Radiotherapy for tumors of the mediastinum - state of the art.

Mediastinal tumors encompass a diverse range of malignancies, originating within or spreading to the mediastinum. The administration of radiotherapy within the anatomical confines of the mediastinum presents unique challenges owing to the close proximity of critical organs, including the heart, lungs, esophagus, and spinal cord. However, recent progress in imaging techniques, treatment modalities, and our understanding of tumor biology has significantly contributed to the development of effective and safe therapeutic strategies for mediastinal diseases.

Physical activity, early first delivery and residence as parameters for breast cancer prevention: an observational study.

Purpose: To determine the impact of physical activity, obesity, history of maternity, residence and socioeconomic status on the prevention of breast cancer (BC).

Methods: We established a questionnaire in order to record several potential parameters associated with BC in women aged between 30 and 60 years. The parameters evaluated in the present study were physical activity (years and days per week), obesity, age of menarche, age of first delivery, breast feeding, family history of BC, vegetarian diet, residence and socioeconomic status.

Review of the three-field techniques in breast cancer radiotherapy.

Breast cancer is often treated with radiotherapy (RT), with two opposing tangential fields. When indicated, supraclavicular lymph nodes have to be irradiated, and a third anterior field is applied. The junction region has the potential to be over or underdosed.

Splenic irradiation as palliative treatment for symptomatic splenomegaly due to secondary myelofibrosis: a multi-institutional experience.

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of splenic irradiation as a palliative treatment for symptomatic splenomegaly due to secondary myelofibrosis.

Methods: Seventeen patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia and 3 with idiopathic polycythaemia presented with splenomegaly, splenic pain and anemia. Due to symptomatic splenomegaly, despite first-line treatment, the patients underwent splenic irradiation.

Radiotherapy combined with daily escitalopram in patients with painful bone metastasis: clinical evaluation and quality of life measurements.

Purpose: To prospectively assess the efficacy of the selective serotonin inhibitor escitalopram on painful bone metastases, in combination with external beam irradiation.

Methods: Forty-three patients with cancer metastatic to bone and suffering from depression were treated with 3 Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy (3DCRT) (30 Gy; 3 Gy/fraction, 5 days/week) combined with escitalopram (20 mg/day). Pain relief was evaluated with Wong/Baker Faces Pain Scale.

A hypofractionated radiotherapy schedule with 57.75Gy in 21 fractions for T1-2N0 prostate carcinoma: Analysis of late toxicity and efficacy.

Purpose: The primary endpoint was to assess the late toxicity of a hypofractionated radiotherapy schedule in relation to radiation parameters concerning the rectum and bladder. The second endpoint was to assess a composite of biochemical and clinical failure.

Methods: Sixty-four prospectively selected patients diagnosed with localized low risk prostate cancer, Gleason score (GS) <7, PSA <10, and T1-2N0, were treated with external 3- dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT).

The potential role of radiation therapy in Bowen's disease: a review of the current literature.

Background: Bowen's disease is a form of squamous cell carcinoma in situ that can be transformed into invasive squamous cell carcinoma and should be treated according to its anatomical position. The aim of this article is to offer an overview of treatment options with an emphasis on radiation therapy in the treatment of Bowen's disease.

Methods And Materials: We performed overview of the literature based on database searches in PubMed/MEDLINE and we included articles till December 2010.

Grade III Dermatitis in a Patient Treated With Paclitaxel and Radiotherapy: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Taxanes, both paclitaxel and doxetaxel are the medication of the future in the management of solid tumors. In high risk breast cancer patients, the combination of concurrent paclitaxel and docetaxel chemotherapy with adjuvant radiotherapy is an attractive option to sequential treatment, with potential for enforcing both local and systemic control. This case report examines the tolerance of such treatment.