International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Mar 2019
Randomized Controlled TrialModerate Hypofractionation in Intermediate- and High-Risk, Localized Prostate Cancer: Health-Related Quality of Life From the Randomized, Phase 3 HYPRO Trial.
The phase 3 Hypofractionated Irradiation for Prostate Cancer trial compared hypofractionated radiation therapy with conventionally fractionated radiation therapy in patients with localized prostate cancer. Similar 5-year relapse-free survival rates were achieved in both groups, but noninferiority of hypofractionation was not confirmed for genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity. Here, we present the secondary trial endpoint on patient-reported quality of life. ⋯ Noninferiority of the hypofractionated treatment was not demonstrated for genitourinary and gastrointestinal quality of life, and therefore we cannot rule out that relevant differences may exist between both treatments. Noninferiority of hypofractionation was demonstrated for symptoms related to androgen deprivation therapy, sexual activity, and sexual function.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Mar 2019
Introducing Proton Track-End Objectives in Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy Optimization to Reduce Linear Energy Transfer and Relative Biological Effectiveness in Critical Structures.
We propose the use of proton track-end objectives in intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) optimization to reduce the linear energy transfer (LET) and the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) in critical structures. ⋯ Proton track-end objectives allow for LETd reductions in critical structures without compromising the physical target dose. This approach permits the lowering of DRBE and NTCP in critical structures, independent of the variable RBE model used, and it could be introduced in clinical practice without changing current protocols based on the constant RBE of 1.1.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Mar 2019
The American Society for Radiation Oncology 2017 Radiation Oncologist Workforce Study.
The aim of this study is to report the American Society for Radiation Oncology 2017 radiation oncologist (RO) workforce survey results; identify demographic, technology utilization, and employment trends; and assess the profession's ability to meet patients' needs, offer job satisfaction, and attract high-caliber trainees. ⋯ Since 2012, race and gender gaps narrowed, but geographic disparities persisted, with ROs gravitating toward resource-rich suburban and urban locations over rural practices. The workforce has shifted from predominantly private practice to more equal balance with academic/university systems. These findings reflect the current US RO landscape and serve to underscore the need for collective action to ensure equitable RO care for all patients.