Diarrhoea in irradiated patients: a prospective multicentre observational study.

Aims: To determine the incidence of cancer treatment-induced diarrhoea in patients submitted to irradiation.

Methods: Forty-five Italian radiation oncology departments took part in this prospective observational study and a total of 1020 patients were enrolled. The accrual lasted three consecutive weeks; evaluation was based on diary cards filled in daily by patients during radiotherapy and one week after cessation.

Impact of age at diagnosis on overall and disease-free survival in men with prostate cancer following conformal 3D radiation therapy.

Aims And Background: The impact of age on prostate cancer outcome has been controversial. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of age on overall survival and disease-free survival in patients affected by prostate cancer when treated with 3D conformal radiation therapy.

Methods And Study Design: From 1999 to 2005, 1002 patients with T1-T3 prostate cancer were treated with 3D conformal radiation therapy, delivering a median dose of 75.

Hereditary paraganglioma syndrome associated with SDHD gene mutations: a patient with multicentric presentation treated with radiotherapy. Case report.

Introduction: Extra-adrenal paragangliomas are rare tumors arising from neuroendocrine cells. Sporadic and hereditary forms have been recognized. Among the latter, the PGL1 and PGL4 syndromes are associated with a high risk of multiple localizations.

Irradiation of pacemakers and cardio-defibrillators in patients submitted to radiotherapy: a clinical experience.

Aims And Background: A prospective analysis was carried out on a group of irradiated patients with pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators to identify any relationship between the various types of devices and physical and dosimetric parameters. Cardiac toxicity of the treatment was also investigated.

Methods And Study Design: Forty-five irradiated patients, implanted with pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, were prospectively investigated from 1999 to 2007.

A prospective observational trial on emesis in radiotherapy: analysis of 1020 patients recruited in 45 Italian radiation oncology centres.

Purpose: A prospective observational multicentre trial was carried out to assess the incidence, pattern, and prognostic factors of radiation-induced emesis (RIE), and to evaluate the use of antiemetic drugs in patients treated with radiotherapy or concomitant radio-chemotherapy. The application in clinical practice of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer guidelines was also studied.

Materials And Methods: Forty-five Italian radiation oncology centres took part in this trial.