Prediction of survival after neoadjuvant therapy in locally advanced rectal cancer - a retrospective analysis.

Purpose: The aim of this retrospective analysis was to determine if the response to preoperative radio(chemo)therapy is predictive for survival among patients with locally advanced rectal cancer and may act as a potential surrogate endpoint for disease free survival and overall survival.

Results: Eight hundred seventy-eight patients from five centers were analyzed. There were 304 women and 574 men; the median age was 64.

Physical and nonphysical effects of weekly music therapy intervention on the condition of radiooncology patients.

Purpose: In oncology settings, music, especially music therapy (MT), is frequently used to improve patients' quality of life, pain situation, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and comfort. However, to date, there are no prospectively collected data correlating regular standardized MT sessions during radiotherapy (RT) to physical parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation and corresponding quality of life measures using quantitative descriptive scales in oncological patients. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of MT on the condition of radiooncology patients using these parameters.

Identification of Risk Factors for Sexual Dysfunction after Multimodal Therapy of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer and Their Impact on Quality of Life: A Single-Center Trial.

Purpose: Sexual function is crucial for the quality of life and can be highly affected by preoperative therapy and surgery. The aim of this study was to identify potential risk factors for poor sexual function and quality of life.

Methods: Female patients were asked to complete the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-6).

Are risk factors for anastomotic leakage influencing long-term oncological outcomes after low anterior resection of locally advanced rectal cancer with neoadjuvant therapy? A single-centre cohort study.

Purpose: Anastomotic leakage (AL) poses the most serious problem following low anterior resection in patients with rectal cancer independent of surgical approach or technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for the occurrence of AL and how they affect the oncological long-term outcome of patients who received neoadjuvant therapy.

Methods: A single centre cohort study of 163 consecutive locally advanced rectal cancer patients (cT3, cT4, N +) that received neoadjuvant therapy followed by resection with primary anastomosis between January 1998 and December 2020 were included in this study.

Locally advanced NSCLC: a plea for sparing the ipsilateral normal lung-prospective, clinical trial with DART-bid (dose-differentiated accelerated radiation therapy, 1.8 Gy twice daily) by VMAT.

Background: In radiation treatment of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC), 'margins' from internal target volumes to planning target volumes in the range of 12 to 23 mm are reported, and avoiding exposure of the contralateral lung is common practice. We investigated prospectively an approach with tight margins (7 mm) and maximal sparing of the ipsilateral normal lung. Mature results for the first endpoint (pneumonitis) and further toxicities are reported.

Evaluation of 4-Hz log files and secondary Monte Carlo dose calculation as patient-specific quality assurance for VMAT prostate plans.

Purpose: In this study, 4-Hz log files were evaluated with an independent secondary Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithm to reduce the workload for patient-specific quality assurance (QA) in clinical routine.

Materials And Methods: A total of 30 randomly selected clinical prostate VMAT plans were included. The used treatment planning system (TPS) was Monaco (Elekta, Crawley), and the secondary dose calculation software was SciMoCa (Scientific-RT, Munich).

Peri-operative Monitoring of an Asystolic Cardiac Arrest Requiring Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation During Carotid Endarterectomy for Symptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis.

Introduction: A carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has certain risks, of which peri-operative cardiovascular risk is one. Peri-operative neurological monitoring can be done with electroencephalography (EEG) and transcranial Doppler (TCD). No previous reports have been published demonstrating the actual changes in cerebral and cardiac activity during a peri-operative asystole.

Docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-FU compared with docetaxel, cisplatin and cetuximab as induction chemotherapy in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: Results of a randomised phase II AGMT trial.

Purpose: Induction chemotherapy (ICT) with cisplatin (P), 5-FU (F) and taxanes (T) is a therapeutical option in patients suffering from locally advanced or unresectable stage III or IV squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). The role of ICT is controversial, and toxicity and/or delay of radiotherapy (RT) may reduce the potential benefit of this treatment regimen. Here, we report the results of a randomised phase II trial comparing TPF with TP + cetuximab (C).

Error sensitivity of a log file analysis tool compared with a helical diode array dosimeter for VMAT delivery quality assurance.

Purpose: Integrating log file analysis with LINACWatch® (LW) into clinical routine as part of the quality assurance (QA) process could be a time-saving strategy that does not compromise on quality. The purpose is to determine the error sensitivity of log file analysis using LINACWatch® compared with a measurement device (ArcCHECK®, AC) for VMAT delivery QA.

Materials And Methods: Multi-leaf collimator (MLC) errors, collimator angle errors, MLC shift errors and dose errors were inserted to analyze error detection sensitivity.

ÖGRO survey on radiotherapy capacity in Austria : Status quo and estimation of future demands.

Background: A comprehensive evaluation of the current national and regional radiotherapy capacity in Austria with an estimation of demands for 2020 and 2030 was performed by the Austrian Society for Radiation Oncology, Radiobiology and Medical Radiophysics (ÖGRO).

Materials And Methods: All Austrian centers provided data on the number of megavoltage (MV) units, treatment series, fractions, percentage of retreatments and complex treatment techniques as well as the daily operating hours for the year 2014. In addition, waiting times until the beginning of radiotherapy were prospectively recorded over the first quarter of 2015.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with Capecitabine, Oxaliplatin and Bevacizumab Followed by Concomitant Chemoradiation and Surgical Resection in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer with High Risk of Recurrence - A Phase II Study.

Aim: To evaluate feasibility and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with capecitabine, oxaliplatin and bevacizumab followed by concomitant standard chemoradiation and surgical resection in patients with high-risk locally advanced rectal cancer.

Patients And Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-defined high-risk cT3/4 rectal cancer patients were treated with 3 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with capecitabine (1,000 mg/m twice daily days 1-14, 22-35, 43-56), oxaliplatin (130 mg/sqm on days 1, 22, 43) and bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg on days 1, 22, 43) followed by capecitabine (825 mg/m twice daily on radiotherapy days week 1-4) concomitantly with radiotherapy (1.

Long-term surveillance of locally advanced rectal cancer patients with neoadjuvant chemoradiation and aggressive surgical treatment of recurrent disease: a consecutive single-centre experience.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyse the long-term outcome of rectal cancer patients who submitted to preoperative chemoradiation with consecutive intensive follow-up and aggressive surgical treatment of recurrent disease.

Methods: Patients with locally advanced (cT3-4 Nx M0-1) mid/low rectal cancer were treated at a tertiary university hospital with preoperative long-course chemoradiation followed by resection (according to a prospective study protocol). After resection, all patients were urged to participate in a standardised, risk-independent intensive follow-up program.

Optimal Treatment Strategy in Rectal Cancer Surgery: Should We Be Cowboys or Chickens?

Background And Purpose: Surgeons and hospitals are increasingly accountable for their postoperative complication rates, which may lead to risk adverse treatment strategies in rectal cancer surgery. It is not known whether a risk adverse strategy leads to providing better care. In this study, the association between the strategy of hospitals regarding defunctioning stoma construction and postoperative outcomes in rectal cancer treatment was evaluated.

Preoperative treatment with capecitabine, cetuximab and radiotherapy for primary locally advanced rectal cancer--a phase II clinical trial.

Background/aim: To investigate the feasibility and safety of preoperative capecitabine, cetuximab and radiation in patients with MRI-defined locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC, cT3/T4).

Patients And Methods: 31 patients with LARC were treated with cetuximab and capecitabine concomitantly with 45 Gy radiotherapy and resected by total mesorectal excision. Histopathological response and association with KRAS status was evaluated.

Pretreatment evaluation of microcirculation by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging predicts survival in primary rectal cancer patients.

Purpose: To investigate the prognostic value of the perfusion index (PI), a microcirculatory parameter estimated from dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI), which integrates information on both flow and permeability, to predict overall survival and disease-free survival in patients with primary rectal cancer.

Methods And Materials: A total of 83 patients with stage cT3 rectal cancer requiring neoadjuvant chemoradiation were investigated with DCE-MRI before start of therapy. Contrast-enhanced dynamic T1 mapping was obtained, and a simple data analysis strategy based on the calculation of the maximum slope of the tissue concentration-time curve divided by the maximum of the arterial input function was used as a measure of tumor microcirculation (PI), which integrates information on both flow and permeability.

Induction chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil followed by radiotherapy with cetuximab for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Purpose: To determine the efficacy and feasibility of induction chemotherapy (ICT) with docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil followed by radiotherapy and cetuximab (C) in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer.

Patients And Methods: Forty-nine previously untreated patients with local advanced stage III and IV squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) received three courses of ICT consisting of docetaxel 75mg/m(2) day 1, cisplatin 75mg/m(2) day 1 and infusional 5-fluorouracil 750mg/m(2)/day on days 1-5 followed by radiotherapy plus C at 250mg/m(2)/week (after an initial loading dose of 400mg/m(2)).

Results: After completion of ICT 44 of 49 patients received radiotherapy plus C.

Neoadjuvant radiotherapy of head and neck carcinoma: an obstacle for plastic reconstruction?

Head and neck carcinomas often are at an advanced stage at the time of diagnosis and therefore frequently primarily hardly operable. A downstaging achieved by neoadjuvant radiotherapy can facilitate a radical tumor resection. Because of radiogenic tissue alterations like scarring and impairment of blood supply, elaborate operations, such as microsurgical reconstructions, are aggravated to a degree, and most surgeons consider them impossible.

Triple induction chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced esophageal cancer. A phase II study.

Background: This phase II trial assessed the feasibility and safety of induction chemotherapy with cisplatin (25 mg/m(2) d1-5, d29-34)/docetaxel (75 mg/m(2) d1, d29)/5-fluorouracil (5-FU, 750 mg/m(2) d1-5, d 29-34) followed by external beam radiotherapy concurrent with docetaxel (15 mg/m(2) d1,8,15,22) and 5-FU (300 mg/m(2) continuous infusion on the days of radiotherapy).

Patients And Methods: Twenty-four patients with locally advanced carcinoma of the esophagus were included. Following chemotherapy and chemoradiation eligible patients underwent esophagectomy.

Preoperative treatment with capecitabine, bevacizumab and radiotherapy for primary locally advanced rectal cancer--a two stage phase II clinical trial.

Background And Purpose: The aim of this single-arm multicenter phase II clinical trial was to assess the feasibility and tolerability of preoperative radiotherapy and simultaneous capecitabine and bevacizumab. Secondary endpoints were downstaging-rate and induction of complete pathological response.

Material And Methods: Patients with cT3 rectal cancer were eligible.

Overall survival and extent of surgery in adult versus elderly glioblastoma patients: A population based retrospective study.

Introduction: The purpose of this retrospective population based study was to investigate the effect of the extent of surgery on overall survival in young versus adult glioblastoma patients in Vorarlberg/Austria during the last 4 years.

Methods: Forty-eight patients (median age 62.5 years, ranging from 25-82 years, 19 female and 29 male) with histologically proven glioblastoma received surgery (16 biopsies, 18 partial and 14 complete resections) and postoperative chemo-irradiation with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide.

Feasibility and toxicity of concomitant radio/immunotherapy with MabThera (Rituximab®) for patients with non-Hodkin's Lymphoma: results of a prospective phase I/II study.

Purpose: Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) have a high radio- and chemosensitivity. Although initially responsive, approximately 50% of low grade B-cell lymphomas relapse after 10-15 years. Besides chemo- and radiotherapy, rituximab, a mouse/human chimeric antibody targeting CD20 antigen on the surface of B-cell lymphoma cells, is another treatment approach.

Treatment of types II-IV endoleaks by injecting biocompatible elastomer (PDMS) in the aneurysm sac: an in vitro study.

Purpose: To investigate if an elastomer [polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)] can be used to effectively treat endoleaks after endovascular aneurysm repair.

Methods: A latex aneurysm (36-mm inner diameter sac, 15-mm inner diameter neck) was attached to an in vitro circulation model. The aneurysm was excluded from the circulation by placing an unstented polyester graft.

The effect of injectable biocompatible elastomer (PDMS) on the strength of the proximal fixation of endovascular aneurysm repair grafts: an in vitro study.

Purpose: One of the major concerns in the long-term success of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is stent graft migration, which can cause type I endoleak and even aneurysm rupture. Fixation depends on the mechanical forces between the graft and both the aortic neck and the blood flow. Therefore, there are anatomical restrictions for EVAR, such as short and angulated necks.

Aortic customize: a new alternative endovascular approach to aortic aneurysm repair using injectable biocompatible elastomer. An in vitro study.

Purpose: Aortic Customize is a new concept for endovascular aortic aneurysm repair in which a non polymerized elastomer is injected to fill the aneurysm sac around a balloon catheter. The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the extent of aneurysm wall stress reduction by the presence of a noncompliant elastomer cuff.

Methods: A thin-walled latex aneurysm (inner radius sac 18 mm, inner radius neck 8 mm), equipped with 12 tantalum markers, was attached to an in vitro circulation model.