Articles tagged with Radiation
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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.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) awarded a total of $34,500 to 42 researchers selected for the 2013 Annual Meeting Abstract Awards. The awards recognized outstanding abstracts in seven categories and honored top-rated research in radiation and cancer biology, clinical practice, and radiation physics.
The Mobile Radiation Detection and Identification System (MRDIS) enables scanning of transshipped containers, making it difficult for terrorists to smuggle radioactive materials. Eight MRDIS units have been deployed worldwide, with plans to expand to two international airports next year.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that neural stem cells can resist radiation and regenerate after damage, potentially restoring lost function in brain cancer patients and individuals with conditions like MS and PD. The findings may lead to new treatments for brain trauma and strokes.
A study published in Magnetic Resonance in Medicine found that tumors with low oxygen levels are more responsive to radiation therapy when exposed to oxygen. This approach may lead to personalized therapies and fewer radiation treatments for patients with hypoxic tumors.
The GammaPod uses tens of thousands of beams of radiation to focus on tumors with pinpoint accuracy, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Clinical trials are underway to test the device's effectiveness as an alternative to invasive surgery and traditional radiation therapies.
A new biodegradable implant has shown potential to significantly reduce rectal injury in prostate cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. The BioProtect Balloon Implant increased the space between the prostate and rectum, reducing radiation exposure by an average of 30%.
A phase II clinical trial identified patients with HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer who may not require full radiation doses. Most patients tolerated the treatment with low incidence of high-grade side effects, but larger tumors and heavy smoking history predicted worse outcomes.
A study found that radiation oncology received only 1.6% of the $30.9 billion in NIH-funded grants for cancer research in FY 2013. This disparity highlights an urgent need for increased funding to improve patient survival and treatment outcomes.
A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that digital chest tomosynthesis (DT) holds promise as a first-line lung cancer screening tool. DT improved sensitivity in detecting lung nodules compared to conventional chest radiography, while providing lower costs and radiation dosages.
A study of young Australians found a small increase in cancer risk after receiving CT scans, particularly at younger ages. The risk increased with the number of scans, but the benefits of early diagnosis and monitoring largely outweigh the risks.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) may not be more effective than conformal radiation therapy (CRT) after prostatectomy. The study compared outcomes of 457 IMRT and 557 CRT patients treated between 2002 and 2007, showing no significant difference in long-term side ...
A new tool, the DCIS Score, complements traditional factors to predict IBE risk in women with DCIS treated without radiation. The score helps guide personalized treatment decisions.
A team of researchers has developed a method using black holes to measure the universe's rate of expansion with high accuracy. The method uses radiation emitted by material surrounding black holes, allowing for distance measurements of billions of light years and providing insights into the universe's past.
Researchers found that sparing the contralateral submandibular gland reduced symptoms of dry mouth in patients with head and neck cancers. The study suggests a recommended maximum dose of 40 Gy for the gland, leading to improved patient outcomes.
New research shows that mathematical prediction models, not doctors, are better at predicting the outcomes and responses of lung cancer patients to treatment. The models use information from previous patients to create a statistical formula that can be used to predict patient survival and response to treatment.
The new ASTRO white paper recommends 10 fundamental elements for safe and effective IGRT practices, including establishing a multi-professional team and performing end-to-end testing for new procedures. The paper aims to improve the safety and effectiveness of image-guided radiation therapy in radiation oncology.
Researchers found a 23% total radiation dose reduction in abdominal CT exams using iterative reconstruction and longitudinal dose modulation. This translates to between 1,000 and 3,000 fewer radiation-induced cancers annually, based on Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivor assumptions.
A new algorithm optimizes tube potential for patients undergoing lumbar spine CT exams, resulting in a 41% reduction in radiation dose. The study found that lower kilovoltage images maintained diagnostic quality despite increased image noise.
Cleveland Clinic researchers find that patients with prior chest radiation are nearly twice as likely to die in the years following their heart surgery compared to similar patients who did not undergo radiation treatment. Radiation heart disease can cause coronary artery disease, valve disease, cardiomyopathy, and other cardiac problems.
A new study has created a 'toxicity map' of the brain to help protect cognitive function in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. The map relates treatment dose to brain function, shedding light on the impact of radiation on cognitive performance.