International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jul 2002
The relationship between educational preparation and performance on the ARRT examination in radiation therapy.
To determine if graduates of different types of educational programs obtain similar scores on the Examination in Radiation Therapy administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. The results will help inform discussions regarding educational requirements for radiation therapists. ⋯ Although some of the differences in the mean test scores among the three educational groups were statistically significant, all differences were small and do not support one type of educational preparation over another.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jul 2002
Postoperative radiotherapy in 423 patients with pT3N0 prostate cancer.
To evaluate the treatment outcome in pT3N0 patients with adenocarcinoma of the prostate treated with an elective course of postoperative irradiation (RT). ⋯ Adjuvant radiotherapy, as given in this study, appears to substantially reduce the expected incidence of local tumor recurrence in pT3N0 prostate cancer patients. The treatment outcome was poor in pT3bN0 and Gleason score 7-10 patients, with >80% showing evidence of clinical or PSA recurrence at 10 years after therapy. This group should be the target of a prospective trial of systemic therapy.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jul 2002
Does downstaging predict improved outcome after preoperative chemoradiation for extraperitoneal locally advanced rectal cancer? A long-term analysis of 165 patients.
To evaluate the impact of tumor response; tumor and nodal downstaging; and cTNM, yTNM (clinical stage after chemoradiation, based on preoperative imaging), and pTNM classifications on long-term outcome in patients with rectal cancer treated with preoperative 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based concurrent chemoradiation. ⋯ After preoperative chemoradiation, clinical response and tumor/nodal pathologic downstaging showed a close correlation with improved outcomes. The better 5-year survival and local control in pT0-2 patients regardless of their initial stage seems to confirm a heterogeneity in rectal cancer patients. The responder population showed a behavior similar to rectal cancer diagnosed at Stage cT1-2 and treated with conservative surgery alone. Additional studies aimed at improving local tumor response seem justified. Trials of sphincter-saving surgery after a major response are warranted.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jul 2002
Two fractions of high-dose-rate brachytherapy in the management of cervix cancer: clinical experience with and without chemotherapy.
In recent years, high-dose-rate brachytherapy has become popular in the management of carcinoma of the uterine cervix, because it eliminates many of the problems associated with low-dose-rate brachytherapy. However, the optimum time-dose-fractionation remains controversial. Two fractions of high-dose-rate brachytherapy are convenient for patients, but most radiation oncologists in the United States do not use them, because of fear that they could lead to excessive rectal or bladder toxicity. Here we present our experience, which suggests that a two-fraction regimen is indeed safe and effective. ⋯ Our experience suggests that two fractions of high-dose-rate brachytherapy are safe and effective in the management of cervix cancer, even in conjunction with concomitant cisplatin. The fears that the use of two fractions would lead to excessive rectal or bladder toxicity proved unfounded. Guidelines for ensuring a low complication rate are discussed.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jul 2002
Hypothyroidism in children with medulloblastoma: a comparison of 3600 and 2340 cGy craniospinal radiotherapy.
To determine if low-dose craniospinal irradiation (2340 cGy) with chemotherapy is associated with a lower incidence of hypothyroidism compared to standard dose (3600 cGy) with or without chemotherapy in children with medulloblastoma. ⋯ Current treatment regimens consisting of chemotherapy and 2340 cGy craniospinal irradiation followed by a posterior fossa boost for medulloblastoma do not show a reduction of hypothyroidism. Young age and use of chemotherapy were associated with a higher incidence of hypothyroidism.