Clinical oncology : a journal of the Royal College of Radiologists
-
Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) · Oct 2006
Dose escalation with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Is more dose really better in high-risk patients treated with androgen deprivation?
To determine the effect of radiation dose on biochemical control in prostate cancer patients treated in a single institution with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) and the additional effect of androgen deprivation in prostate cancer patients. ⋯ The present study indicates an independent benefit on biochemical outcome of high-dose 3DCRT for low-, intermediate- and high-risk patients and of long-term AAD in high-risk prostate cancer patients.
-
Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) · Aug 2006
Clinical TrialCan dose reduction to one parotid gland prevent xerostomia?--A feasibility study for locally advanced head and neck cancer patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy.
Dryness of the mouth is one of the most distressing chronic toxicities of radiation therapy in head and neck cancers. In this study, parotid function was assessed in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancers undergoing intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with or without chemotherapy. Parotid function was assessed with the help of a questionnaire and parotid scintigraphy, especially with regards to unilateral sparing of the parotid gland. ⋯ Minimising the radiation dose to one of the parotid glands with the help of IMRT in patients with advanced head and neck cancers can prevent xerostomia in most patients and parotid scintigraphy is a useful method of documenting xerostomia.
-
Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) · Jun 2006
Can I look at my list? An evaluation of a 'prompt sheet' within an oncology outpatient clinic.
We introduced a patient 'prompt sheet' into our clinic between January 2004 and January 2005. The aim was to determine whether it would facilitate communication and help patients in obtaining their desired level of information about their illness, and assist with decision making. We conducted an audit survey to investigate the way follow-up takes place in our oncology clinic, to determine what works and what does not work in the clinic, and to examine how patients access the most useful information and to assess the utility of, and patient satisfaction with, a locally developed pilot prompt sheet. ⋯ This satisfaction audit suggests that our pilot prompt sheet is helpful to patients attending oncology outpatient appointments, particularly for men with prostate cancer. We aim to adapt the present prompt sheet on the basis of the replies obtained, and re-audit in the future.
-
Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) · May 2006
Prediction of urinary symptoms after 125iodine prostate brachytherapy.
To evaluate the post-treatment urinary morbidity experienced by a cohort of men undergoing ultrasound-based transperineal prostate brachytherapy, as monotherapy for early stage carcinoma of the prostate. ⋯ Brachytherapy was generally well tolerated, with urinary toxicity in most patients persisting for at least 3-6 months after prostate brachytherapy. Those whose pre-treatment prostate volume and IPSS were high experienced more severe urinary symptoms in the first few months.
-
The introduction of breast screening mammography has led to an increase in the diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Mastectomy gives high rates of local control. However, most cases are suitable for local excision. The aim of this article is to review the role of radiotherapy in the treatment of DCIS after breast conserving surgery. ⋯ All patients with DCIS have potential benefit to gain from adjuvant radiotherapy. However, radiotherapy also has adverse effects and represents over-treatment from many women. Support should be given to current trials which are assessing endocrine treatment of DCIS, and whether radiotherapy can reasonably be omitted in lower risk disease.