International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Sep 2000
Concurrent radiation therapy and paclitaxel or docetaxel chemotherapy in high-risk breast cancer.
Evidence supports the inclusion of the taxanes in the treatment of breast cancer. A recent randomized trial has shown a survival advantage to the addition of paclitaxel in the adjuvant treatment of node-positive patients. Several studies have suggested diminished local control if adjuvant radiation is delayed, while in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated a benefit of concurrent administration of taxanes with radiation. For these reasons, we began in 1995 to administer radiation therapy concurrently with the taxanes in advanced breast cancer. This retrospective review examines the feasibility of such treatment. ⋯ Concurrent administration of both paclitaxel and docetaxel with radiation resulted in acceptable toxicity. Overall, the acute skin toxicity seen with docetaxel was more pronounced. However, among patients undergoing breast conservation the taxanes were both well tolerated. Further study is necessary to assess the impact of concurrent treatment on long-term outcome.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Sep 2000
Comparative StudyComparison of treatment plans involving intensity-modulated radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
To compare intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) treatment plans with conventional treatment plans for a case of locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. ⋯ Compared to conventional techniques, IMRT techniques provide improved tumor target coverage with significantly better sparing of sensitive normal tissue structures in the treatment of locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. With improvement of the delivery efficiency, IMRT should provide the optimal treatment for all nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Further studies are needed to establish the true clinical advantage of this new modality.