International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics
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Radiation oncology's popularity as a career in Canada has surged in the past 5 years. Consequently, resident numbers in Canadian radiation oncology residencies are at all-time highs. This study aimed to survey Canadian radiation oncology residents about their opinions of their specialty and training experiences. ⋯ Though most respondents are satisfied with their programs and specialty, job availability and adequate teaching are concerns. In the future, limited time and resources and the continued popularity of radiation oncology as a career will magnify the challenge of training competent radiation oncologists in Canada.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jun 2005
Benefit of respiration-gated stereotactic radiotherapy for stage I lung cancer: an analysis of 4DCT datasets.
High local control rates have been reported with stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for Stage I non-small-cell lung cancer. Because high-dose fractions are used, reduction in treatment portals will reduce the risk of toxicity to adjacent structures. Respiratory gating can allow reduced field sizes and planning four-dimensional computed tomography scans were retrospectively analyzed to study the benefits for gated SRT and identify patients who derive significant benefit from this approach. ⋯ The use of "standard population-based" margins for SRT leads to unnecessary normal tissue irradiation. The risk of toxicity is further reduced if respiration-gated radiotherapy is used to treat mobile tumors. These findings suggest that gated SRT will be of clinical relevance in selected patients with mobile tumors.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jun 2005
Predictors of locoregional recurrence in patients with locally advanced breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, mastectomy, and radiotherapy.
To identify the clinical and pathologic factors predictive of locoregional recurrence (LRR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, mastectomy, and radiotherapy. ⋯ Although the long-term rate of LRR after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, mastectomy, and radiotherapy is low, we identified a number of factors that correlated independently with greater rates of LRR. Patients with three or more of these factors may benefit from research protocols investigating alternative treatment strategies.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jun 2005
Comparative StudyA permanent breast seed implant as partial breast radiation therapy for early-stage patients: a comparison of palladium-103 and iodine-125 isotopes based on radiation safety considerations.
A permanent breast seed implant (PBSI) technique has been developed as a new form of partial adjuvant radiation therapy for early-stage breast cancer. This study compares iodine-125 ((125)I) and palladium-103 ((103)Pd) isotopes by examining the exposure and effective dose (ED) to a patient's partner. ⋯ PBSI using (103)Pd seeds appears safe because the patient's partner ED is consistently below 5 mSv. The(125)I isotope is not recommended for PBSI.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jun 2005
Radiation oncology career decision variables for graduating trainees seeking positions in 2003-2004.
Radiation oncology trainees must consider an array of variables when deciding upon an academic or private practice career path. This prospective evaluation of the 2004 graduating radiation oncology trainees, evaluates such variables and provides additional descriptive data. ⋯ These data offer descriptive information regarding variables that lead to radiation oncology trainee career path decisions. Such information may be of use in modification of training programs to meet future personnel and programmatic needs within the specialty.