Articles tagged with Radiation
A recent study by Duke Cancer Institute found that ACA Medicaid expansion significantly reduced uninsured rates among white patients and those living in higher-income areas, but had little impact on black patients and residents of high-poverty areas. In contrast, states without expanded Medicaid saw a decline in uninsured rates primari...
A phase II trial found that patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer who received half the standard radiation dose achieved equally high cure rates at two years, with 95% tumor control and 89% disease-free survival. The reduced treatment also resulted in lower side effects compared to standard therapy.
A phase III trial has confirmed the effectiveness of pelvic radiation as a standard treatment for high-risk stage I-II endometrial cancer. The study found that adjuvant pelvic radiation provided better pelvic control and fewer severe side effects compared to a brachytherapy-chemotherapy combination.
A study by NYU Langone Health found that a higher-dose, shorter form of radiation is safe and effective for breast cancer patients under 50, with no increased risk of late side effects. The new technique also yields good to excellent long-term cosmetic results in 92% of patients.
A phase II trial found that radiation therapy and immunotherapy can halt tumor growth in patients with stage IV cancer, with at least 30% experiencing favorable response. The treatment combination was safe and well-tolerated, with stable disease achieved for half of the patients.
A phase III trial demonstrates a 32 percent overall survival rate at five years, setting a new benchmark for patients with inoperable stage III NSCLC. The trial also confirms that using a higher radiation dose is not beneficial and can lead to detrimental outcomes.
A new study finds that patients with severe distress are more likely to miss appointments and be admitted to the hospital during radiation therapy. The NCCN Distress Thermometer, a tool to measure psychological state, can help identify patients who need additional support during treatment.
Researchers have discovered that the taxane drug Paclitaxel stimulates a unique form of cell division called tripolar mitosis, which makes tumor cells more sensitive to radiation therapy. This discovery could lead to the development of personalized treatment strategies by identifying patients with high levels of specific biomarkers.
ASTRO has recognized 43 researchers and clinical teams for their top-rated research abstracts, showcasing innovative science in radiation oncology. The Resident Clinical/Basic Science Research Abstract Award and Annual Meeting Travel Award also support early-career scientists, with a total of $45,000 in honorariums awarded.
A new fossil discovery in the Dominican Republic provides evidence for a major radiation of flies (Calyptratae) during the Cenozoic Era, with the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event playing a crucial role. The study estimates that this diversification occurred around 50 million years ago.
A new framework allows physicians to tailor radiation dose to achieve optimal image quality for pediatric patients. The framework considers the interdependency of quality, dose, and size, providing a basis for optimizing individual scan parameters.
Researchers have identified a genetic rearrangement involving the NF2 gene that causes meningiomas in long-term childhood cancer survivors. The study suggests that cranial-spinal radiation increases the risk of developing aggressive and recurring brain tumors.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has selected 23 distinguished members to receive the ASTRO Fellow designation. These individuals have made significant contributions to the field of radiation oncology in research, education, patient care, or service and leadership.
ASTRO honors Edith Peterson Mitchell, MD, a leading researcher and medical oncologist, for her work on chemoradiation treatments. Her research has helped raise the profile of radiation oncology by providing clinical evidence for combined modality treatment.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania challenges common advice given to breast cancer patients, suggesting that antiperspirants can be used safely during radiotherapy. The study found no significant difference in radiation skin dose absorbed by patients with or without antiperspirants.
A new CU Boulder study reveals that a protein called CPR-4 is responsible for the radiation-induced bystander effect, which can damage healthy cells. Researchers hope to develop a medication to inhibit this effect, allowing doctors to minimize side effects and enhance cancer cell killing.
Søren M. Bentzen and Louis B. Harrison have made significant contributions in clinical patient care, research, teaching, and service to the profession. Dr. Bentzen focuses on personalized medicine using big data to tailor treatments, while Dr. Harrison is a renaissance man of radiation oncology with varied accomplishments.
A phase III clinical trial shows that a single radiation treatment is as effective as a full week of radiation in relieving spinal cord compression symptoms. This breakthrough finding could help patients with advanced cancer spend more time focusing on the things they enjoy, without compromising care.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center developed a new technique for delivering stereotactic partial breast radiation, which was found to be as safe as traditional radiation while significantly reducing treatment time from six weeks to just five treatments delivered every other day. The study showed outstanding tumor control and...
A team of researchers at the University of Strathclyde has successfully created man-made space radiation in a laboratory setting using laser-plasma-based accelerators. This breakthrough could enable safer and more reliable space exploration by testing devices and equipment in controlled conditions on Earth.
A new study found that treating prostate cancer with a single high dose of precise radiation results in fewer hospital trips, lower toxicity, and improved quality of life compared to traditional treatments. Patients reported high satisfaction with the convenient outpatient procedure.
High tumor PD-L1 expression after radiation therapy is associated with increased risk of head and neck cancer recurrence in HPV-negative patients. Researchers identified PD-L1 as a biomarker of poor outcomes, suggesting that combining radiation and a PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor could improve survival rates.
A study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that patients with rectal cancer who undergo chemotherapy and radiation have excellent survival rates and low rates of cancer recurrence. These 'complete responders' may not benefit from surgery, raising questions about the safety of a watch-and-wait approach.
The new ASTRO clinical practice guideline provides recommendations for the management of oropharyngeal cancer, including optimal radiation dose and fractionation schedules, chemotherapy integration, and post-operative treatment. The guideline aims to improve treatment outcomes while minimizing long-term side effects.
A new study at the University of California found that assessing and comparing radiation doses across hospitals can lead to significantly lower doses for common CT scans. The project resulted in substantially lower radiation doses for chest and abdominal scans, as well as more consistent radiation doses for head scans.
A clinical trial found that brain and lung cancer patients can safely receive high doses of vitamin C, which increases sensitivity to radiation and chemotherapy. The study also showed that altered iron metabolism in cancer cells leads to increased death caused by vitamin C.
A Vanderbilt University study found that active surveillance is a viable option for low-risk prostate cancer patients, preserving quality of life without significant side effects. The treatment was associated with excellent three-year survival rates and comparable outcomes to traditional treatments.
A new Penn Medicine study finds that preventative brain radiation therapy can significantly improve overall survival for Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) patients. The research also reveals the most common genetic mutation in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is likely to progress at the primary site if left untreated.
A new standard of care has been established worldwide for treating prostate cancer, reducing treatment duration to four weeks without compromising outcomes. The trial found that this compressed regimen resulted in slightly fewer side effects and improved quality of life for participants.
A study published in the Journal of Oncology Practice found that over half of older women with early-stage breast cancer received more radiation therapy than necessary, adding to healthcare costs. The researchers estimate a potential savings of $164 million by reducing radiation therapy regimens from six weeks to four weeks.
Researchers found that a nearby galaxy's radiation could trigger the collapse of a host galaxy, allowing a massive black hole to form and grow rapidly. The study provides new insights into the formation of supermassive black holes in the infant universe.
Researchers developed patient-size based diagnostic reference levels and achievable doses for 10 common CT head, neck and body examinations. The study found that using national benchmarks can reduce overall radiation dose and encourage facilities to optimize protocols.
Researchers found that a shorter course of radiation therapy, known as moderate hypofractionation, is just as effective at treating prostate cancer while costing less. This approach can help patients recover more quickly and reduces the burden on treatment centers and payers.
Astronomers observe a dramatic change in the appearance of supermassive black hole in NGC 2617 galaxy, revealing previously hidden inner regions. Researchers believe rapid gas swallowing and intense radiation may be responsible for the transformation.
Researchers compared stereotactic radiosurgery to whole-brain radiation for metastatic brain tumors and found that targeted therapy reduces cognitive decline and increases median survival rate by 218 days
A study found that elderly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients experiencing definitive radiation had a lower incidence of esophagitis compared to younger patients. The study, published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, showed an inverse correlation between age and rate of esophagitis for both grade levels.
Dual-energy computed tomography angiography (DECT) shows moderate diagnostic accuracy and improves image quality compared to conventional CT angiography. DECT also significantly reduces contrast medium dose without compromising image quality.
Blocking inflammation after radiation therapy led to improved survival in a mouse model of pancreatic cancer. The study found that a form of inflammation triggered by the tumor in response to treatment helps keep tumor cells alive, and that blocking this inflammation can slow tumor growth and prolong survival.
A study published by University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that older women with breast cancer who underwent less radiation therapy reported improved cosmetic satisfaction. However, reduced radiation was also associated with a slightly increased risk of disease recurrence. The researchers suggest that there may be an opti...
A new study finds that women who have implant reconstruction following radiation therapy had more complications from the surgery and were less satisfied with the result. Autologous reconstruction showed similar results, regardless of radiation treatment. The study suggests alternative approaches for breast cancer patients
RK-33 reduces prostate cancer cell proliferation and increases sensitivity to radiation, offering a promising combination treatment for prostate cancer. The experimental drug has been shown to be effective in both laboratory cultures and animal models.
A study published in Gynecologic Oncology found that less than half of cervical cancer patients receive standard-of-care treatment, highlighting the need for improved access. Patients who received brachytherapy had better overall survival rates compared to those receiving only two components of SOC.
A Penn-led team has discovered how some intestinal cells can withstand chemotherapy and radiation, providing new insights into the regenerative capacity of these reserve stem cells. The study found that these cells are in a dormant state, protected from damage, but can be activated by RNA-binding proteins to proliferate.
Two researchers will receive funding to explore the use of smartphone-connected technology and wearables to predict radiation toxicity in lung cancer patients. A randomized trial will investigate whether a simple walking program can reduce treatment interruptions and improve outcomes among cancer patients undergoing concurrent chemothe...
The study found that surgery performed within 6-9 weeks after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (NCRT) correlates with increased risk of poor outcomes, including perioperative mortality and overall survival. In contrast, an optimal interval of less than 8 weeks is recommended to minimize risks associated with radiation pneumonitis.
A total of 820 Hip surgeries were performed, with the overall VTE incidence being 12.2%. The incidence was lower for PAO compared to SHF and THA/Revision THA. Chemoprophylaxis therapy showed effectiveness in reducing VTE incidence.
Researchers at Aalto University have developed a method to combine several small antenna elements into a single digitally controlled antenna, which speeds up data transfer and improves reception. This new technology has the potential to reach data transfer speeds 100-1000 times faster than current phones and improve battery life.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has selected four early career scientists to receive research awards totaling $275,000. The grants support work in radiation and cancer biology, physics, and translational research.
Researchers found that patients on active surveillance for low risk prostate cancer experienced similar health-related quality of life as men without the disease. The study suggests that conservative management can be a safe option, allowing clinicians to counsel patients effectively about potential outcomes.
This CVIA special issue explores the latest research and treatments for resistant hypertension, including renal denervation and percutaneous coronary intervention. The featured papers examine the role of radiation exposure in coronary interventional procedures and the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy after stenting.
A new study published in Radiology found that radiologists who graduated after 1940 do not face an increased risk of dying from radiation-related causes like cancer. The researchers attributed the reduction in health risks to improvements in radiation protection and monitoring, as well as advancements in equipment safety.
The study reveals that the internal structure of gallium nitride-based HEMTs is responsible for their high radiation tolerance. A piezoelectric field formed at the interface causes carriers to be reinjected into the two-dimensional electron gas, reducing the impact of radiation-induced defects.
A study found that surgeons who admit to bias towards their specialty increase patient trust and lead to more surgical treatments. Patients who hear this admission are nearly three times more likely to choose surgery, indicating a significant influence on patient decision-making.
Benedick A. Fraass, Christopher G. Willett, and Anthony L. Zietman have been named recipients of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Gold Medal for their outstanding contributions to radiation oncology. They were recognized for their achievements in clinical patient care, research, teaching, and service to the profession.
A new study finds that a shorter radiation course with higher doses per fraction is equivalent to a longer, lower-dose course in terms of cosmetic, functional, and pain outcomes. The results support the use of hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation as the preferred treatment for early-stage breast cancer patients.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have developed a new method to predict disease progression in glioblastoma patients. By analyzing four specific miRNAs, they can identify patients who are at high risk of poor treatment outcomes and may benefit from alternative or intensified treatments.
Researchers have developed a non-toxic transplantation procedure using antibodies to target blood stem cells, making it potentially safer and more effective than current methods. The new treatment removes nearly all blood stem cells, offering hope for patients with blood disorders like sickle cell anemia.
Researchers found that adding metformin to a chemotherapy and radiation treatment regimen for head and neck cancer patients showed improved outcomes, including better overall survival, compared to those not on metformin. However, faster escalation of metformin was poorly tolerated due to nausea, vomiting, and other side effects.
Researchers combine radiation treatments with new immunotherapies to target melanoma, showing synergistic effects that improve treatment outcomes. The combination of radiation and immunotherapy has been shown to increase one-year survival rates for patients with Stage 4 metastatic melanoma.
A new study suggests that conventional repeated radiation treatments for brain tumors may kill important support cells and cause more damage than single dose radiation therapy. This can lead to cognitive problems in patients after treatment.