Neoadjuvant docetaxel/estramustine prior to radical prostatectomy or external beam radiotherapy in high risk localized prostate cancer: a phase II trial.

Background: Patients with locally advanced or organ confined, high risk, prostate cancer are at significant risk of having disease recurrence despite definitive local therapy. We evaluated the 2-year progression-free survival of subjects treated with chemotherapy administered prior to definitive therapy with surgery or radiation.

Patients And Methods: Patients (n = 24) with locally advanced and high risk localized prostate cancer were treated with neoadjuvant docetaxel 36 mg/m2 i.

In vivo intraoperative radiotherapy: a novel approach to radiotherapy for early stage breast cancer.

Introduction: Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) has the potential to eliminate the access problems associated with standard 6-week post-operative external beam radiotherapy for patients with breast cancer. However, accurate delivery of the IORT dose for breast cancer has been problematic due to difficulty estimating the tumor bed after tumor removal and tissue re-approximation. We are investigating the feasibility of partial breast irradiation using a single fraction of IORT delivered to the tumor in vivo prior to surgical resection.

Complications associated with neoadjuvant radiotherapy in the multidisciplinary treatment of retroperitoneal sarcomas.

Introduction: Retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS) remain a therapeutic challenge due to high local recurrence rates. Preoperative RT offers theoretical advantages in the multidisciplinary care of RPS. The purpose of our study was to evaluate our experience using preoperative radiotherapy (PRT) in the treatment of RPS.

Feasibility of breast preserving therapy with single fraction in situ radiotherapy delivered intraoperatively.

Background: Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) has gained widespread interest as a means of improving the convenience and availability of breast conserving radiotherapy. Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) is an APBI technique that delivers breast radiotherapy as a single dose at the time of partial mastectomy. We adapted the technique of Veronesi to deliver IORT prior to tumor excision to improve delivery to the region at risk and reduce the volume of normal tissue irradiated.

Propylthiouracil-induced chemical hypothyroidism with high-dose tamoxifen prolongs survival in recurrent high grade glioma: a phase I/II study.

Background: High-dose tamoxifen has had disappointing results as a palliative therapy in recurrent glioma. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a thyroid hormone modulated naturally occurring antagonist of tamoxifen-induced cytotoxicity. Thyroid function was suppressed to reduce IGF-1 levels in glioma patients and high-dose tamoxifen administered.