Practical radiation oncology
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This study aimed to determine the pain response rates after conventional radiation therapy (RT) for painful bone metastases in prospective nonrandomized studies, which better reflect daily practice than randomized controlled trials. ⋯ We determined the pain response rates after conventional RT for painful bone metastases in prospective nonrandomized studies. The present review may provide benchmarks for future nonrandomized studies that investigate palliative RT for bone metastases.
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Controversy exists regarding the optimal negative margin width for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) treated with breast-conserving surgery and whole-breast irradiation. ⋯ Use of a 2-mm margin as the standard for an adequate margin in DCIS treated with whole-breast irradiation is associated with lower rates of IBTR and has the potential to decrease re-excision rates, improve cosmetic outcomes, and decrease health care costs. Clinical judgment should be used in determining the need for further surgery in patients with negative margins narrower than 2 mm.
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Complications of anesthesia for pediatric radiation therapy are imperative for both radiation oncologists and anesthesiologists to clinically assess and manage. We performed the first systematic review to date addressing this important issue. ⋯ Rates of anesthetic complications encountered in pediatric radiation therapy are similar, if not lower, than rates reported in controlled operating room settings, implying that anesthesia for pediatric radiation therapy is safe, with low complication rates periprocedurally. Propofol infusion and oxygen delivery via nasal cannula offer the lowest immediate anesthetic complication rates and are hence most recommended for use. Though the long-term neurocognitive consequences of multiple anesthetics in pediatric patients have yet to be clearly defined, health care providers should be cognizant of the potentially serious implications.