Establishment and Validation of Pre-Therapy Cervical Vertebrae Muscle Quantification as a Prognostic Marker of Sarcopenia in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer.

Background: Sarcopenia is prognostic for survival in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). However, identification of this high-risk feature remains challenging without computed tomography (CT) imaging of the abdomen or thorax. Herein, we establish sarcopenia thresholds at the C3 level and determine if C3 sarcopenia is associated with survival in patients with HNC.

Impact of hospital volume on mortality for brain metastases treated with radiation.

Background: The impact of hospital volume on cancer patient survival has been demonstrated in the surgical literature, but sparsely for patients receiving radiation therapy (RT). This analysis addresses the impact of hospital volume on patients receiving RT for the most common central nervous system tumor: brain metastases.

Materials And Methods: Analysis was conducted using the National Cancer Database (NCDB) from 2010-2015 for patients with metastatic brain disease from lung cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer requiring RT.

Pediatric Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma: A National Database Inquiry on Current Treatment Approaches in the United States.

Background: Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas (PXAs) account for <1% of primary brain tumors, occurring predominantly in children and young adults. Surgical resection serves as the primary treatment for PXAs, while radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy protocols remain poorly defined.

Aim: This study aims to determine current care patterns utilized for pediatric patients (≤ 18 years) diagnosed with PXAs and their effect on overall survival.

Patterns of Care and Barriers to Utilization of Definitive Concurrent Chemoradiation Therapy for Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Russia.

Background: Definitive concurrent chemoradiation (cCRT) is offered to only 3% of Russian patients with stage III NSCLC. To determine the patterns of care and barriers to cCRT utilization in Russia, we conducted a survey of practicing radiation oncologists (ROs).

Methods: Electronic IRB-approved survey containing 15 questions was distributed to Russian ROs.