the surrounding tumor area.
For patients with early-stage breast cancer, MRI improves treatment selection by identifying additional cancer in the breast that may require wider removal of tissue or mastectomy. Breast MRI can help radiation oncologists identify suitable candidates for accelerated partial breast irradiation.
A large single-institution study evaluated the safety and efficacy of MammoSite, a type of partial breast irradiation. The study found that toxicities were similar to those reported in previous registries, with acceptable complications and comparable cosmetic outcomes.
A study conducted between 1988 and 1995 found that radiation therapy significantly improved five- and 10-year prostate cancer-free survival rates. The treatment reduced the risk of recurrence, cancer spread, and overall mortality in patients with advanced stage prostate cancer.
A new study published in Fox Chase Cancer Center found that sequential sequencing of radiation and tamoxifen after lumpectomy significantly improves cosmetic outcomes for women with early-stage breast cancer. The study included 1,088 patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery and radiation therapy, and received adjuvant tamoxifen.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that breast conservation surgery followed by radiation therapy can lead to favorable cosmetic results in patients with implanted breasts. The study challenged previous reports of poor outcomes.
A new study from Fox Chase Cancer Center found that married breast cancer patients do not have different survival rates than unmarried women. However, younger women and those over 70 tend to fare worse despite similar disease characteristics and treatment factors. Age emerged as a significant predictor of relapse-free survival.
A study of 487 cancer patients found that almost twice as many used CAM therapies when treated with chemotherapy alone compared to radiation therapy. Patients reported high satisfaction with using cost-effective CAM methods like supplements, but few relied on their doctors for information on these treatments.
Mr. Anduri, a 30-year lymphoma survivor, is being recognized for his dedication to helping others in the local community through volunteer work with CanSurmount and the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. The award highlights his generous spirit and good coming out of his cancer experience.
A study found that transcatheter arterial embolization procedures using a digital flat-panel system resulted in lower radiation doses to patients' skin, ranging from 130-467 mGy. This compares to higher doses of 510-1,882 mGy with conventional units.
A randomized trial found that high-dose radiation therapy reduced the risk of prostate cancer recurrence by 49% compared to conventional-dose therapy. The study showed improved biochemical control and local tumor control without significant differences in overall survival rates or adverse effects.
The US government has awarded a $20 million grant to develop novel synthetic catalytic scavengers (SCS) to protect against and treat the effects of radiation exposure. Proteome Systems will provide its SCS compounds for clinical application, aiming to create medical products for victims of radiological terrorism or radiation accidents.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that giving chemotherapy and radiation together from the start may help patients with locally advanced lung cancer live longer. The study compared three treatment approaches and showed that combining chemotherapy and radiation improved patient outcomes.
Researchers found that HIF-1 inhibition impacts tumor biology differently depending on the local environment, with proximal cells less affected. This study suggests optimizing HIF-1 blockade to maximize effects on vasculature and minimize effects on distal tumor cells.
Radioisotopes used in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures can render patients radioactive, triggering false security alarms at airports. Patients may remain contaminated for up to 30 days after the procedure.
A new University of Georgia study analyzed existing data and found that airbags are associated with slightly increased probability of death in accidents, particularly at high speeds. The analysis contradicts earlier studies on the effectiveness of airbags, which have been required for drivers and front-seat passengers since 1998.
A randomized trial of 900 patients with breast or prostate cancer found that a shorter course of radiation therapy was as effective as the standard treatment in providing pain relief. The study also showed less acute toxicity and re-treatment rates in patients who received a single dose of 8 Gy radiation.
A case-control study found a strong dose-response relationship between radiation dose and thyroid cancer risk, with iodine-deficient areas showing three times the risk. Stable iodine supplementation was associated with one-third the risk of radiation-related thyroid cancer compared to no supplementation.
A new study demonstrates high rates of tumor death in patients receiving a preoperative chemotherapy and radiation regimen, suggesting a promising approach for treating high-grade soft tissue sarcomas. The regimen has been associated with significant but manageable toxicity and modest wound complication rates.
A new breast shield designed to reduce radiation dose to female breasts during chest CT scans has been developed, with results showing a 43-73% reduction in radiation exposure. The shield is lightweight, comfortable, reusable and can be used for both routine chest CT examinations and CT angiography.
A landmark Phase III trial found that concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy followed by surgery significantly improves lung cancer patient survival. Five-year survival rates were 36% for patients with partial lung removal and 27% for those who underwent concurrent treatment.
Recent tests by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) found that portable radiation detectors perform well enough to meet new consensus standards, but produce inaccurate readings for low-energy X-rays. The results highlight the need for manufacturers to better design and characterize their instruments.
Researcher Mike Robbins is testing drugs that block receptors to prevent cognitive impairment from whole-brain radiation. The goal is to develop a treatment for the 20-40% of patients who experience chronic brain damage.
A new study published in Epidemiology found no correlation between prenatal ultrasound exposure and reduced intellectual capacity. Researchers analyzed data from approximately 180,000 boys born in the 1970s, revealing small differences that could be attributed to other factors.
A study published by the American Gastroenterological Association finds that radiation therapy for prostate cancer nearly doubles the risk of developing rectal cancer. Researchers recommend aggressive monitoring for men treated with radiation starting five years after treatment.
A new study has found that radiation therapy for prostate cancer increases the risk of developing rectal cancer by approximately 70%. The research team recommends monitoring men who have received radiation for prostate cancer starting five years after treatment.
A recent study found that advancements in radiation techniques have greatly reduced the risk of cardiac death after radiation therapy for breast cancer. Women with left-sided breast cancer had a higher mortality rate from ischemic heart disease compared to those with right-sided breast cancer, but this difference decreased over time.
A new study found that sequential MDCT is sufficient for measuring coronary artery calcification. However, more research needs to be done to see if there are even better techniques.
A new avian species called Vegavis iaai has provided unprecedented fossil proof that some close cousins to living bird species coexisted with dinosaurs during the Cretaceous period. The research, published in Nature, places Vegavis within the Anseriformes group and indicates its evolutionary relationship to ducks and geese.
A new study by Fox Chase Cancer Center finds that a shortened course of radiation therapy for women after lumpectomy may be a viable alternative to traditional six-week treatments. The four-week treatment schedule showed comparable skin toxicity levels to longer courses, with most side effects resolving within six weeks.
A team of scientists led by Michael Lieber has successfully recreated the mammalian nonhomologous DNA end joining (NHEJ) pathway in a test tube. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new cancer drugs that target this pathway, which is also essential for repairing radiation damage and maintaining immune function.
Researchers found that PGE2 activates AKT phosphorylation events to block bax translocation and prevent cell death in radiation-exposed mice. This mechanism suggests that PGE2 or similar drugs could reduce radiation-induced small intestine injury, but may not be effective for cancers with mutated bax.
A recent study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has found no link between taxane-based chemotherapies and pneumonitis in breast cancer patients. The research, led by Tse-Kuan Yu, analyzed 189 breast cancer patients who received either radiation therapy or chemotherapy followed by radiation.
Researchers found that high-dose-rate brachytherapy after surgery improved limb-sparing outcomes for soft-tissue sarcoma patients. Five-year survival rates reached 83%, with significant reductions in tumor recurrence and metastasis.
A new study suggests that virtual colonoscopy may be associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer deaths and procedure-related deaths. The model attributes this higher rate of mortality to declining sensitivity when the two tests are performed, as well as increased radiation exposure.
The U.Va. Health System's new TomoTherapy system provides precise radiation therapy with 3-D imaging, reducing high-dose exposure to healthy tissue and potential side effects for cancer patients. The technology also enables faster treatment times and improved accuracy in targeting tumors.
Researchers developed an image translation system to bridge the gap between advanced diagnostic techniques and radiation treatment planning systems. The system facilitates biological optimization planning, using information about cancer cell location and density to deliver escalated doses of radiation.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered that lithium can protect brain cells involved in learning and memory from radiation damage. Clinical trials are expected to test whether the drug can prevent cognitive deficits in humans treated with cranial radiation therapy.
Researchers found that younger men and those with increased disease recurrence risk experience more frequent PSA bounces, but without additional treatment, their survival rates are comparable to those without a bounce. The large-scale study provides evidence that a PSA bounce may not automatically dictate hormone therapy.
Researchers found low-dose radiation killed up to twice as many cells as high-dose, suppressing ATM protein's repair mechanism. The study suggests using viruses to deliver ATM-blocking drugs to cancer cells, which shows promise in killing more cancer cells than traditional radiation.
A study by Fox Chase Cancer Center found that prostate cancer patients with intermediate-risk disease do not require long-term androgen deprivation if they receive high-dose radiation above 76 Gy. High doses of radiation were associated with better outcomes in this patient group.
A study found that CyberKnife radiosurgery successfully controls growth and progression of symptomatic benign tumors, improving symptoms in 78% of patients. The treatment has a high local control rate of 96%, offering a promising option for patients not candidates for surgery.
Researchers examined the effect of treatment delay on patients treated with external-beam radiation for prostate cancer. The study found that a delay within certain limits does not alter ultimate clinical outcome, but using hormone therapy during this time should be avoided in men with favorable risk factors.
A new imaging technology developed by GE Medical Systems precisely tracks lung tumor motion, enabling more accurate radiation therapy. Tumors in the lower lobes and attached to the posterior side of the lungs tend to move more than others.
A study found that the number of CT scans performed for suspected pulmonary embolism increased significantly between 1997-1998 and 2002-2003, despite only a proportionate increase in actual cases. Radiologists are now seeing smaller abnormalities that were previously undetectable, leading to reconsideration of clinical issues.
A recent study published in Radiation Research has established a dose-response relationship between radiation dose from Chernobyl and thyroid cancer. Researchers found that the incidence of thyroid cancer was 45 times greater among those who received the highest radiation dose compared to those in the lowest-dose group.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is conducting a marathon testing regime to ensure personal radiation detection equipment meets new standards for identifying potential threats. The tests will evaluate the electrical systems, mechanical operations, environmental susceptibilities, and radiological sensitivities of over 100 instr...
A new partial breast radiation procedure using balloon brachytherapy has shown promising results in reducing treatment time and improving cosmetic outcomes. The study found that women treated with this method experienced quick recovery, good cosmetic results, and no evidence of cancer recurrence during a 1-2 year follow-up.
A small clinical trial showed that 22 out of 27 patients experienced improvement in symptoms such as weakness and pain after taking pentoxifylline for eight weeks. Researchers believe the drug may help reduce inflammation and improve quality of life for those with radiation fibrosis.
Three undergraduate students at the University of Alberta designed a space suit for Mars that balances radiation protection, mobility, and cost efficiency. The suit incorporates new polymeric materials, such as Demron, and innovative designs like ball bearings and compression rings to address the unique challenges of Martian exploration.
A new study suggests that using 16-MDCT scanners can reduce radiation exposure in body CT scans by 20-30%, while also improving image quality. The technology offers a more dose-efficient option for hospitals with both 4-MDCT and 16-MDCT scanners, allowing them to scan high-risk patient groups with lower radiation doses.
Researchers identified 24 genes that can be used to single out patients for alternate therapies or lower radiation doses. The test could make treatment decisions easier and allow for personalized treatment plans tailored to individual patients' needs.
Researchers found a 1.7-fold increase in cardiovascular death among breast cancer patients who received radiotherapy compared to those who didn't. However, the risk was lower for non-irradiated patients, suggesting that breast cancer may have a protective effect on cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic developed a pretreatment test to identify patients at high risk for urinary tract difficulties after brachytherapy. The study found that 37% of high-risk patients developed some urinary difficulties, while 85% of low-risk patients did not experience problems.
African-Americans are more likely to have advanced stage cancer by the time it's diagnosed, and less likely to receive radiation therapy after surgery. Rectal cancer patients of any race still don't always receive optimal post-surgery care, highlighting a need for further studies to improve treatment guidelines.
A new standard has been proposed for coronary artery calcium screening, which aims to improve accuracy and comparability of results. The new system uses a calibrated scoring method and reduces radiation doses for small and medium-sized patients.