Articles tagged with Radiation
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.
Researchers developed a new approach to prostate cancer treatment using vessel-sparing radiation combined with MRI. The technique reduces side effects such as erectile dysfunction and bladder or rectal irritation while achieving high cure rates.
A new bone marrow-on-a-chip device mimics living bone marrow's response to radiation exposure and treatment, enabling the testing of experimental drugs. This innovation holds promise for improving radiation countermeasures.
A five-year study shows that Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) offers a higher cure rate than traditional approaches, with a 98.6% cure rate for prostate cancer patients. The treatment involves high-dose radiation beams delivered in just five treatments, resulting in fewer side effects and quicker recovery times.
The study reveals that carnivore populations thrive in areas with preferred habitat and food sources, contradicting expectations of radioactive contamination. The camera survey captured 14 species, including gray wolves and raccoon dogs, which were more likely to be found in highly contaminated but suitable habitats.
Patients with grade 2 gliomas treated with radiation therapy plus chemotherapy had a better overall survival of 13.3 years compared to 7.8 years without chemotherapy. The study also found that patients with IDH1 mutation had significantly better overall survival regardless of treatment.
Researchers found that microvesicle injections restored cognitive function and protected neurons in rats without adverse side effects. Microvesicles isolated from human neural stem cells were used instead of traditional stem cells to reduce risks such as immunorejection and tumor growth.
Researchers at EPFL developed a microchip using graphene that can filter out unwanted radiation, ensuring data integrity. The discovery could lead to faster data uploads and improved wireless communication in the Terahertz frequency band.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Oncology found that increasing radiation doses for patients with non-metastatic prostate cancer does not improve long-term outcomes. The study analyzed data from 12 randomized controlled trials and found no association between higher doses and improved survival rates.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that patients with high-risk prostate cancer who received radiation treatment at a facility with higher volumes performed better than those treated at lower-volume facilities. The study analyzed data from 19,565 patients and found improved 7-year overall survival rates.
Researchers found that radiation treatment killed 95% of breast cancer cells when delivered during a peak in p53 production, but only 20% when applied during an oscillatory phase. The study suggests that timing may be crucial in understanding the effectiveness of anticancer treatments.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that adult survivors of childhood brain tumors exhibit significant cognitive deficits in intelligence, educational achievement, and employment. The study also showed that hydrocephalus is associated with poor cognitive function, even decades after treatment.
Researchers at NYU Langone developed an antiscarring paste that inhibits fibrosis caused by radiation therapy in mice. The study suggests the use of A2A receptor blockers as a potential therapeutic approach to prevent scarring and fibrosis in cancer patients.
A new template published by ASTRO streamlines post-treatment care for cancer survivors, facilitating consistency and reducing provider burden. The template includes elements required by CoC accreditation requirements, coordinating care among primary care providers, radiation specialists, and patients.
Researchers have successfully implemented time-of-flight PET scanning technology, reducing the radiation dose for cancer patients and staff by up to 30%. This has allowed an additional 100 scans per year at Central Manchester University Hospitals.
A shortened radiotherapy schedule has been shown to have similar efficacy as a conventional course in treating low-risk prostate cancer. The study found that patients treated with the shorter schedule experienced no significant decrease in cancer control compared to those treated with the longer conventional schedule.
A study published by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) reduced severe pneumonitis and improved chemotherapy tolerance in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer compared to conventional radiation therapy.
A study of 47,000 patients found that nearly a third received more than 25 radiation treatments, despite guidelines recommending no more than 15. Privately insured patients were 40% more likely to be overtreated, highlighting the need for education and financial transparency.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has awarded a total of $33,500 to 41 researchers for their outstanding contributions to the field of radiation oncology. The awards recognize top-rated abstracts presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting, with recipients receiving cash honors and complimentary registration.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has selected seven leading physician-researchers to receive a total of $675,000 in awards and grants to advance radiation oncology research. The recipients will support studies in radiation and cancer biology, as well as outcomes/health services research within radiation oncology.
Physicists suggest detecting dark matter through radiation signals created by particle collisions, increasing chances of detection in underground detectors and specific areas in space. The current satellite-based experiments may have been searching for the wrong signals.
Women with early-stage breast cancer who receive a shorter course of whole breast radiation therapy experience less toxicity and improved quality of life compared to those who undergo a longer course of treatment. The study suggests that hypofractionated treatment should be considered as a starting point for discussion between patients...
Researchers at the University of North Carolina have discovered a rare type of stem cell that is immune to radiation damage due to high levels of Sox9. This finding could lead to new ways to protect the gastrointestinal system of cancer patients before treatment, allowing for more aggressive treatments to be used.
A new study found that increased radiation dose offers no survival benefit for patients with low-risk prostate cancer. In contrast, men with medium- and high-risk cancers saw improved survival rates with higher doses.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has launched a new open-access journal, Advances in Radiation Oncology, with Founding Editor Robert C. Miller, M.D. The journal will publish original research on novel retrospectives and hypothesis-generating series, with a focus on practice transformation.
Researchers at Tufts University have observed individual atoms of iodine-125 decay and transform into tellurium-125 using a scanning tunneling microscope. The gold-bonded isotopes emit six times more low-energy electrons, which could destroy tumor DNA without affecting healthy tissue.
Researchers found that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is safe and as effective as standard radiation treatment for certain patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. SBRT delivers high doses of radiation in a short period, resulting in reduced pain and improved quality of life. The treatment also allowed some patient...
A novel blood test can rapidly predict the severity of radiation injury, enabling timely medical intervention and improving overall survival. The test uses microRNA biomarkers to determine the functional impact of radiation on bone marrow and other organs.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has issued a new guideline on definitive and adjuvant radiotherapy in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer, citing 35 years of data to guide current treatment and future research. The guideline recommends RT as the ideal treatment for patients with locally advanced NSCLC.
Researchers have successfully detected cyclotron radiation from single electrons, a phenomenon predicted in 1904, and developed a new method to measure the energy of electrons. This technique has the potential to determine the mass of neutrinos, which are essential for understanding the universe's large-scale structure.
A population-based study found brachytherapy with external beam radiation improved overall survival by 13% for women with inoperable stage 1 endometrial cancer. Brachytherapy was also associated with lower deaths from endometrial cancer after three years.
A study of combined intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy for cervical cancer treatment found that the technique delivers higher radiation doses to tumors without increasing treatment-related problems. The method successfully targets the tumor while avoiding other organs, leading to a better chance of cure.
A protocol developed by radiologists significantly reduced CT misadministration at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center from 18 instances to zero in just 10 months. The best practices protocol included assessment levels such as reverification checklists and individual accountability.
Research finds that thinner slice thicknesses of 0.5-1 mm can accurately measure coronary artery calcium with isotropic data acquisition at the same radiation dose. This method reduces inaccuracies caused by partial volume averaging errors found in standard 3 mm slices.
Recent studies show that bird populations are declining in Fukushima, with dramatic decreases in species and numbers, despite a decrease in background radiation levels. The research suggests that exposure to radiation is causing toxic effects, leading to impaired DNA repair capabilities in migratory birds.
Researchers have developed a method to increase radiation's effectiveness in killing cancer cells by using gold nanoparticles tethered to acid-seeking compounds. The approach, published in PNAS, shows promising results and may improve radiation treatment for cancer patients.
New research shows that black holes do not erase information, but rather preserve it through the interactions of particles emitted by the black hole. This discovery challenges the long-standing 'information loss paradox' in physics.
A new engineered protein-based medicine has been shown to overcome radiation resistance in leukemia by selectively binding to leukemia cells and amplifying the potency of radiation therapy. In mouse models, this precision medicine improved survival rates in aggressive human leukemia with minimal side effects.
Researchers found delayed radiation therapy offers no protective benefit and may increase risk of complications, contradicting the long-held view. Adjuvant therapy soon after prostate removal is effective in curing patients with low-grade disease.
Researchers found that combining radiation with ipilimumab shrank tumors in some patients. The team also identified the PD-L1 pathway as a mechanism of resistance, suggesting an ideal third treatment to improve response and immunity.
Scientists at MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered a key DNA pathway that allows certain brain cancers to resist standard treatments. The study found that activation of this pathway leads to enhanced survival of tumor cells and increased DNA repair, contributing to treatment resistance.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that frequent radiation exposure and heavy protective gear are associated with increased musculoskeletal pain among technicians and nurses. Researchers recommend improving ergonomic evaluations and rotation to mitigate these effects.
A 2013 survey of radiation oncologists found that peer review is a common practice in medicine, but there is wide variation in its performance. Seventy-eight percent of respondents reported being involved in peer review, and 74% expressed interest in formal guidelines to improve the process.
Women undergoing left-side breast cancer radiation therapy can reduce heart exposure by holding their breath, resulting in a 90% disease-free survival rate and a median reduction of 62% in radiation dose. The breath-hold technique also shows a lower risk of ischemic heart disease after 8 years.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study reveals that reprogramming damaged stem cells can prevent cancer after full-body radiation. The research suggests that genetic inhibition of the C/EBPA gene allows healthy stem cells to dominate the blood cell production system, reducing the risk of leukemia.
A study found that radiologist recommendations for chest computed tomography (CT) after abnormal chest X-rays have a high clinical yield, with 41.4% of recommended exams detecting cancer or other abnormalities requiring treatment.
A study published in JAMA found that many breast cancer surgery patients do not receive shorter radiation treatment, despite guidelines recommending it for selected patients. Hypofractionated WBI has been shown to be equally effective as conventional WBI but with lower health care costs and reduced treatment burden.
A new study reveals that two-thirds of women treated for early-stage breast cancer in the US receive longer radiation therapy than necessary, despite multiple randomized trials and professional society guidelines showing that hypofractionated radiation is clinically effective and less costly.
A new analysis found that nearly two-thirds of elderly women with early stage breast cancer continue to receive radiation therapy despite clinical trial data suggesting it may not be effective. The findings highlight the challenges in implementing clinical trial results into practice patterns, particularly due to concerns about long-te...
Researchers developed a device to display average pressure during compression, reducing pain and variability associated with current force-based protocol. The study found that standardizing pressure, not force, leads to more comfortable mammography without sacrificing image quality.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a compact terahertz radiation source that operates at room temperature, offering improved security detection capabilities. The device has a wide frequency coverage and can detect explosives, chemical agents, and biological substances from safe distances.
The STING pathway plays a crucial role in detecting tumor cells and promoting an aggressive anti-tumor response. Activating the pathway triggers production of chemical signals that help the immune system identify tumor cells and generate killer T cells.
A team of researchers reveals that dendritic cells activate killer T cells through a protein named STING, which links DNA damage to interferon-β production. This suggests novel strategies for boosting radiotherapy effectiveness and combining it with immune system therapies.
African Americans and Hispanics are less likely to receive effective radiation therapy for early-stage lung cancer, according to a study. The study highlights significant disparities in treatment options based on hospital type and insurance status.
Researchers developed an anti-cancer drug that protects normal cells from radiation damage while sparing cancer cells. The compound, RTA 408, increases the effectiveness of radiation therapy in prostate cancer models and has potential applications for treating accidental radiation exposure.