Strahlentherapie und Onkologie : Organ der Deutschen Röntgengesellschaft ... [et al]
-
The efficacy of radiation treatment (RT) for plantar heel pain has been reported repeatedly. Yet, the results referring to the pain relief rate, to long-term effects and prognostic factors are not consistent. In this paper, the effectiveness (pain relief rate and long-term results) and prognostic factors of RT for plantar heel pain have been investigated. ⋯ The results confirm the high efficacy of RT in painful plantar spur and add new aspects to formerly published data concerning the time course of changes in heel pain reduction. Pain relief can be expected during and shortly after RT. In addition, the initial success can be transformed into effective long-term results > 2 years after RT; however, further improvement is not to be expected. As a new prognostic factor, the reduction of mechanical heel stress during RT may ameliorate the short-term results, whereas short heel pain history improves the long-term results. Especially for older patients, RT should be taken into consideration as primary treatment.
-
Determination of frequency, treatment modalities used and prognoses of colorectal cancer in a population-specific analysis in relation to age. ⋯ With increasing age, there is a departure in daily practice from the treatment recommendations. The patient's prognosis is dependent upon age (especially > or = 75 years), tumor stage, and therapy.