Dose delivery uncertainties assessment in the field junction region of craniospinal irradiation with Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy using a robustness index and experimental dose verification.

Due to its inherent technical challenges, craniospinal irradiation (CSI) entails crucial considerations regarding plan complexity and robustness. The scope of this work was to establish and validate methods suitable for the evaluation of robustness, as well as for dose verification in CSI with VMAT. Five patients previously treated with CSI were retrospectively selected.

Comparison and Evaluation of Different Radiotherapy Techniques Using Biodosimetry Based on Cytogenetics.

While rapid technological advances in radiotherapy techniques have led to a more precise delivery of radiation dose and to a decreased risk of side effects, there is still a need to evaluate the efficacy of the new techniques estimating the biological dose and to investigate the radiobiological impact of the protracted radiotherapy treatment duration. The aim of this study is to compare, at a cytogenetic level, advanced radiotherapy techniques VMAT and IMRT with the conventional 3D-CRT, using biological dosimetry. A dicentric biodosimetry assay based on the frequency of dicentrics chromosomes scored in peripheral blood lymphocytes from prostate cancer patients and PC3 human prostate cancer cell line was used.

Prognostic Value of MRS Metabolites in Postoperative Irradiated High Grade Gliomas.

Purpose: We studied the prognostic significance of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) in operated high grade gliomas.

Materials And Methods: Twelve patients were treated with radiotherapy and Temozolomide. The MRS data were taken four weeks after operation (before radiotherapy) and every six months after the completion of RT.

Long-term results of LINAC-based stereotactic radiosurgery for acoustic neuroma: the Greek experience.

Purpose: To estimate the value of LINAC-based stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for the long-term local control of unilateral acoustic neuromas.

Materials And Methods: Twenty patients (median age 66; range 57-80 years) with unilateral acoustic neuroma underwent LINAC-based SRS from May 2000 through June 2004 with a dose of 11-12 Gy. The follow-up period ranged from 36 to 84 months (median follow-up period: 55 months).

Apoptotic and inflammation markers in oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy: preliminary report.

Goal Of Work: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of pro-apoptotic protein p53 and anti-apoptotic proteins BCl-2 and MCl-1, as well as the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) in patients developing mucositis during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

Materials And Methods: Thirty-five patients receiving radiotherapy for head/neck cancer were included in this study. Patients were examined before radiotherapy.

Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) infection in radiation-induced oral mucositis.

Goal Of Work: The aim of the study was to investigate the incidence of herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) infection in mucositis during head and neck cancer radiotherapy.

Patients And Methods: Sixty patients with malignant head and neck tumor, eligible to receive radiotherapy, who were referred to the Dental Oncology Unit, entered the study. Sixteen patients (26.

Effect of fluconazole antifungal prophylaxis on oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy.

Goal Of Work: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of fluconazole antifungal prophylaxis on the severity of mucositis in head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy.

Patients And Methods: Sixty-three patients, with malignant head and neck tumor, eligible to receive radiotherapy, entered the study. Thirty-four patients (group A) received 100 mg/day of fluconazole prophylaxis during radiotherapy and were compared with 29 patients, who received radiotherapy alone (group B).

Phase II multicenter randomized study of amifostine for prevention of acute radiation rectal toxicity: topical intrarectal versus subcutaneous application.

Purpose: To investigate the cytoprotective effect of subcutaneous vs. intrarectal administration of amifostine against acute radiation toxicity.

Methods And Materials: Patients were randomized to receive amifostine either intrarectally (Group A, n = 27) or a 500-mg flat dose subcutaneously (Group B, n = 26) before irradiation.

A phase II randomized study of topical intrarectal administration of amifostine for the prevention of acute radiation-induced rectal toxicity.

Purpose: To investigate the cytoprotective effect of intrarectal amifostine administration on acute radiation-induced rectal toxicity.

Patients And Methods: 67 patients with T1b-2 N0 M0 prostate cancer were randomized to receive amifostine intrarectally (group A, n = 33) or not (group B, n = 34) before irradiation. Therapy was delivered using a four-field technique with three-dimensional conformal planning.

Oral candidiasis in head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy with amifostine cytoprotection.

This controlled study assessed the incidence of oral candidiasis, a xerostomia-related complication, in head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy, with amifostine cytoprotection. Thirty-eight patients received 500 mg amifostine i.v.