High-dose-rate brachytherapy for large prostate volumes (> or =50cc)-Uncompromised dosimetric coverage and acceptable toxicity.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to review our single-institution experience using high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy in patients with large-volume prostate glands (> or =50cc).

Methods And Materials: Fifty-four patients treated with HDR brachytherapy for prostate cancer at the Penrose Cancer Center between 2001 and 2006 were identified as having an ultrasound volume of at least 50cc at the time of implant (range, 50-97.3cc; mean, 61.

Factors associated with radiation-induced nausea and vomiting in head and neck cancer patients treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy.

Background And Purpose: To investigate factors associated with radiation-induced nausea and vomiting (RINV) in the setting of head and neck intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).

Materials And Methods: Forty-three patients treated with IMRT for head and neck cancer between 2002 and 2007 comprise the cohort. The majority (79%) were treated with an accelerated altered fractionation scheme, and concurrent chemotherapy was delivered to 23.

Characterization of a novel metabolic strategy used by drug-resistant tumor cells.

Acquired or inherent drug resistance is the major problem in achieving successful cancer treatment. However, the mechanism(s) of pleiotropic drug resistance remains obscure. We have identified and characterized a cellular metabolic strategy that differentiates drug-resistant cells from drug-sensitive cells.