In this post, we will be taking a closer look at some of the most popular radiation oncology-related articles recently published across medical journals.

GEC-ESTRO Recommendations for Head & Neck Cancer Brachytherapy (Interventional Radiotherapy): 2nd Update With Focus on HDR and PDR

  • Radiotherapy & Oncology
  • September 2024
  • Modern brachytherapy plays a crucial role in the comprehensive treatment of Head and Neck cancer (H&N), serving as a therapy that preserves organs and functions. The outdated low-dose-rate technology has been replaced by advanced remote afterloading and stepping source equipment, utilizing pulsed dose rate or high dose rate sources, along with enhanced image guidance and 3D treatment planning systems. This updated version of the previous GEC-ESTRO recommendations for H&N tumors focuses primarily on squamous carcinomas. The document outlines indications, outcomes, and recommended doses for various tumor sites based on published research studies.
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Early-Stage Breast Cancer: A Critical Review of Current and Emerging Practice

  • International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics
  • September 2024
  • Breast-conserving surgery followed by adjuvant radiation therapy to reduce the risk of ipsilateral tumor recurrence is the standard treatment for early-stage breast cancer (ESBC). However, advancements in our understanding of the diverse clinical and molecular characteristics of ESBC have prompted a shift towards personalized treatment approaches. Additionally, progress in the field of radiobiology has resulted in significant practice-changing trials evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of moderate and ultrahypofractionated radiation therapy. In this review, the authors will examine the latest evidence and ongoing research in the radiotherapeutic management of ESBC. This includes discussions on the use of boost for high-risk disease, as well as opportunities for accelerated fractionation, partial irradiation, and radiation omission for low-risk disease
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Clinical, Pathologic, and Dosimetric Predictors of Head and Neck Lymphedema Following Definitive or Adjuvant Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer

  • Advances in Radiation Oncology
  • September 2024
  • Head and neck lymphedema (HNL) that occurs after radiation therapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) can significantly impact patient well-being. It is difficult to predict the risk of HNL in individual patients following treatment. Our goal was to pinpoint the demographic, disease-related, and treatment-related factors that are linked to both external and internal HNL after treating HNC with definitive or adjuvant radiation therapy.
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Evaluating the Effect of Higher Monte Carlo Statistical Uncertainties on Accumulated Doses After Daily Adaptive Fractionated Radiotherapy in Prostate Cancer

  • Physics and Imaging in Radiation Oncology
  • October 2024
  • Monte Carlo (MC) based dose calculations are commonly utilized in radiotherapy due to their high accuracy and low statistical uncertainty, despite being slower than other methods. However, increasing the uncertainty can speed up calculations at the expense of accuracy. In the context of online adaptive planning, where the dose is recalculated before each treatment fraction, higher MC statistical uncertainty may actually reduce cumulative calculation errors. This study seeks to assess the impact of increased MC statistical uncertainty on daily online plan adaptation.
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Safe Hypofractionation Amid Diverse Technologies: Using Teamwork to Manage the Complexity

  • Seminars in Radiation Oncology
  • October 2024
  • Radiation oncology caregivers around the globe are devoted to enhancing cancer treatment with the ultimate objective of eliminating the disease. Acknowledging the intricate nature of cancer treatment through hypo-fractionation radiotherapy (HFRT), these caregivers are dedicated to seeking avenues for advancement and delivering individualized care to every patient. Robust teams and efficient workflows are crucial elements in ensuring the safe implementation of HFRT. Each patient brings forth unique challenges, and as a cohesive unit of clinical and administrative professionals, radiation oncology care teams are committed to propelling progress and simplifying complexities within their field, guided by ongoing technological innovation.
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Treatment Time and Dosimetric Advantage in CBCT-Guided Online Adaptive Radiotherapy Considering Interfractional and Intrafractional Changes in Patients With Gastric MALT Lymphoma

  • Practical Radiation Oncology
  • September 2024
  • Radiotherapy is the established treatment for localized gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. The use of ETHOS technology from Varian Medical Systems has allowed for the implementation of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-guided online adaptive radiotherapy (oART). This study aims to provide a retrospective dosimetric analysis of the changes in treatment time and dosages for gastric MALT lymphoma during oART, both between treatment sessions and within individual sessions.
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Prediction of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated With Curative-Intent Conventional Radiotherapy

  • Radiotherapy & Oncology
  • September 2024
  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant complication of thoracic radiotherapy (RT) that can negatively impact both quality of life and survival outcomes. The objective of this study was to create a predictive model for the development of new-onset AF in patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) who are undergoing RT either as a standalone treatment or as part of a multi-modal therapy regimen.
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Cosmetic Outcome in Patients With Early Stage Breast Cancer After Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation Using Intraoperative or External Beam Radiotherapy

  • Clinical and Translational Radiation Oncology
  • November 2024
  • The objective of this study is to assess the cosmetic results in early-stage cancer patients who have undergone accelerated partial irradiation using either intraoperative electron radiotherapy (IOERT) or photon external beam radiotherapy (EB-APBI).
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A Comprehensive Perspective on Educational and Economic Barriers for Utilization of Palliative Radiation Therapy in Hospice: A Narrative Review

  • Advances in Radiation Oncology
  • October 2024
  • Despite the recognized effectiveness and benefits of palliative radiation therapy (PRT) in alleviating end-of-life complications associated with cancer progression, PRT continues to be underutilized in hospice care. Common barriers to the use of PRT for hospice patients include educational and economic constraints. This paper will explore these barriers and propose strategies for overcoming them based on previously published interventions.
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There you have it – a look at some of the most popular radiation oncology articles recently released. Sign up for alerts and stay informed on the latest published guidelines and articles.

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