Radiomodulating Properties of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticle (SPION) Agent Ferumoxytol on Human Monocytes: Implications for MRI-Guided Liver Radiotherapy.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) have attracted great attention not only for therapeutic applications but also as an alternative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent that helps visualize liver tumors during MRI-guided stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). SPION can provide functional imaging of liver parenchyma based upon its uptake by the hepatic resident macrophages or Kupffer cells with a relative enhancement of malignant tumors that lack Kupffer cells. However, the radiomodulating properties of SPION on liver macrophages are not known.

The prognostic value of KRAS mutation in locally advanced rectal cancer.

Background: The prognostic value of the KRAS proto-oncogene mutation in colorectal cancer has been debated. Herein, we analyzed the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to assess the role of KRAS mutation as a prognostic marker in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).

Methods: We identified LARC patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation from 2004-2015 excluding those with stage I/IV disease and unknown KRAS status.

Concepts and Outcomes of Perioperative Therapy in Stage IA-III Pancreatic Cancer-A Cross-Validation of the National Cancer Database (NCDB) and the German Cancer Registry Group of the Society of German Tumor Centers (GCRG/ADT).

(1) Background: The aim of this study is to assess perioperative therapy in stage IA-III pancreatic cancer cross-validating the German Cancer Registry Group of the Society of German Tumor Centers-Network for Care, Quality, and Research in Oncology, Berlin (GCRG/ADT) and the National Cancer Database (NCDB). (2) Methods: Patients with clinical stage IA-III PDAC undergoing surgery alone (OP), neoadjuvant therapy (TX) + surgery (neo + OP), surgery+adjuvantTX (OP + adj) and neoadjuvantTX + surgery + adjuvantTX (neo + OP + adj) were identified. Baseline characteristics, histopathological parameters, and overall survival (OS) were evaluated.

Chemotherapy use in early stage anal canal squamous cell carcinoma and its impact on long-term overall survival

Background: The standard of care for non-metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCA) is concurrent chemoradiotherapy. It is postulated that chemotherapy could be omitted for the earliest stages without worsening outcomes.

Methods: We queried the NCDB from 2004-2016 for patients with cT1N0M0 SCCA treated non-operatively with radiation, with and without chemotherapy, and at least two months of follow-up.

Post-Operative Morbidity and Mortality Following Total Neoadjuvant Therapy Versus Conventional Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer.

Background: Standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) (stage II/III) includes preoperative chemoradiation (CRT) followed by resection and adjuvant chemotherapy. Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) is a new treatment paradigm that delivers systemic therapy prior to CRT aimed at improving outcomes for high-risk patients. Here we analyzed the national cancer database (NCDB) comparing short-term post-operative outcomes between patients receiving TNT and CRT.

Incidence and risk factors for post-operative mortality, hospitalization, and readmission rates following pancreatic cancer resection.

Background: The only potentially curative approach for pancreatic cancer is surgical resection, but this technically challenging procedure carries risks for postoperative morbidities and mortality. This study of a large, contemporary national database illustrates incidences of, and risk factors for, post-procedural mortality, prolonged hospital stay, and 30-day readmission.

Methods: From the National Cancer Database (NCDB), stage I-III pancreatic adenocarcinomas were identified [2004-2015].

Utilization of Adjuvant Radiotherapy for Resected Colon Cancer and Its Effect on Outcome.

Background: Adjuvant radiation is generally not recommended for colon cancer but may be considered in certain clinical scenarios [advanced local disease (pT4) and/or positive margins]. Guidelines in this area are lacking; thus we analyzed the National Cancer Database (NCDB) for patterns of care in this regard and any predictors for outcome.

Methods: We queried the NCDB from 2004 to 2016 for patients with resected adenocarcinoma of the colon having pT4 and/or had positive margins on final pathology and who received adjuvant multiagent chemotherapy.

Retrospective review of total neoadjuvant therapy.

Background: Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by resection and postoperative multi-agent chemotherapy (maChT) is the standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer. Using this approach, maChT administration can be delayed for several months, leading to concern for distant metastases. To counteract this, a novel treatment approach known as total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) has gained popularity, in which patients receive both maChT and nCRT prior to resection.

Definitive Chemoradiation for Rectal Cancer: Is There a Role for Dose Escalation? A National Cancer Database Study.

Background: Surgery remains the standard of care in rectal cancer. Select patients will not undergo surgery for reasons such as medical inoperability or a watch-and-wait approach and instead are managed with definitive chemoradiation.

Objective: We used the National Cancer Database to identify overall survival and predictors thereof in the nonoperative management of patients with rectal cancer.

Time to Adjuvant Systemic Therapy Following Pancreatic Cancer Resection and Effect on Outcome.

Objectives: The appropriate timing of chemotherapy following surgery for resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma is controversial. Using the National Cancer Database we evaluated time to initiation of chemotherapy postresection and correlated with outcome.

Methods: We identified stage I-III pancreatic adenocarcinoma treated surgically with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

Anal adenocarcinoma: Treatment outcomes and trends in a rare disease entity.

Importance: Primary Adenocarcinoma of the anus is a rare disease with a poor prognosis and thus tends to have a more aggressive treatment algorithm, typically involving a surgical approach. Prior to 2001, a few retrospective studies outlined improved outcomes with the incorporation of surgery with chemoradiation. However, since the publication of these studies, advancement in radiotherapy modalities and imaging have left the question of improved outcomes while reserving surgery for salvage.

Trends in Radiation Dose and Technique For Anal Canal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Background: Anal canal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is managed definitively with chemoradiation, reserving surgery for salvage. The dosage of radiation has varied from 30 Gy to in excess of 60 Gy. RTOG 0529 established intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) as standard of care for anal canal SCC with doses of 50.

Trends in intensity-modulated radiation therapy use for rectal cancer in the neoadjuvant setting: a National Cancer Database analysis.

Purpose: Traditionally, three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) is used for neoadjuvant chemoradiation in locally advanced rectal cancer. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) was later developed for more conformal dose distribution, with the potential for reduced toxicity across many disease sites. We sought to use the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to examine trends and predictors for IMRT use in rectal cancer.

Effect of Daily and Every Other Day Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Schedules on Treatment-Related Fatigue in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Purpose: We compared the rate and severity of fatigue in patients who completed stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to the liver daily (QD) compared with every other day (QOD).

Methods And Materials: From 2010 to 2017, 91 patients with Child Pugh (CP) A (n = 57) or CP-B (n = 34) cirrhosis who completed 100 SBRT sessions to 110 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions were analyzed in this study. Confounding variables with fatigue such as CP-C cirrhosis, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score >2, or a history of ascites or encephalopathy were excluded.

Hepatocellular carcinoma with child Pugh-A Cirrhosis treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy.

Aim: To evaluate the control, survival, and hepatic function for Child Pugh (CP)-A patients after Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods: From 2009 to 2016, 40 patients with Barcelona Liver Clinic (BCLC) stages 0-B HCC and CP-A cirrhosis completed liver SBRT. The mean prescription dose was 45 Gy (40 to 50 Gy in 4-5 fractions).

Consequences and countermeasures in a nuclear power accident: Chernobyl experience.

Despite the tragic accidents in Fukushima and Chernobyl, the nuclear power industry will continue to contribute to the production of electric energy worldwide until there are efficient and sustainable alternative sources of energy. The Chernobyl nuclear accident, which occurred 26 years ago in the former Soviet Union, released an immense amount of radioactivity over vast territories of Belarus, Ukraine, and the Russian Federation, extending into northern Europe, and became the most severe accident in the history of the nuclear industry. This disaster was a result of numerous factors including inadequate nuclear power plant design, human errors, and violation of safety measures.