International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Oct 2019
Comparative StudyElevated Risk of Radiation Therapy-Associated Second Malignant Neoplasms in Young African-American Women Survivors of Stage I-IIIA Breast Cancer.
To estimate the effect of radiation therapy (RT) on nonbreast second malignant neoplasms (SMNs) in young women survivors of stage I-IIIA breast cancer. ⋯ With a projected 25-year follow-up, RT is associated with elevated risk of nonbreast SMNs, particularly second lung cancer, in young women survivors of stage I-IIIA breast cancer. Nonbreast SMNs associated with RT are higher in AA women than Caucasian women.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Sep 2019
Taking Stock: The Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology 2017 Radiation Oncologist Workforce Study.
To identify and report radiation oncologist (RO) workforce demographics, clinical workload trends, and equipment inventory in Canada. ⋯ The Canadian RO workforce demonstrated incremental growth, but rising annual caseloads suggest that radiation therapy demand outpaced RO supply gains. Government funding is required to replace aging equipment in Canada.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Sep 2019
National Trends and Dynamic Responses in the Canadian Radiation Oncology Workforce From 1990 to 2018.
To report radiation oncology (RO) workforce and cancer incidence trends in Canada and explore the relationship between the two. ⋯ Our study demonstrates the challenges and successes of managing the Canadian radiation oncologist workforce. These data will inform policy makers and other stakeholders to ensure that the profession meets the current and future needs of Canadian cancer patients.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Aug 2019
Quantification of Acute Skin Toxicities in Patients With Breast Cancer Undergoing Adjuvant Proton versus Photon Radiation Therapy: A Single Institutional Experience.
Acute skin toxicity in the form of radiation dermatitis (RD) or skin hyperpigmentation (SH) is a common problem experienced by patients undergoing breast irradiation. Proton radiation has been thought to deliver higher doses to skin compared with photon radiation because of differences in the physical properties between photons and protons; however, limited literature exists directly comparing toxicity outcomes. ⋯ In a comparison with patients receiving photon radiation, a significantly higher rate of grade ≥2 RD was observed in patients undergoing proton radiation, with very low rates of grade 3 toxicity in both groups. Rates of SH did not differ significantly between modalities. Women should be counseled regarding the possibility of increased grade 2 toxicities, although this might present a dosimetric advantage for physicians when treating patients in the postmastectomy setting or when skin was involved on presentation.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Aug 2019
Gender, Professional Experiences, and Personal Characteristics of Academic Radiation Oncology Chairs: Data to Inform the Pipeline for the 21st Century.
Understanding the pathways and gateways to leadership and challenges faced by individuals in such roles can inform efforts to promote diversity and equity. We sought to describe the professional experiences and personal characteristics of academic radiation oncology (RO) chairs and to evaluate whether differences exist by gender. ⋯ Female RO chairs are as equally qualified as men in terms of productivity or leadership skills, but they face distinct challenges in the context of a gender-structured society. The observation of higher grant funding among women at the time of chair appointment suggests a possible need for interventions such as unconscious bias training to ensure that selection processes do not unnecessarily hold women to a higher standard.