Computer tomography-assisted three-dimensional technique to assess rectal and bladder wall dose in intracavitary brachytherapy for uterine cervical cancer.

We used a computer tomography (CT)-assisted three-dimensional (3D) technique to assess dose to the rectum and bladder in intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT) for patients with cervical cancer, and compared this technique with the conventional method. The results revealed that the difference in dose to the rectal and bladder wall between these two methods were significant. The CT-assisted technique is a feasible method, and it gives different results than the conventional method.

Clinical comparison of two linear-quadratic model-based isoeffect fractionation schemes of high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy for cervical cancer.

Purpose: Two linear-quadratic model-based isoeffect fractionation schemes of high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy (HDR-IC) were used to treat cervical cancer in two consecutive periods. Patient outcomes and complications were analyzed and compared.

Methods And Materials: Between November 1987 and December 1996, a total of 541 women diagnosed with cervical cancer were treated with curative-intent radiotherapy.

Properties of Nanostructured Hydroxyapatite Prepared by a Spray Drying Technique.

In previous studies nano sized hydroxyapatite (HA) particles were prepared by solgel or precipitation methods, in which the products were washed by aqueous or non-aqueous liquids to remove impurities or undesired components. The washing is know to modify the surfaces of the cystalline particles. This study evaluated properties of nano HA materials prepared by a spray drying method in which the HA product was not exposed to any liquid after its formation.

[Role of high resolution CT in diffuse pulmonary nodules].

Objective: To evaluate high resolution CT (HRCT) in the diagnosis of diffuse pulmonary nodules.

Methods: Fifty normal chest radiographs, conventional CT and HRCT were used to evaluate the visualization of pulmonary lobule. The configuration, distribution and intrinsic structure of lesion in 38 patients with diffuse pulmonary nodules were analyzed by HRCT.

Treatment outcomes and prognostic factors of patients with supratentorial low-grade oligodendroglioma.

Purpose: Oligodendroglioma is a relatively rare central nervous system tumor. Currently, surgical intervention is the mainstay of treatment, and the role of postoperative radiotherapy (RT) remains a subject of controversy. The objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic factors, evaluate the treatment outcomes, and assess whether postoperative RT has a benefit on local control and overall survival rates.

Surface characteristics and dissolution behavior of plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite coating.

One of the most important concerns with the clinical use of plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings is the resorption of the coating, and dissolution at neutral pH is one of the two major resorption mechanisms. In this study, highly crystalline pure HA powders were atmospherically plasma sprayed using various parameters. Dissolution of both HA powders and coatings was measured using a calcium ion meter.

Postoperative radiation therapy for medulloblastoma--high recurrence rate in the subfrontal region.

Purpose: To investigate the treatment results and analyze the prognostic factors for patients with medulloblastoma (MB) treated by surgery and postoperative radiation therapy (RT).

Methods And Materials: Thirty-five patients of MB receiving surgery followed by RT from February 1986 to September 1999 were reviewed. Their median age was 12 years with a slight male predominance.

Health-related quality of life for nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients with cancer-free survival after treatment.

Purpose: To evaluate the health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) patients with cancer-free survival after treatment and to investigate the factors correlated with their HR-QOL.

Methods And Materials: One hundred eighty-two NPC patients with cancer-free survival of more than 2 years after treatment were enrolled in the study. Data from the same number of people without a history of cancer, who had come to the hospital for health checkups, were also collected for comparison.