Articles related to RADIOTHERAPY

Explore the detailed findings of a recent study that highlights the impact of treatment interruptions on survival rates in triple-negative breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy.

Explore the intricacies of squamous-cell carcinoma of the skin treatment, from the role of adjuvant therapy to the importance of close clinical surveillance, particularly in immunosuppressed patients.

Explore the latest insights into the dental management of patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancers, particularly the challenges and strategies related to oral complications. Delve into the nuances of preventive care, restorative and rehabilitative management, and the role of research in shaping future practices.

FOLFOX vs. Chemoradiotherapy: A Comparative Study in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Treatment A recent study has shed light on the efficacy of neoadjuvant FOLFOX (fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin) as an alternative to chemoradiotherapy in treating locally advanced rectal cancer. The findings suggest a potential shift in the standard care approach. “In patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who were eligible for sphincter-sparing surgery, preoperative FOLFOX was noninferior to preoperative chemoradiotherapy with respect to disease-free survival.” PROSPECT ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01515787

Explore the role of androgen deprivation therapy in prostate cancer treatment and its impact on patient survival and oncologic benefits. The recent NRG Oncology/Radiation Therapy Oncology Group study offers fresh insights on androgen deprivation therapy in prostate cancer treatment. The researchers focused on patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. They used a sample of 1,492 patients, randomly assigned to receive either escalated radiation therapy alone, or combined with short-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Strikingly, the results didn’t point to a significant survival advantage. The five-year survival estimates were almost identical for both groups, at 90% and 91% respectively. Yet, when it comes to oncologic benefits, adding short-term ADT had a substantial impact. Importantly, this therapy reduced the risk for PSA relapse, distant metastasis, and prostate cancer-specific mortality by 48%, 75%, and 90% respectively. Also, patients on ADT exhibited a 38% lower risk of requiring salvage ADT. However, physicians need to be aware of the potential drawbacks. The study observed that the adverse event rates were notably higher with ADT use, at 69% compared to 21% for radiation therapy alone. Indeed, 12% of the ADT group experienced acute grade 3 or higher adverse events, compared to just 2% of the radiation-only group. […]

The Evolution of Radiation Therapy Explore the evolution of radiation therapy with Dr. Heath Skinner and understand the advancements in 3DCRT, IMRT/VMAT, proton therapy, stereotactic radiation, and brachytherapy. Dr. Heath D. Skinner, esteemed chair and medical director of the Department of Radiation Oncology at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, delves into the dynamic and transformative world of radiation oncology in this enlightening Continuing Medical Education (CME) activity. A noted specialist in the treatment of head, neck, and lung cancer, Dr. Skinner’s commitment to advancing clinical research underscores his discussions, which aim to educate and inform on the significant advancements in radiation therapy over recent decades. The CME activity is designed as a comprehensive examination of the evolution of radiation therapy. Dr. Skinner outlines a clear trajectory of progress, highlighting the development from conventional three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) to more sophisticated techniques such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy/volumetric-modulated arc therapy (IMRT/VMAT), and further to the precision of proton therapy. These techniques, each with unique advantages, have shaped modern oncology practices and offer promising improvements in patient outcomes. Further delving into the field, Dr. Skinner also elucidates the intricacies of stereotactic radiation and brachytherapy as additional pillars in the modern cancer treatment paradigm. […]