Feasibility assessment of the interactive use of a Monte Carlo algorithm in treatment planning for intraoperative electron radiation therapy.

This work analysed the feasibility of using a fast, customized Monte Carlo (MC) method to perform accurate computation of dose distributions during pre- and intraplanning of intraoperative electron radiation therapy (IOERT) procedures. The MC method that was implemented, which has been integrated into a specific innovative simulation and planning tool, is able to simulate the fate of thousands of particles per second, and it was the aim of this work to determine the level of interactivity that could be achieved. The planning workflow enabled calibration of the imaging and treatment equipment, as well as manipulation of the surgical frame and insertion of the protection shields around the organs at risk and other beam modifiers.

An innovative tool for intraoperative electron beam radiotherapy simulation and planning: description and initial evaluation by radiation oncologists.

Purpose: Intraoperative electron beam radiation therapy (IOERT) involves a modified strategy of conventional radiation therapy and surgery. The lack of specific planning tools limits the spread of this technique. The purpose of the present study is to describe a new simulation and planning tool and its initial evaluation by clinical users.

[Incidence and prognostic factors for biochemical recurrence after radical radiotherapy].

Objectives: The aim of this study is to analyze the outcomes obtained after External-Beam Radiotherapy (3D EBRT)in patients with prostate cancer.

Methods: The study includes 503 patients (p) treated at the Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón in Madrid, diagnosed between 2000-2007, with low, intermediate or high risk prostate cancer (D'Amico risk groups), treated with 3D EBRT. Biochemical recurrence (BR) was defined as nadir +2 following Phoenix's criterion.

Radical prostatectomy versus external-beam radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer: long-term effect on biochemical control-in search of the optimal treatment.

Background: The optimal management of patients with clinically localized prostate carcinoma remains undefined due in part to the absence of well-designed, randomized trials.

Methods: This retrospective study comprised 505 patients diagnosed with low- or intermediate- risk prostate cancer in 1998-2005 and treated at Hospital Gregorio Marañón (Spain) with radical prostatectomy (RP) or external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT). No adjuvant therapy was administered.

[Radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy: description, outcome and prognostic factors in and emerging practice].

Objectives: Recently it has been reported in the EORTC (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer) trial 22911 and the SWOG (Southwest Oncology Group) 8794, the evidence that radiotherapy (RT) is an effective treatment after the prostatectomy in patients with high risk of biochemical failure. We analyze predictor factors of biochemical relapse and the potential benefits induced by rescue treatment are the main purposes of our study.

Methods: From 1993 to 2003, 597 prostatectomy were followed at Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón de Madrid, identifying 166 patients (p) (28%) of biochemical failure (defined as PSA > or = 0'5 ng/ml, including post-surgical persistent values).

Informed consent in radiation oncology: is consenting easier than informing?

The patient's right to be informed has been universally recognized and reflected in the legal system of many countries. This right to correct and complete information on behalf of the patient and his admission to proceed with the recommended diagnostic or therapeutic procedure is formalized in the document commonly known as informed consent. Although the legal and bioethical considerations regarding this document have been exhaustively discussed and consensuated, its content continues to create certain doubts and uncertainties.

[Delays and treatment interruptions: difficulties in administering radiotherapy in an ideal time-period].

Prescribed total radiation dose should be administered within in a specific time-frame and delays in commencing treatment and/or unplanned interruptions in radiation delivery are unacceptable because, in certain cancer sites, treatment-time prolongation can have a deleterious effect on local tumour control, and on patient outcomes. The present review evaluated the causes of initial treatment delays as well as interruptions in the scheduled radiotherapy. The literature search highlighted a significant concern in avoiding treatment-time prolongation in head and neck, cervix, breast and lung cancer.