Researchers found that pretreatment interstitial lung disease significantly increases the risk of developing symptomatic and severe radiation pneumonitis in stage I non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy. The study's results suggest that clinicians should be cautious when considering SBRT f...
A new study found that chest radiation in childhood cancer patients increases their risk of developing breast cancer later in life. Nearly 20% of female survivors who received chest radiation developed breast cancer by age 40 compared to 0.3% of those who did not receive radiation.
A simple test called transcutaneous oximetry may predict which patients are most likely to experience wound-healing complications after surgery. Patients with lower oxygen levels before surgery were more likely to develop complications, highlighting the potential tool as a means of taking extra precautions.
A new biomarker, CLIP2, has been discovered that distinguishes between radiation-induced and sporadic thyroid carcinomas. The marker increases in both genetic activity and protein expression after radiation exposure.
A study found that combining chemotherapy and stereotactic ablative radiation (SABR) may be an effective treatment option for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. After undergoing this treatment, nearly 90% of patients were able to undergo surgery, resulting in a high success rate.
Researchers analyzed data from over 17,000 surveys to track changes in urinary and sexual symptoms following various prostate cancer treatments. The study found that certain treatments, such as surgery and low-dose rate brachytherapy (LDR), may cause temporary increases in symptoms, while others, like intensity modulated radiation ther...
A study of 91 prostate cancer patients found that vessel-sparing radiation therapy preserves sexual function without compromising cure rates. Patients who received combination EBRT and brachytherapy reported improved sexual function at five years post-treatment.
The Edge Radiosurgery Suite provides sub-millimeter accuracy with extreme precision in targeting cancer tumors. The study demonstrates its high accuracy, outperforming robot- or frame-based radiosurgery systems, making it a highly effective treatment option for patients.
A phase I/II trial of hypofractionated radiation therapy found that prostate cancer patients reported similar quality of life, bladder and bowel function before and after treatment. The study's results also indicated that different regimens of hypofractionated RT produced similar outcomes in terms of patient-reported quality of life.
Charlie Ma, Ph.D., a Professor and Director of Medical Physics at Fox Chase Cancer Center, has been selected as an ASTRO Fellow. He is recognized for his contributions to the field of radiation oncology, including research, education, and patient care.
Researchers found that radiation oncologists are using fewer or less-aggressive radiation procedures on elderly women with early-stage breast cancer. The study confirms that radiation oncologists are successfully balancing patients' needs with the cost of providing healthcare.
A study in mice implanted with breast and melanoma cancers found that combining radiation therapy with a checkpoint inhibitor increases antitumor responses from the immune system. The combination also enhances memory T-cells, which retain memory of the tumor and can attack it long after treatment.
A study of over 41,000 patients with stage I and II Hodgkin's Disease found that those receiving consolidated radiation therapy had a higher 10-year survival rate of 84 percent compared to 76 percent for non-RT recipients. The data also showed a decrease in RT utilization, highlighting ongoing disparities in treatment.
Researchers from Montefiore and Einstein present findings on radiation therapy duration, dosing recommendations, and predictive indicators for clinical outcomes in locally-advanced cancers. The studies focus on improving personalized cancer care and overcoming treatment barriers.
A new breast cancer radiation trial offers once-weekly regimens with no adverse effects, resulting in better completion rates and lowered costs. The study found that this approach allows for more convenience and choice for patients, improving their ability to complete treatment, while reducing costs by up to 50-60%.
A study found a substantial increase in double mastectomy use among California women with early-stage breast cancer between 1998 and 2011. Despite the procedure's lack of association with lower mortality rates compared to breast-conserving surgery plus radiation, its higher risk of death was noted.
Manchester scientists have developed a method to personalize and increase radiotherapy doses for lung cancer patients, potentially improving local control and survival rates. The technique uses intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) to minimize harm to healthy tissue.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has awarded a total of $35,500 in individual grants to 43 researchers presenting at the 2014 Annual Meeting. The awards recognize top radiation oncology research from around the world and provide insight into significant advances in technology and biology.
Seven physicians receive funding to advance radiation oncology research, including studies on cancer biology, physics, and treatment outcomes. Recipients will focus on improving radiation therapy and enhancing patient care.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are developing a combined investigational treatment for locally advanced pancreatic cancer, combining radiation with chemotherapy and a PARP inhibitor. The study aims to identify patient biomarkers that can provide clues into individual treatment response and improve survival rates.
The Mayo Clinic is leading a collaborative effort to standardize safe imaging protocols for children, proposing three child-centered measures for accreditation: The Right Exam, The Right Way, and The Right Radiation Dose. These protocols aim to reduce harm and improve the quality of care for pediatric patients.
Researchers at Kyoto University found that the universe's radiation S reaches its maximum around the observed Higgs expectation value of 246 GeV. The study suggests that this could be evidence of the Big Fix, where Standard Model parameters are naturally fixed to achieve optimal results.
A recent study published in Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography found that advanced CT scanning equipment significantly reduces patient radiation exposure. The use of newer generation, dual-source CT scanners resulted in a 61% decrease in radiation exposure compared to older scanners.
ASTRO Gold Medal winners Mary K. Gospodarowicz, Leonard L. Gunderson, and Nancy J. Tarbell will receive the award for their outstanding work in research, clinical care, teaching, and service. They have made significant contributions to advancing radiation oncology, improving patient outcomes, and promoting global health.
A study by Weizmann Institute researchers found that human activities have altered the types of clouds over pristine ocean areas, leading to increased cloud height and rainfall. The team's model accurately predicted these changes using satellite images and aerosol data, suggesting a significant impact on global climate patterns.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have successfully treated patients with recurrent lung cancers using a second course of radiation therapy, achieving a cure rate of over 70%. The innovative treatment approach uses precise targeting and high doses to knock the cancer back, offering new hope for these patients.
Adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction technique (ASIR) lowers estimated radiation doses for pediatric brain CT exams compared to traditional methods. The study found significant reductions in brain and salivary gland doses, but no differences in thyroid gland, skeleton, or eye lens doses.
Research conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital found that iterative reconstruction techniques enabled a 50% reduction in radiation dose for abdominal CT exams. This technology simplifies quality and safety assurance in busy practices with diverse CT equipment and remote scanner locations.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has issued a new guideline detailing the use of adjuvant radiation therapy in treating endometrial cancer. The guideline recommends postoperative external beam radiation for patients with early-stage disease, and vaginal cuff brachytherapy for those at high risk of vaginal recurrence.
Researchers found that women treated with radiation for cervical cancer were at higher risk of developing colon and rectal cancers, with some cases appearing up to 35 years after initial diagnosis. The study suggests new screening guidelines for young survivors, starting eight years after diagnosis.
A study of 305 patients undergoing radiation treatment found that playing an active role in their treatment decisions improved patient satisfaction. Patients who experienced shared decision making or perceived control over their treatments were more satisfied and reported lower levels of anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
A study found that permanent brachytherapy preserves erectile function in approximately 50% of prostate cancer patients, improving treatment outcomes. Researchers call for further training on discussing and assessing sexual side-effects of radiation treatment to ensure adequate patient information.
The Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology honored researchers Eliseo Vano and Marwan Moussa for their contributions to radiation safety and chemotherapy delivery. The SIR Foundation awards recognize excellence in published clinical and laboratory investigations, advancing scientific knowledge and improving patient care.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that the investigational cancer vaccine tecemotide, when administered with cisplatin, boosted immune response and reduced the number of tumors in mice with lung cancer. The vaccine also increased interferon gamma levels and stimulated production of killer T-lymphocytes.
The ASTRO white paper recommends specific guidance for high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy to improve patient safety and quality. The manuscript highlights the need for a quality management program, including checklists and forms, as well as multidisciplinary treatment team coordination.
A special issue of JACR explores improving CT exam safety through radiation dose optimization, considering factors like patient size and communication with pediatric patients. The issue includes articles discussing CT protocol review, decision support tools, and educational simulations to enhance optimization techniques.
A study found that breast reconstruction rates have increased significantly since 1998, with a six-fold increase in bilateral mastectomies and three-quarters of women receiving reconstruction. However, radiation therapy is less likely to be followed by reconstruction, raising concerns about the impact on patient outcomes.
A thin transparent silicone dressing applied from day one can prevent severe skin reactions during radiation therapy, according to New Zealand research. The dressings create a protective environment for skin stem cells to heal from radiation damage.
The new guideline aims to reduce unnecessary re-excision rates by identifying optimal margin widths that minimize ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence. Wider margin widths do not significantly lower the risk, and the choice of radiation technique should not depend on margin width.
A large-scale study found that almost 90 percent of children with low-grade gliomas are alive 20 years after treatment, with a significant difference in survival rates between those who received and did not receive radiation. The study highlights the importance of reducing long-term toxicity risk when treating these tumors.
Researchers have successfully used the Cherenkov effect to capture and visualize radiation beams entering or exiting the human body. This breakthrough technology enables doctors to see the dose of radiation to the skin and detect errors in dosage, potentially reducing side effects like skin reactions during breast cancer treatment.
A study suggests that moderate doses of radiation therapy to the unaffected breast can kill premalignant cells and reduce the risk of second breast cancers. The treatment could prevent tens of thousands of cases, according to researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
Patients with head and neck cancers who received IMRT experienced improved outcomes, including a statistically significant improvement in cause-specific survival compared to those treated with conventional therapy. The study found that IMRT reduced treatment-related side effects while delivering effective cancer treatment.
A new radiotherapy technique uses a computer-controlled table to deliver high doses of radiation to tumors quickly and precisely, while sparing vulnerable organs. Researchers found that this method can substantially reduce the amount of radiation delivered to healthy tissue in patients with various types of cancer.
A new study suggests that treatment of pelvic nodes individualized by including sentinel nodes can be easily integrated into an IMRT-based strategy, correctly covering individual pelvic nodes without nodal recurrence. The study's findings indicate low toxicity and efficacy, justifying further evaluation.
A study published in Physics in Medicine and Biology found that endorectal balloon placement errors can reduce radiation dose coverage, leading to uneven targeting of cancerous areas. Image guidance is crucial to ensure accurate prostate positioning.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology found that non-radiologists are increasingly performing ultrasound-guided invasive procedures. The study highlights the growing role of non-radiologists in these procedures, with significant increases noted between 2004 and 2010.
A study of 48 patients found higher coronary risks associated with left-sided radiation and supine body position. Targeting baseline cardiac risk factors may reduce radiotherapy-induced heart disease risks.
Researchers have devised a model of DNA's close environment under threat from low-energy electrons, revealing their effects on DNA in natural conditions. The study aims to improve current uses of radiation, such as in cancer treatments and diagnostic procedures.
Researchers at Princeton University discovered nearly straight paths in quantum control landscapes, allowing for more efficient manipulation of atoms and molecules. This breakthrough could lead to improved measurements and design of quantum systems, including quantum computers.
A recent study found that resveratrol makes tumor cells more susceptible to radiation treatment, with a 65% success rate compared to 44% when used alone. The compound may be effective in treating symptomatic metastatic tumors, such as melanoma and prostate cancer.
Researchers found that African elephants can use human pointing cues to find hidden food, demonstrating an understanding of this complex gesture. This study reveals that the ability to understand pointing is not unique to humans but has evolved in a lineage of animals.
A study found that single-fraction radiotherapy, given in one session, is as effective as multiple-fraction treatment but has lower costs. Patients who received single-fraction treatment had poorer prognoses, but it offers benefits for patient-centric palliative care.
A new process called 'Smart Rounds' optimizes the safety and efficacy of radiation therapy by formalizing multidisciplinary reviews at the beginning of treatment planning. This leads to safer, more individualized radiation treatment plans and better utilization of medical resources.
A new study presented at ASTRO's Annual Meeting has identified the Common-Terminology-Criteria-for-Adverse Events (CTCAE) scale as a reliable method for assessing patient reactions to radiation therapy. The study found that using this standardized scale improved consistency among caregivers, enabling more uniform and effective care.
Radiation oncologists face higher workloads and decreased confidence when treating unfamiliar cases, as shown in a UNC study. The researchers used NASA-TLX to measure perceived workload and found that performance decreased with longer completion times.
Jean B. Owen, PhD, receives the highest honor from ASTRO for her extensive work in establishing and analyzing benchmarks for optimal care in radiation oncology. Her contributions include developing clinical performance measures and survey processes to improve quality of care nationwide.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that brachytherapy was associated with better cause-specific survival and overall survival in women with cervical cancer. The treatment's decline in the US may be related to increased adoption of alternative techniques.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has selected 10 outstanding members to receive the Fellow of ASTRO designation. These distinguished individuals have made substantial contributions to the field of radiation oncology through research, education, patient care, and leadership.
Researchers at University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center discovered that an inflammatory protein converts glioblastoma cells into their most aggressive form, leading to radiation resistance and reducing treatment effectiveness. Blocking the inflammatory response may improve outcomes for patients.