International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics
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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.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Feb 2019
Randomized Controlled TrialPhase 2 Randomized Study of Radiation Therapy and 3-Year Androgen Deprivation With or Without Concurrent Weekly Docetaxel in High-Risk Localized Prostate Cancer Patients.
Docetaxel improves survival in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. This randomized phase 2 trial aimed to assess the activity of weekly docetaxel with radiation therapy (RT) plus androgen deprivation in patients with high-risk localized prostate cancer. The study examined the benefit of 9 weekly docetaxel administrations to RT plus 3 years of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogues. ⋯ Concurrent weekly docetaxel can be administered safely with standard doses of RT without a significant increase in the toxicity profile. No statistically significant differences for 5-year BRFS, PFS, and OS have been observed when docetaxel was added to conventional treatment.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Feb 2019
Differences in Physician Compensation Between Men and Women at United States Public Academic Radiation Oncology Departments.
A pay gap between men and women has been identified in many medical specialties. However, radiation oncology has been excluded from most analyses. This study sought to determine whether such a disparity exists among physicians in US public academic radiation oncology departments. ⋯ Mean salary for women at US public academic radiation oncology departments was lower than mean salary for men, after adjusting for confounders. Our analysis was limited to public data and could not account for relevant private personal choices and departmental factors. The salary gap may differ in other practice environments. Further research is warranted to determine the cause of this disparity, whether it exists in other practice environments, and how to successfully address it.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Feb 2019
50-Gy Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy to the Dominant Intraprostatic Nodule: Results From a Phase 1a/b Trial.
Although localized prostate cancer (PCa) is multifocal, the dominant intraprostatic nodule (DIN) is responsible for disease progression after radiation therapy. PCa expresses antigens that could be recognized by the immune system. We therefore hypothesized that stereotactic dose escalation to the DIN is safe, may increase local control, and may initiate tumor-specific immune responses. ⋯ Irradiation of the whole prostate with 36.25 Gy in 5 fractions and dose escalation to 50 Gy to the DIN was tolerable and determined as the recommended phase 1b dose. This treatment has promising antitumor activity, which will be confirmed by the ongoing phase 2 part. Preliminary QoL analysis showed minimal impact in GU, GI, and sexual domains. Stereotactic irradiation induced antigen-specific immune responses in a subset of patients.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Feb 2019
Salary and Resources Provided to Junior Faculty in Radiation Oncology.
Given the importance of access to key resources to ensure future academic success, we seek to describe what is currently provided to junior faculty in radiation oncology. ⋯ These findings suggest perceived needs for protected time, grants administration, and statistical support among junior faculty in radiation oncology.