International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jun 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical TrialPhase II multicenter randomized study of amifostine for prevention of acute radiation rectal toxicity: topical intrarectal versus subcutaneous application.
To investigate the cytoprotective effect of subcutaneous vs. intrarectal administration of amifostine against acute radiation toxicity. ⋯ Intrarectal administration of amifostine (1,500 mg) seemed to have a cytoprotective efficacy in acute radiation rectal mucositis but was inferior to subcutaneous administration in terms of urinary toxicity. Additional randomized studies are needed for definitive decisions concerning the cytoprotection of pelvic irradiated areas.
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Maintenance of Certification (MOC) recognizes that in addition to medical knowledge, several essential elements involved in delivering quality care must be developed and maintained throughout one's career. The MOC process is designed to facilitate and document professional development of American Board of Radiology (ABR) diplomates in the essential elements of quality care in Radiation Oncology and Radiologic Physics. ABR MOC has been developed in accord with guidelines of the American Board of Medical Specialties. ⋯ Maintenance of Certification is based on documentation of participation in the four components of MOC: (1) professional standing, (2) lifelong learning and self-assessment, (3) cognitive expertise, and (4) performance in practice. Through these components, MOC addresses six competencies-medical knowledge, patient care, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, practice-based learning and improvement, and systems-based practice. Details of requirements for components 1, 2, and 3 of MOC are outlined along with aspects of the fourth component currently under development.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jun 2005
Surface optimization technique for MammoSite breast brachytherapy applicator.
We present a technique to optimize the dwell times and positions of a high-dose-rate (192)Ir source using the MammoSite breast brachytherapy applicator. The surface optimization method used multiple dwell positions and optimization points to conform the 100% isodose line to the surface of the planning target volume (PTV). ⋯ The surface technique provided greater coverage of the PTV than did the single- and six-point methods. Using the FWHM method, the surface, single-, and six-point techniques resulted in equivalent dose homogeneity.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jun 2005
Comparative Study Clinical TrialDose heterogeneity in the target volume and intensity-modulated radiotherapy to escalate the dose in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer.
To quantify the dose escalation achievable in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by allowing dose heterogeneity in the target volume or using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), or both. ⋯ The dose in NSCLC treatments can be escalated by loosening the constraints on maximum dose in the target volume or using IMRT, or both. For large and concave tumors, an average dose escalation of 6% and 17% was possible when dose heterogeneity and IMRT were applied alone. When they were combined, the average dose increase was as high as 35%. Intensity-modulated RT delivered in a static mode can produce homogeneous dose distributions in the target and does not lead to an increase of lung volume receiving (very) low doses, even down to 5 Gy.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jun 2005
Predictors of locoregional recurrence in patients with locally advanced breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, mastectomy, and radiotherapy.
To identify the clinical and pathologic factors predictive of locoregional recurrence (LRR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, mastectomy, and radiotherapy. ⋯ Although the long-term rate of LRR after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, mastectomy, and radiotherapy is low, we identified a number of factors that correlated independently with greater rates of LRR. Patients with three or more of these factors may benefit from research protocols investigating alternative treatment strategies.