Modelling the radiobiological effect of intraoperative X-ray brachytherapy for breast cancer using an air-filled spherical applicator.

Purpose: We present a framework, in which we compare a conventional standard dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions with accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) using electronic brachytherapy (eBT). We discuss how radiobiological modelling enables us to establish a framework, within which we can compare external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). This leads to a determination of the shell of isoeffect in breast tissue, at which very low kV eBT can be considered to be clinically equivalent to standard EBRT.

Dosimetric Comparison and Potential for Improved Clinical Outcomes of Paediatric CNS Patients Treated with Protons or IMRT.

Background: We compare clinical outcomes of paediatric patients with CNS tumours treated with protons or IMRT. CNS tumours form the second most common group of cancers in children. Radiotherapy plays a major role in the treatment of many of these patients but also contributes to late side effects in long term survivors.

A dosimetry intercomparison phantom for intraoperative radiotherapy.

Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) using very low kV x-rays is a promising new treatment modality and has proven to be effective for managing breast and neurological tumours. We have treated in excess of 75 patients using four Zeiss Intrabeam x-ray sources (XRS). To date there has been no published data of any dosimetric intercomparison of this type of x-ray source used at other cancer centres worldwide.

Functional intercomparison of intraoperative radiotherapy equipment - Photon Radiosurgery System.

Background: Intraoperative Radiotherapy (IORT) is a method by which a critical radiation dose is delivered to the tumour bed immediately after surgical excision. It is being investigated whether a single high dose of radiation will impart the same clinical benefit as a standard course of external beam therapy. Our centre has four Photon Radiosurgery Systems (PRS) currently used to irradiate breast and neurological sites.

A clinical MRI investigation of the relationship between kidney volume measurements and renal function in patients with renovascular disease.

Recent improvements in MR image acquisition and post-processing techniques have allowed quantitative kidney volume measurements to be derived from patient studies. These morphological indices can provide "snapshot" assessments that may be related to kidney function. The study objective was to measure cortical and total kidney volumes in patients with renovascular disease (RVD) using contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) in order to assess the reproducibility of the technique and to investigate associations between volumes and renal function as measured by glomerular filtration rate (GFR) calculations.