Radiotherapy and oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology
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Late rectal complications are assessed according to different scoring systems. Endoscopy can provide a more sensitive estimation of early radiation damage. The aim of this paper is to investigate the correlation between dosimetric parameters and rectal mucosal changes after radiotherapy (RT). ⋯ rV(60 Gy), rV(70 Gy) and rD(mean) were the strongest predictors of rectal mucosal alterations. In-depth analysis is required to correlate each mucosal alteration with late rectal toxicity in order to suggest early proctoscopy as surrogate end-point for rectal late toxicity in studies aimed at reducing this important complication.
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To quantify the post-radiotherapy 2-[(18)F]-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG) pulmonary uptake dose-response in lung cancer patients and determine its relationship with radiation pneumonitis symptoms. ⋯ The metabolic radiation pneumonitis dose-response was evaluated from post-treatment FDG-PET/CT imaging. Statistical modeling found a linear relationship. The FDG uptake dose-response and V(5) correlated with symptomatic radiation pneumonitis.
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In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) stage III, data on patient reported health-related quality of life (HRQL) are scarce, especially regarding concurrent chemoradiotherapy. ⋯ Patients undergoing high dose thoracic radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy or cetuximab reported a gradual deterioration in functioning, dyspnoea and fatigue, while treatment related side effects were transient. Radiotherapy with concurrent cetuximab had less negative impact on HRQL than concurrent chemoradiation.
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To evaluate and discuss the role of specific types of abdominal surgery (SURG) before radical radiation therapy as a risk factor for late rectal toxicity in prostate cancer patients. ⋯ This analysis highlights previous SURG as the best predictor of late rectal bleeding. Among the different types of abdominal surgery, cholecystectomy and appendectomy play the major role, especially for severe late bleeding.
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The present study prospectively reported both physicians' and patients' assessment for toxicities, cosmetic assessment and patients' satisfaction after 3D-conformal accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI). ⋯ Present results have shown discrepancies between patient and physician assessments. In addition to the assessment of efficacy and toxicity after 3D-conformal APBI, patients' cosmetic results consideration and satisfaction should be also evaluated.