Hypofractionated high-dose-rate plesiotherapy in nonmelanoma skin cancer treatment.

Purpose: Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the commonest cancer in humans. NMSC treatment currently includes surgery, radiation therapy, and topical approaches. The objective was to analyze and compare the outcomes, toxicity, and cosmesis of NMSC treated by two hypofractionated high-dose-rate (HDR) plesiotherapy techniques.

Are breast cancer patients treated with radiotherapy younger now than ten years ago?

Aim: The aim of the present study was to analyze the age of breast cancer patients managed with curative approach at the time of treatment with radiotherapy.

Background: Breast cancer is the most frequent neoplasm in women. Little is known with regard to the age of patients at diagnosis, and some authors have suggested that breast cancer is now affecting women who are younger than before.

Predicting compliance and survival in palliative whole-brain radiotherapy for brain metastases.

Objective: Brain radiotherapy is the main treatment for patients with brain metastases but its goal is just symptom control. Our aim was to study if different performance tools, used in geriatric practice, could improve patient selection for decision-making in the palliative brain radiotherapy setting.

Patients And Methods: Data from 61 consecutive patients were analysed.

Use of an electron spoiler for radiation treatment of surface skin diseases.

Objectives: Low-energy electron beams are characterised by low surface doses with a pronounced dose build-up and penetration of several centimetres, but often a higher surface dose and a lower penetration range is desired. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of an electron spoiler to modify these beams for treating surface skin diseases and evaluate the feasibility of this method.

Materials And Methods: An aluminium foil 4-mm thick covering the end of the electron applicator was used as a spoiler for a 6 MeV electron beam.