Radiotherapy and oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology
-
In radiotherapy (RT) of bladder cancer, dose escalation without increased adverse effects could be achieved with a concomitant bladder tumour boost. In this study we quantified (1) the fraction of patients suitable for this approach, and (2) the potential of intensity-modulated RT (IMRT) to achieve this boost while also sparing normal tissues. ⋯ This study has shown bladder tumour boosting to be both clinically relevant and technically feasible using IMRT. This approach is ready for clinical implementation, although further improvement could be expected if integrated with target localisation techniques.
-
To determine the outcome, acute and late toxicity in locally advanced head and neck cancer stage IVA with mitomycin-C (MMC), cisplatin (DDP) chemotherapy and hyperfractionated accelerated radiation therapy (C-HART). ⋯ C-HART resulted in promising overall response with acceptable toxicity. Mucositis is a frequent, severe toxicity in patients treated with C-HART for head and neck cancer. While it appears that mucositis and hematological toxicity may lead to hospitalization and omitting of the second dose of mitomycin C, its impact on radiotherapy interruptions is marginal.
-
To evaluate the influence of uterus and bladder size on large and small bowel sparing with intensity modulated whole pelvic radiotherapy (IM-WPRT) in gynecologic patients. ⋯ IMRT significantly reduced the absolute volume of rectal wall, bladder and bowel irradiated at the prescribed dose level in gynaecologic patients. Main differences between POST and DEF patients receiving IM-WPRT were absolute volumes of LB irradiated to doses between 35 and 50Gy, suggesting an impact of intact uterus on LB volume in the pelvis. POST patients seem to benefit most from elective nodal IMRT. Bladder filling is an important co-factor influencing the benefit of IMRT with respect to OAR sparing.
-
To evaluate the early side effects of a short course hypofractionated radiotherapy regimen in prostate cancer. ⋯ Though no grade 3-4 side effects were observed, the investigated schedule results in a marked increase of grade 1-2 early side effects as compared to a conventional regimen. Side effects resolved within two months post-treatment.