Validation of the Elekta iBEAM Evo couchtop modeling in the Monaco treatment planning system.

Recently, carbon fiber (CF) has prevailed as the primary material used in radiotherapy couchtops. Modern couchtops incorporate the CF sandwich design, in which 2 thin CF plates sandwich an air-equivalent polymeric foam. Developments in radiotherapy necessitate irradiation from posterior angles through the couchtop.

Comparative Analysis of External and Internal Radiotherapy- Dependent Plans in Patients with Gynecological Cancer.

Background/aim: Radiotherapy plays a key role in the treatment of gynecological cancer. Modern radiotherapy techniques with external beams (e-RT) are applied in a broad spectrum of gynecological cancer cases. However, high radiation doses, affecting normal tissue adjacent to cancer, represent the main disadvantage of e-RT regimens.

Y-microsphere radioembolization: The method, clinical evidence and perspective.

The current review unfolds the procedural steps and the clinical evidence for yttrium-90 (Y)-microspheres radioembolization. Radioembolization is part of the loco-regional therapeutic spectrum for liver malignancy and involves the invasive, intra-arterial delivery of microspheres carrying β-emitter isotopes in order to destroy cancerous tissue via ionizing radiation. The main steps of the therapeutic process are selection of eligible patients, angiographic workup, simulation scintigraphy, pre-treatment dosimetry, actual treatment and post-treatment imaging/dosimetry.

Statins and risk of breast cancer recurrence.

Background: The primary end point of our study was to test whether the concurrent use of a statin is related to a lower risk of recurrence and increased relapse-free survival in patients with early breast cancer.

Materials And Methods: We reviewed 610 female patients with stage I, II, or III breast cancer who had been surgically treated and who had subsequently received at least adjuvant chemotherapy in order to prevent recurrence.

Results: Among the 610 patients with breast cancer, 83 (13.

Comparison of International Guidelines on Mucosal Melanoma of the Head and Neck: A Comprehensive Review of the Role of Radiation Therapy.

Mucosal melanomas of the head and neck are rare pathological entities that correlate with poor prognosis due to their high propensity for local failure and distant metastases. The exact role of radiation therapy in the management of mucosal melanoma patients has not yet been fully proven, even though in everyday clinical practice these patients are referred for radiotherapy, in an effort to improve locoregional control. The guidelines of various societies on the role of radiation therapy for the treatment of mucosal melanoma of the head and neck region are very limited.

Completion of radiotherapy is associated with the Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 score in elderly patients with cancer.

Objectives: Vulnerability assessment of geriatric patients with cancer may contribute to improved anti-cancer treatment with maximal results and minimal side effects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 (VES-13) score is associated with completion of radiotherapy among elderly patients with cancer.

Materials And Methods: This was a prospective observational study that included patients greater than age 75 with histologically confirmed cancer disease, referred to the Department of Radiation Oncology to receive radical or palliative radiotherapy, from 2010 to 2012.

Review of hypofractionated radiotherapy for prostate cancer.

Hypofractionated radiotherapy for prostate cancer has become of increasing interest with the recognition of a potential improvement in therapeutic outcome with treatments delivered in large-sized daily fractions. In addition, hypofractionation offers a reduction in fraction number and produces attractive cost and increased convenience for patients. There is convincing evidence, by several clinical trials, that biochemical control is significantly improved with higher administered radiation doses to the prostate gland.

Pulmonary function testing in women with breast cancer treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Background: The frequency and grade of pulmonary complications after radiotherapy for breast cancer are still debated. This study evaluated changes in pulmonary function tests (PFTs) after radiotherapy in women with breast cancer.

Patients And Methods: Thirty-five consecutive eligible women with breast cancer underwent pulmonary function testing before and 3 months after adjuvant radiotherapy.

Metastatic adenocarcinoma of parotid gland originating from the ampulla of vater: case report and review of the literature.

Aim: To report a rare case of metastasis from an adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater to the parotid gland.

Patients And Methods: In February 2004, a 61-year-old male underwent Whipple surgery due to a grade II adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater (stage IB:pT2N0M0). Post surgery, the patient did not receive any adjuvant treatment, but was followed up regularly.