Multiple sensory illusions are evoked during the course of proton therapy.

Visual illusions from astronauts in space have been reported to be associated with the passage of high energy charged particles through visual structures (retina, optic nerve, brain). Similar effects have also been reported by patients under proton and heavy ion therapies. This prompted us to investigate whether protons at the Loma Linda University Proton Therapy and Research Center (PTRC) may also affect other sensory systems beside evoking similar perceptions on the visual system.

Patterns of proton therapy use in pediatric cancer management in 2016: An international survey.

Purpose: To facilitate the initiation of observational studies on late effects of proton therapy in pediatric patients, we report on current patterns of proton therapy use worldwide in patients aged less than 22 years.

Materials & Methods: Fifty-four proton centers treating pediatric patients in 2016 in 11 countries were invited to respond to a survey about the number of patients treated during that year by age group, intent of treatment, delivery technique and tumor types.

Results: Among the 40 participating centers (participation rate: 74%), a total of 1,860 patients were treated in 2016 (North America: 1205, Europe: 432, Asia: 223).

Fractionated Proton Beam Therapy for Acoustic Neuromas: Tumor Control and Hearing Preservation.

Purpose: This prospective cohort evaluated patients with acoustic neuroma treated with proton irradiation at Loma Linda University Medical Center. A dose of 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions was given to improve hearing preservation while maintaining tumor control.

Effects of vertebral-body-sparing proton craniospinal irradiation on the spine of young pediatric patients with medulloblastoma.

Purpose: To investigate the long-term effects of vertebral-body-sparing proton craniospinal irradiation (CSI) on the spine of young patients with medulloblastoma.

Methods And Materials: Six children between the ages of 3 and 5 years with medulloblastoma were treated with vertebral-body-sparing proton CSI after maximal safe resection. Radiation therapy was delivered in the supine position with posterior beams targeting the craniospinal axis, and the proton beam was stopped anterior to the thecal sac.

Efficacy and safety of liraglutide versus placebo added to basal insulin analogues (with or without metformin) in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Aim: To confirm the superiority, compared with placebo, of adding liraglutide to pre-existing basal insulin analogue ± metformin in adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes [glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 7.0-10.0% (53-86 mmol/mol)].