International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Aug 2006
Delay in initiating adjuvant radiotherapy following breast conservation surgery and its impact on survival.
Delays in the diagnosis of breast cancer are associated with advanced stage and poor survival, but the importance of the time interval between lumpectomy and initiation of radiation therapy (RT) has not been well studied. We investigated factors that influence the time interval between lumpectomy and RT, and the association between that interval and survival. ⋯ Reassuringly, early initiation of RT was not associated with survival. Although delays of >3 months are uncommon, they are associated with poor survival. Whether this association is causal or due to confounding factors, such as poor health behaviors, is unknown; until it is better understood, efforts should be made to initiate RT in a timely fashion.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Aug 2006
Multicenter StudyAccelerated partial breast irradiation using proton beams: Initial dosimetric experience.
The unique dosimetric features of proton radiotherapy make it an attractive modality for normal tissue sparing. We present our initial experience with protons for three-dimensional, conformal, external-beam accelerated partial breast irradiation (3D-CPBI). ⋯ Proton 3D-CPBI is technically feasible, providing both excellent PTV coverage and normal tissue sparing. It markedly reduces the volume of nontarget breast tissue irradiated compared with photon-based 3D-CPBI, addressing a principle disadvantage of external-beam approaches to PBI. As proton therapy becomes more widely available, it may prove an attractive tool for 3D-CPBI.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Aug 2006
Successful validation of a survival prediction model in patients with metastases in the spinal column.
The Dutch Bone Metastases Study Group developed a survival prediction model in patients with symptomatic spinal bone metastases to guide the treating physician. The objective of this study was to validate the Dutch model and compare with our previously developed survival model at the Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program (RRRP model). ⋯ The two models were successfully validated. The Dutch model using three clinical prognostic factors was easier to administer.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Aug 2006
Multicenter StudyFeasibility of preoperative combined radiation therapy and chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin in potentially resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma: The French SFRO-FFCD 97-04 Phase II trial.
More than 80% of patients who undergo a potentially curative resection for pancreatic cancer develop local or distant recurrence. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy might offer potential benefits regarding local and systemic control and survival. This multi-institutional Phase II trial explored the feasibility of preoperative chemoradiation in this situation. ⋯ Pancreatic cancer is chemo-radiosensitive. The proposed pre-operative scheme is feasible, does not prevent successful surgery, and must be tested on a Phase III setting. Yet, the large proportion of tumor progression during and after chemoradiation justifies the use of more efficient drugs such as Gemcitabine, and optimized radiotherapy including new techniques such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy.