International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · May 1999
Multicenter StudyAccelerated superfractionated radiotherapy for inflammatory breast carcinoma: complete response predicts outcome and allows for breast conservation.
Chemotherapy and accelerated superfractionated radiotherapy were prospectively applied for inflammatory breast carcinoma with the intent of breast conservation. The efficacy, failure patterns, and patient tolerance utilizing this approach were analyzed. ⋯ Our experience demonstrates that induction chemotherapy, accelerated superfractionated radiotherapy, and the selected use of mastectomy results in excellent locoregional control rates, is well tolerated, and optimizes breast preservation. Based on our present results, we recommend that a patient's response to induction chemotherapy guide the treatment approach used for locoregional disease, such that mastectomy be reserved for incomplete responders and avoided in those achieving a complete response.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · May 1999
Incidence and time of occurrence of regional recurrence in stage I-II breast cancer: value of adjuvant irradiation.
The value of adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) of the axilla and supraclavicular fossa is controversial in early-stage breast cancer. This retrospective study was undertaken to identify pathological risk factors that would predict which subsets of patients would benefit from regional nodal irradiation (RNI). ⋯ After a complete axillary dissection, only N1 patients with retrieved nodes < or = 5 may be considered for axillary RT. Elective supraclavicular RT is suggested for patients with N1bii or N1biv stage. Supraclavicular irradiation decreases the incidence and delays the appearance of SCF.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · May 1999
Clinical TrialA phase II study of concurrent accelerated hyperfractionated radiotherapy and carboplatin/oral etoposide for elderly patients with stage III non-small-cell lung cancer.
To investigate feasibility, toxicity, and efficacy of accelerated hyperfractionated radiation therapy and concurrent carboplastin/oral etoposide in elderly (> 70 years) patients with stage III non-small-cell lung cancer. ⋯ Concurrent accelerated hyperfractionated radiotherapy and carboplatin/oral etoposide produced relatively low and acceptable toxicity. The survival results appeared to be comparable to those obtained in nonelderly patients with stage III non-small-cell lung cancer treated by full-dose radiation.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · May 1999
The utility of serial complete blood count monitoring in patients receiving radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer.
It is standard practice in our department to monitor weekly complete blood counts (CBCs) in patients receiving definitive radiation therapy for prostate cancer. The clinical utility and cost effectiveness of this practice has not been analyzed. ⋯ These results suggest that weekly monitoring of CBCs in prostate cancer patients undergoing definitive radiotherapy may not be necessary. We recommend a baseline CBC be performed, and if normal, no other monitoring unless clinically indicated. This strategy would result in a cost savings approaching $30,000 per 100 treated patients. Further research on the cost effectiveness and utility of serial blood tests in patients receiving partial body radiation therapy is needed.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Apr 1999
High-dose preoperative radiotherapy does not alter the strength of unilaterally irradiated colon anastomoses in rats.
We studied the influence of preoperative radiotherapy on the strength of colon anastomoses in rats. We compared a conventional (2 Gy/fraction; 1 fraction/day; 5 days/week; cumulative doses of 40.0, 60.0, and 80.0 Gy) and a hyperfractionated schedule (1.6 Gy/fraction, 2 fractions/day, 5 days/week, cumulative doses of 41.6, 60.8, and 80.0 Gy). We compared unilaterally with bilaterally irradiated anastomoses for two conventional radiation schedules. ⋯ After high doses of preoperative radiotherapy, colon anastomoses in rats can be safely constructed if only one anastomotic segment is irradiated. The strength of bilaterally irradiated colon anastomoses is dose-dependent.