Radiotherapy and oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Double-blind randomized phase II study of hyperbaric oxygen in patients with radiation-induced brachial plexopathy.
Radiation-induced brachial plexopathy (RIBP) is an untreatable complication of curative radiotherapy for early breast cancer, characterized by chronic neuropathic pain and limb paralysis. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy is known to promote healing of tissue rendered ischaemic by radiotherapy, but is untested in RIBP. ⋯ Pre-treatment neurophysiological tests were grossly abnormal in the affected hand compared to the unaffected hand in both HBO2 and control groups, as expected, but no statistically significant differences were noted in either group at any time up to 12 months post-treatment. However, normalization of the warm sensory threshold in two of the HBO2 group was reliably recorded. Two cases with marked chronic arm lymphoedema reported major and persistent improvements in arm volume for at least 12 months after treatment with HBO2. IINTERPRETATION: There is no reliable evidence to support the hypothesis that HBO2 therapy slows or reverses RIBP in a substantial proportion of affected individuals, although improvements in warm sensory threshold offer some suggestion of therapeutic effect. Improvement in long-standing arm lymphoedema was not anticipated, and justifies further investigation.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Continuous hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy with/without mitomycin C in head and neck cancers.
Radiation therapy is often the primary treatment for advanced cases of head and neck cancers not considered suitable for radical surgery. In these cases locoregional tumour control rates are low and has warranted innovative treatment modifications, such as altered fractionation schedules and combination with chemotherapy. ⋯ Following shortening overall treatment time from 7 weeks to 17 consecutive days and dose of radiotherapy from 70 to 55.3 Gy the results in the radiotherapy only treated patients are identical. A significant improvement regarding local tumour control and survival was seen following administration of MMC to the accelerated fractionated treatment.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Myocardial perfusion imaging in breast cancer patients treated with or without post-mastectomy radiotherapy.
To assess the occurrence and location of myocardial perfusion defects in left-sided mastectomized breast cancer patients, treated with or without postoperative radiotherapy according to the guidelines from the Danish Breast Cancer Cooperative Group (DBCG). ⋯ This study does not indicate that the described radiotherapy technique induces detectable coronary artery disease. However, the small number of patients does not allow strong conclusions to be drawn.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
The effect of a single fraction compared to multiple fractions on painful bone metastases: a global analysis of the Dutch Bone Metastasis Study.
To answer the question whether a single fraction of radiotherapy that is considered more convenient to the patient is as effective as a dose of multiple fractions for palliation of painful bone metastases. ⋯ The global analysis of the Dutch study indicates the equality of a single fraction as compared to a 6 fraction treatment in patients with painful bone metastases provided that 4 times more retreatments are accepted in the single dose group. This equality is also shown in long term survivors. A more detailed analysis of the study is in progress.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
8 Gy single fraction radiotherapy for the treatment of metastatic skeletal pain: randomised comparison with a multifraction schedule over 12 months of patient follow-up. Bone Pain Trial Working Party.
To compare a single fraction of 8 Gy with a course of multifraction radiotherapy in terms of long-term benefits and short-term side effects in patients with painful skeletal metastases. ⋯ A single fraction of 8 Gy is as safe and effective as a multifraction regimen for the palliation of metastatic bone pain for at least 12 months. The greater convenience and lower cost make 8 Gy single fraction the treatment of choice for the majority of patients.