The Role of Local Therapy for Oligo-Progressive Disease in Oncogene-Addicted Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

Purpose: We first described the role of local radiation therapy (LT) for oligoprogressive disease (OPD) on targeted therapy in 2012. Here, we present an updated and larger data set and extend the analysis beyond EGFR and ALK.

Methods: A retrospective review of patients with metastatic NSCLC harboring V600E mutations, or rearrangements, who had OPD on respective tyrosine-kinase inhibitor (TKI) and treated with LT was performed.

Pilot Curriculum for Continued Professional Development of Radiation Oncology Nurses.

Purpose: Limited structured educational programs are available for the continued professional development of radiation oncology nurses. In this study, we evaluated a pilot curriculum focusing on clinical workflow and toxicity management for radiation oncology nurses at a single university-affiliated medical center network.

Methods And Materials: Based on a previous multi-institutional needs assessment, a targeted curriculum on clinical workflow and toxicity management was developed, including didactic lectures, written disease-specific toxicity management guidelines, and standardized medication/laboratory order preference lists in the electronic health record.

The Kelowna template for combined intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy for gynecologic malignancies: Design, application, treatment planning, dosimetric and treatment outcomes.

Purpose: We report the feasibility, experience, and early outcomes of the combined intracavitary and interstitial dedicated applicator using the Kelowna GYN template (Varian, Palo Alto, CA).

Methods And Materials: The Kelowna GYN template is CT compatible and used for the treatment of gynecologic cancers. In cases with patients that have an intact uterus, a modified applicator system using the Kelowna GYN template and a 3D printed adapter piece allows for compatibility with an intrautaerine tandem.

Gynecologic interstitial brachytherapy curriculum using a low-cost phantom with ultrasound workshop and a treatment planning workshop is effective.

Purpose/objective(s): Standardized simulation training geared towards interstitial brachytherapy (IS BT) for gynecologic malignancies is lacking in radiation oncology resident education. We developed and implemented a curriculum for IS BT training with (1) lecture on equipment, workflow, and guidelines, (2) hands-on ultrasound-guided IS BT workshop, and (3) treatment planning workshop.

Methods And Material: The cost in materials of each phantom was approximately $66.

Impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) on R0 resection rate for borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

Background: The role of neoadjuvant stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in patients with borderline resectable pancreas cancer (BRPC) and locally advanced pancreas cancer (LAPC) remains controversial.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated BRPC and LAPC patients treated at our institution who underwent 2-3 months of chemotherapy followed by SBRT to a dose of 30-33 Gy. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were estimated and compared by Kaplan-Meier and log-rank methods.

Improving the Pediatric Patient Experience During Radiation Therapy-A Children's Oncology Group Study.

Purpose: Treatment with radiation therapy (RT) can cause anxiety and distress for pediatric patients and their families. Radiation oncology teams have developed strategies to reduce the negative psychological impact. This survey study aimed to characterize these methods.

TMEM16A/ANO1 suppression improves response to antibody-mediated targeted therapy of EGFR and HER2/ERBB2.

TMEM16A, a Ca -activated Cl channel, contributes to tumor growth in breast cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Here, we investigated whether TMEM16A influences the response to EGFR/HER family-targeting biological therapies. Inhibition of TMEM16A Cl channel activity in breast cancer cells with HER2 amplification induced a loss of viability.

Salvage stereotactic radiosurgery for recurrent glioblastoma multiforme with prior radiation therapy.

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) carries a poor prognosis with high recurrence rates. Salvage stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) may be an effective treatment option.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 34 patients (41 lesions) treated with salvage SRS for recurrent GBM between 2004 and 2012.

Tumor bed radiosurgery following resection and prior stereotactic radiosurgery for locally persistent brain metastasis.

Purpose: Despite advances in multimodality management of brain metastases, local progression following stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) can occur. Often, surgical resection is favored, as it frequently provides immediate symptom relief as well as pathological characterization of any residual tumor. Should the pathological specimen contain viable tumor cells, further radiation therapy is an option to sterilize the tumor bed.