International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jun 1998
A close or positive margin after mastectomy is not an indication for chest wall irradiation except in women aged fifty or younger.
Indications for postmastectomy radiation include primary tumor size > or = 5 cm and/or > or = 4 positive axillary nodes. In clinical practice, patients with a close or positive margin after mastectomy are also often treated with postmastectomy radiation. However, there is little data regarding the risk of a chest wall recurrence in patients with close or positive margins who otherwise would be considered low risk (tumor size <5 cm and/or 0-3 positive nodes). To address this issue, we assessed the risk of a chest wall recurrence in women with Stage I-II breast cancer who underwent mastectomy and were found to have primary tumor size <5 cm and 0-3 positive nodes with a close or positive deep margin. ⋯ A close or positive margin is uncommon (< or = 5%) after mastectomy in patients with tumor size <5 cm and 0-3 positive axillary nodes but, when present, it appears to be in a younger patient population. The subgroup of patients aged 50 or younger with clinical T1-T2 tumor size and 0-3 positive nodes who have a close (< or = 5 mm) or positive mastectomy margin are at high risk (28% at 8 years) for chest wall recurrence regardless of adjuvant systemic therapy and, therefore, should be considered for postmastectomy radiation.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jun 1998
The treatment of nonpalpable PSA-detected adenocarcinoma of the prostate with 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy.
We reviewed our institution's experience treating patients with nonpalpable PSA-detected prostate cancer with three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) to determine prognostic factors that predict for biochemical-free survival (bNED) control and present the bNED control rates. ⋯ Patients with nonpalpable PSA-detected prostate cancer can be effectively treated with 3DCRT with minimal morbidity and high rates of bNED control at 5 years. Pretreatment PSA level is an independent predictor of bNED control.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jun 1998
High dose-rate afterloading 192Iridium prostate brachytherapy: feasibility report.
RESULTS from localized prostate cancer series using seed implants have been most encouraging. However, with current techniques, inadequate dosimetry sometimes occurs. Remote afterloading high dose rate 192Iridium brachytherapy (HDR-Ir192) theoretically remedies some potential inadequacies of seed implantation by performing the dosimetry after the needles are in place. This study was undertaken to determine the feasibility of incorporating multifractionated HDR-Ir192 in the brachytherapy management of prostate carcinoma. ⋯ We found the use of transperineal ultrasonography, postimplant CT-based dosimetry, coupled with adjustable dose delivery inherent to remote afterloading technology, to give unparalleled control in performing this complex brachytherapy task. Thus, it may be advantageous in certain clinical situations where the resultant MPD is needed to reliably cover the target volume, such as in patients with carcinomas at base locales, when the possibility of moderate to extensive intraprostatic tumor exists, and in patients with large glands. Early PSA data suggest that it may be effective as a definitive treatment with rates of adverse late tissue effects that are acceptable using current technique and doses described herein. Longer follow-up is needed to ascertain its position among the various treatment regimens for prostate carcinoma.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jun 1998
Cataracts after total body irradiation and bone marrow transplantation in patients with acute leukemia in complete remission: a study of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation.
Advances in bone marrow transplantation (BMT) have consistently improved long-term survival. Therefore, evaluation of late complications such as cataracts is of paramount importance. ⋯ High dose rate and STBI are the main risk factors for cataract development and the need for surgery, and the administration of heparin has a protective role in cataractogenesis.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jun 1998
Comprehensive irradiation of head and neck cancer using conformal multisegmental fields: assessment of target coverage and noninvolved tissue sparing.
Conformal treatment using static multisegmental intensity modulation was developed for patients requiring comprehensive irradiation for head and neck cancer. The major aim is sparing major salivary gland function while adequately treating the targets. To assess the adequacy of the conformal plans regarding target coverage and dose homogeneity, they were compared with standard irradiation plans. ⋯ Planning and delivery of comprehensive irradiation for head and neck cancer using static, multisegmental intensity modulation are feasible. Target coverage has not been compromised and dose distributions in noninvolved tissue are favorable compared with standard radiation. Substantial major salivary gland function can be retained.