International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Nov 2004
Do differences in target volume definition in prostate cancer lead to clinically relevant differences in normal tissue toxicity?
Many studies have described the quantitated differences between clinicians in target volume definition in prostate cancer. However, few studies have looked at the clinical effects of this. We aimed to assess the relevance and sequelae of such differences. ⋯ The statistically significant difference in outlined volumes of the CTV1, CTV2, and PTV1 among the 5 clinicians is in keeping with the findings of previous studies. However, the interclinician variability did not result in clinically relevant outcomes with respect to the irradiated volume of rectum and bladder or NTCP. This may have been because the outlined areas in which interclinician differences were smallest (the rectal-prostate and prostate-bladder interfaces) are the areas that have the greatest effect on normal tissue toxicity. For the areas in which the interclinician correlation was lowest (the prostatic apex and distal seminal vesicles), the effects on normal tissue toxicity are smallest. The results of this study suggest that interclinician outlining differences in prostate cancer may have less clinical relevance than was previously thought.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Nov 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical TrialEffect of oral sucralfate on late rectal injury associated with radiotherapy for prostate cancer: A double-blind, randomized trial.
To assess whether oral sucralfate is effective in preventing late rectal injury in prostate cancer patients treated with radiotherapy. ⋯ This trial demonstrated no statistically significant reduction in the incidence of late rectal toxicity in patients randomized to receive sucralfate. However, this result was considered inconclusive, because the trial was unable to exclude clinically important differences in the late toxicity rates.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Nov 2004
Practice Guideline GuidelineProposed guidelines for image-based intracavitary brachytherapy for cervical carcinoma: report from Image-Guided Brachytherapy Working Group.
To present issues to be considered in, and make proposals for, image-based brachytherapy for cervical cancer. ⋯ Although current institutional brachytherapy prescription for cervical cancer should continue, image-based data collection and analysis are needed to optimize cervical cancer brachytherapy. Proposals are made for research in image-based brachytherapy for cervical cancer.
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To investigate and compare the biologically effective doses, equivalent doses in 2-Gy fractions, log tumor cells killed, and late effects that can be estimated for the large fractions in short overall times that are now being delivered in various clinically used schedules in several countries for the treatment of cancer in human lungs, liver, and kidney. ⋯ Such large doses can apparently be given, with suitable precautions and experience. Ongoing clinical trials from an increasing number of centers will be reporting the results of tumor control and complications from this new modality of biologically higher doses.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Nov 2004
Impact of radiation oncology practice on pain: a cross-sectional survey.
A cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the prevalence of pain in our radiotherapy (RT) department. The impact of RT practice on pain and pain management were analyzed. ⋯ The prevalence of pain was high in the department. The specific practice of RT worsened pain and nearly one-half of patients were not satisfied with its management. The necessity for medical staff to be more available was highlighted by patients.