International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics
-
Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jul 2017
Outcomes of Routine Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy Quality Assurance in a Large Head and Neck Cancer Center.
The primary endpoint was to ascertain whether the percentage of major changes implemented from our routine intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) quality assurance (QA) process was more than 10%. The secondary endpoints were to document the percentage of minor changes, ascertain the time taken to perform the IMRT QA process, evaluate potential predictors for major changes, and ascertain the perceived value of the program by the compliance of radiation oncologists (ROs) treating head and neck cancer (HNC). ⋯ Our routine HNC IMRT QA program resulted in the implementation of a significant number of major changes. The high compliance with the program is indicative of the belief in its clinical value. This study can inform discussion on optimal RT QA processes in routine clinical practice.
-
Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jul 2017
Randomized Controlled TrialThyroid V40 Predicts Primary Hypothyroidism After Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.
To investigate the various clinical and thyroid dosimetric parameters that could predict the risk of primary hypothyroidism (HT) after intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and to determine useful thyroid dose constraints to guide radiation therapy planning. ⋯ Thyroid V40 is predictive of primary HT after IMRT for NPC, and V40 ≤ 85% can be a useful dose constraint to adopt during IMRT planning without compromising tumor coverage.
-
Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jul 2017
External Validity of a Risk Stratification Score Predicting Early Distant Brain Failure and Salvage Whole Brain Radiation Therapy After Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brain Metastases.
A scoring system using pretreatment factors was recently published for predicting the risk of early (≤6 months) distant brain failure (DBF) and salvage whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) alone. Four risk factors were identified: (1) lack of prior WBRT; (2) melanoma or breast histologic features; (3) multiple brain metastases; and (4) total volume of brain metastases <1.3 cm3, with each factor assigned 1 point. The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of this scoring system and its appropriateness for clinical use in an independent external patient population. ⋯ The 3-level Emory risk score was shown to not be externally valid, but the model was able to stratify between 2 levels (LR and not-LR [combined IR and HR]) for early (≤6 months) DBF. These results reinforce the importance of validating predictive models in independent cohorts. Further refinement of this scoring system with molecular information and in additional contemporary patient populations is warranted.
-
Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jul 2017
Multicenter StudyDirectly Improving the Quality of Radiation Treatment Through Peer Review: A Cross-sectional Analysis of Cancer Centers Across a Provincial Cancer Program.
To describe the outcomes of peer review across all 14 cancer centers in Ontario. ⋯ Peer review of treatment plans directly affects the quality of care by identifying important clinical and planning changes. Provincial strategies are underway to optimize its conduct in radiation oncology.