Implementation of a voluntary deep inspiration breath hold technique (vDIBH) using BrainLab ExacTrac infrared optical tracking system.

Background: Voluntary deep inspiration breath hold technique (vDIBH) is considered as the key to achieving the widest cardiac sparing in whole breast irradiation. Several techniques have been implemented to achieve a reproducible, fast and friendly treatment. The aim of the present study is to implement vDIBH using the ExacTrac (BrainLAB AG, Germany) monitoring system.

Effects of ionizing radiation on bio-active plant extracts useful for preventing oxidative damages.

Humans are exposed to ionizing radiations in medical radiodiagnosis and radiotherapy that cause oxidative damages and degenerative diseases. Airplane pilots, and even more astronauts, are exposed to a variety of potentially harmful factors, including cosmic radiations. Among the phytochemicals, phenols are particularly efficient in countering the oxidative stress.

A new three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) technique for large breast and/or high body mass index patients: evaluation of a novel fields assessment aimed to reduce extra-target-tissue irradiation.

Objective: To develop an alternative three-dimensional treatment plan with standardized fields class solution for whole-breast radiotherapy in patients with large/pendulous breast and/or high body mass index (BMI).

Methods: Two treatment plans [tangential fields and standardized five-fields technique (S5F)] for a total dose of 50 Gy/25 fractions were generated for patients with large breasts [planning target volume (PTV) >1000 cm(3) and/or BMI >25 kg m(-2)], supine positioned. S5F plans consist of two wedged tangential beams, anteroposterior: 20° for the right breast and 340° for the left breast, and posteroanterior: 181° for the right breast and 179° for the left breast.

Comparison between small radiation therapy electron beams collimated by Cerrobend and tubular applicators.

The purpose of this study was to compare the dosimetric properties of small field electron beams shaped by circular Cerrobend blocks and stainless steel tubular applicators. Percentage depth dose curves, beam profiles, and output factors of small-size circular fields from 2 to 5 cm diameter, obtained either by tubular applicators and Cerrobend blocks, were measured for 6, 10, and 15 MeV electron beam energies. All measurements were performed using a PTW microDiamond 60019 premarket prototype.