Clinical oncology : a journal of the Royal College of Radiologists
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Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) · Apr 2014
Induction gemcitabine plus concurrent gemcitabine and radiotherapy for locally advanced unresectable or resected pancreatic cancer.
To determine the efficacy of induction gemcitabine followed by biweekly gemcitabine concurrent with radiotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer. ⋯ This large series confirms, in a standard practice setting, similar efficacy and tolerability of treatment as previously reported in our phase I-II study. The benefit to patients with a gross tumour volume >48 cm(3) may be limited.
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Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) · Mar 2014
Promoting a research culture among junior radiation oncologists: outcomes from the introduction of the Australian and New Zealand research requirement in training.
Since 2005, radiation oncology trainees in Australia and New Zealand have had to undertake a piece of original research during training, and submit a manuscript, as first author, for senior peer-review. Satisfactory completion of this requirement is one component of eligibility to sit the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists Fellowship examinations. The purpose of this study was to examine the value of this curriculum requirement, including the publication rates and potential barriers to trainee research. ⋯ This mandatory research requirement ensures trainees initiate and complete at least one project during their training. Since the introduction of this curriculum component, half of the research projects have resulted in publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Increased 'protected time' and training in scientific writing and methods may improve publication rates and quality. This first review of the Australian and New Zealand radiation oncology trainee research requirement highlights areas that need to be addressed to further support and foster a research culture among junior radiation oncologists.
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Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) · Feb 2014
Trastuzumab retreatment after relapse on adjuvant trastuzumab therapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer: final results of the Retreatment after HErceptin Adjuvant trial.
Trastuzumab, in combination with chemotherapy, is the standard of care for patients with early and metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer. The Retreatment after HErceptin Adjuvant trial assessed the efficacy and safety of trastuzumab plus a taxane as first-line treatment for patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) who had relapsed after adjuvant trastuzumab for HER2-positive early breast cancer. ⋯ Trastuzumab, in combination with a taxane, is an effective and well-tolerated first-line treatment for MBC in patients who relapse after trastuzumab-based adjuvant therapy.
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Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) · Jan 2014
Stereotactic body radiotherapy in prostate cancer: is rapidarc a better solution than cyberknife?
There is increasing interest in stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for the management of prostate adenocarcinoma, with encouraging initial biological progression-free survival results. However, the limited literature is dominated by the use of the Cyberknife platform. This led to an international phase III study comparing outcomes for Cyberknife SBRT with both surgery and conventionally fractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy (the PACE study). We aim to compare Cyberknife delivery with Rapidarc, a more widely available treatment platform. ⋯ We have shown that there is no discernible dosimetric advantage to choosing Cyberknife over Rapidarc for SBRT delivery in prostate cancer. Given the significant benefits of Rapidarc in terms of availability, planning and delivery time, the authors suggest that phase III trials of SBRT should include Rapidarc or equivalent rotational delivery platforms.