Global Workforce and Access: Demand, Education, Quality.

There has long existed a substantial disparity in access to radiotherapy globally. This issue has only been exacerbated as the growing disparity of cancer incidence between high-income countries (HIC) and low and middle-income countries (LMICs) widens, with a pronounced increase in cancer cases in LMICs. Even within HICs, iniquities within local communities may lead to a lack of access to care.

Current and projected gaps in the availability of radiotherapy in the Asia-Pacific region: a country income-group analysis.

Background: Cancer incidence and mortality is increasing rapidly worldwide, with a higher cancer burden observed in the Asia-Pacific region than in other regions. To date, evidence-based modelling of radiotherapy demand has been based on stage data from high-income countries (HIC) that do not account for the later stage at presentation seen in many low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to estimate the current and projected demand and supply in megavoltage radiotherapy machines in the Asia-Pacific region, using a national income-group adjusted model.

Radiotherapy for benign diseases in Turkey: a patterns of care survey of the Turkish Society for Radiation Oncology (TROD 05-002).

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the patterns of radiotherapy (RT) care in cases of benign diseases in Turkey.

Methods: A questionnaire survey was sent to all radiation oncology (RO) departments in Turkey. The number of patients treated for benign disease between 2015 and 2020 was requested.

Evaluation of the effect of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT) techniques on survival response in cell lines with a new radiobiological modeling.

Background: The optimal radiobiological model, which assesses the biological effects of novel radiotherapy techniques that concurrently modify multiple physical factors, has not yet been defined. This study aimed to investigate the impact of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) on cellular response in head and neck cancer and melanoma models.

Methods: Clonogenic analysis, DNA double-strand break analysis, apoptosis, and cell cycle analysis were performed on cancer stem cell models, cancer models, and normal tissue cell models to assess radiation sensitivity.

Preoperative radiotherapy with concomitant chemotherapy in extremity soft tissue sarcomas: long-term results of a single center.

Purpose: To assess oncological outcomes of patients receiving neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (RCT) for soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of the extremities.

Methods: Patients who were treated with preoperative radiotherapy and concomitant chemotherapy-3 cycles of mitomycin/doxorubicin/cisplatin (MAP) or 2-4 cycles of doxorubicin/cisplatin (AP)-followed by surgery were analyzed retrospectively. Survival rates were estimated, and prognostic factors were identified.

The Practice of Paediatric Radiation Oncology in Low- and Middle-income Countries: Outcomes of an International Atomic Energy Agency Study.

Aims: Childhood cancer survival is suboptimal in most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Radiotherapy plays a significant role in the standard care of many patients. To assess the current status of paediatric radiotherapy, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) undertook a global survey and a review of practice in eight leading treatment centres in middle-income countries (MICs) under Coordinated Research Project E3.

Primary extranodal lymphoma of the glands. Literature review and options for best practice in 2019.

Primary extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (EN-NHL) are a heterogeneous group of malignancies that involve numerous entities with significant difference in terms of tumor site locations, prognostic factors, biology expression, and therapeutic options. In the literature, many EN-NHL types were reported from limited series which only allowed narrow views for elucidating prognostic factors and defining the role of loco-regional therapies in the era of new systemic and biologically targeted therapies. The Rare Cancer Network (RCN), an international multidisciplinary consortium, has published a number of reports on several EN-NHL sites which included many gland locations.

Role of consolidative radiation therapy for patients with mediastinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the rituximab era.

Background: The most common subtype of aggressive non-Hodgkin Lymphomas is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Mediastinal DLBCL is a distinct entity with unique clinical, pathologic, and genetic features and accepted as a subtype of DLBCL. The aim of this study is to evaluate the patients treated with consolidative radiotherapy (RT) after rituximab-containing chemotherapy for mediastinal DLBCL regarding treatment outcomes and relapse patterns.

Outcome and prognostic factors in 110 consecutive patients with primary uterine leiomyosarcoma: A Rare Cancer Network study.

Objective: Primary uterine leiomyosarcomas (ULMS) are rare, and the optimal treatment is controversial. We aimed to assess the outcome and prognostic factors in a multicenter population of women treated for primary ULMS.

Methods: We retrospectively collected data of 110 women treated in 19 institutions of the Rare Cancer Network (RCN).

SIOP PODC Adapted treatment guidelines for low grade gliomas in low and middle income settings.

Effective treatment of children with low grade glioma (LGG) requires a functioning multi-disciplinary team with adequate neurosurgical, neuroradiological, pathological, radiotherapy and chemotherapy facilities and personnel. In addition, the treating centre should have the capacity to manage a variety of LGG and treatment-associated complications. These requirements have made it difficult for many centers in low and middle-income countries (LMIC) to offer effective treatment and follow up.

Recommendations for the treatment of children with radiotherapy in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC): A position paper from the Pediatric Radiation Oncology Society (PROS-LMIC) and Pediatric Oncology in Developing Countries (PODC) working groups of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP).

Pediatric radiotherapy is a critical part of pediatric oncology protocols and the quality of the radiotherapy may determine the future quality of life for long-term survivors. Multidisciplinary team decision making provides the basis for high-quality care. However, delivery of high-quality radiotherapy is dependent on resources.

The role of radiotherapy in local control of nonextremity Ewing sarcomas.

Purpose: To evaluate the results of radiotherapy and the prognostic factors affecting local control in nonextremity Ewing sarcomas.

Methods: Between 1995 and 2011, 44 patients with nonextremity Ewing sarcomas were treated with radiotherapy. Tumor localizations were pelvis in 23, spine in 13, thoracic region in 5, and cranium in 3 patients.

Successful Treatment With Total Skin Electron Beam Therapy in a Child With Isolated Cutaneous Relapsed AML.

A 9-year-old girl diagnosed with acute myeloblastic leukemia M4 developed isolated cutaneous relapse. She was given chemotherapy including idarubicin, fludarabine, and cytarabine. Although she developed very severe pancytopenia, increase in the number and size of the lesions was seen.

Long-term outcome of patients with spinal myxopapillary ependymoma: treatment results from the MD Anderson Cancer Center and institutions from the Rare Cancer Network.

Background: Spinal myxopapillary ependymomas (MPEs) are slowly growing ependymal gliomas with preferential manifestation in young adults. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of patients with MPE treated with surgery, radiotherapy (RT), and/or chemotherapy.

Methods: The medical records of 183 MPE patients (male: 59%) treated at the MD Anderson Cancer Center and 11 institutions from the Rare Cancer Network were retrospectively reviewed.

Prognostic significance of bcl-2, c-myc, survivin and tumor grade in synovial sarcoma.

Objective: We aimed to determine the prognostic value of bcl-2, c-myc and survivin in synovial sarcoma cases and to evaluate the relationship between the conventional morphological findings with prognosis.

Material And Method: In this study, we evaluated 81 synovial sarcoma cases referred to our tertiary tumor center during a period of 20 years. We applied bcl-2, c-myc and survivin immunohistochemically and investigated the relationship with prognosis for those 65 cases with follow-up.

Radiotherapy capacity in European countries: an analysis of the Directory of Radiotherapy Centres (DIRAC) database.

Radiotherapy is used for cure or palliation in around half of patients with cancer. We analysed data on radiotherapy equipment in 33 European countries registered in the Directory of Radiotherapy Centres (DIRAC) database, managed by the International Atomic Energy Agency. As of July, 2012, Europe had 1286 active radiotherapy centres.

Validation of the Turkish versions of EORTC QLQ-C30 and BR23 modules in breast cancer patients.

Purpose: To test the validity and reliability of The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) core (QLQ-C30) and breast cancer module (QLQ-BR23) for Turkish breast cancer patients.

Patients And Methods: A total of 127 patients treated with radiotherapy (RT) enrolled to this prospective study. EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 modules applied to patients before initiation of RT and at follow-up period.

The essential role of radiotherapy in the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma: a study from the Rare Cancer Network.

Purpose: To evaluate the role of postoperative radiotherapy (RT) in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).

Methods And Materials: A retrospective multicenter study was performed in 180 patients with MCC treated between February 1988 and September 2009. Patients who had had surgery alone were compared with patients who received surgery and postoperative RT or radical RT.

Primary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of the salivary glands: a multicenter Rare Cancer Network study.

Purpose: Involvement of salivary glands with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is rare. This retrospective study was performed to assess the clinical profile, treatment outcome, and prognostic factors of MALT lymphoma of the salivary glands.

Methods And Materials: Thirteen member centers of the Rare Cancer Network from 10 countries participated, providing data on 63 patients.

Twinning partnerships through International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to improve radiotherapy in common paediatric cancers in low- and mid-income countries.

Purpose: The article summarises the current use of radiotherapy (RT) in childhood cancer and suggests methods to improve current practice in regions where outcomes of paediatric cancer patients are inferior to those of high-income countries.

Methods And Materials: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is supporting low- and mid-income countries (LMICs) in upgrading cancer care where nuclear applications, particularly RT, are used. A consensus meeting of experts was invited to advise IAEA on the needs for RT in paediatric cancer patients.

Anaplastic astroblastoma of childhood: aggressive behavior.

Objective: Astroblastoma is an unusual brain tumor in childhood. Tumor usually arises from cerebral hemispheres. This large tumor is well-demarcated, lobulated, solid or cystic, and therefore, may resemble glioblastoma.

The results of surgery, with or without radiotherapy, for primary spinal myxopapillary ependymoma: a retrospective study from the rare cancer network.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of patients with primary spinal myxopapillary ependymoma (MPE).

Materials And Methods: Data from a series of 85 (35 females, 50 males) patients with spinal MPE were collected in this retrospective multicenter study. Thirty-eight (45%) underwent surgery only and 47 (55%) received postoperative radiotherapy (RT).