First global consensus for evidence-based management of the hematopoietic syndrome resulting from exposure to ionizing radiation.

Objective: Hematopoietic syndrome (HS) is a clinical diagnosis assigned to people who present with ≥ 1 new-onset cytopenias in the setting of acute radiation exposure. The World Health Organization convened a panel of experts to evaluate the evidence and develop recommendations for medical countermeasures for the management of HS in a hypothetical scenario involving the hospitalization of 100 to 200 individuals exposed to radiation. The objective of this consultancy was to develop recommendations for treatment of the HS based upon the quality of evidence.

Literature review and global consensus on management of acute radiation syndrome affecting nonhematopoietic organ systems.

Objectives: The World Health Organization convened a panel of experts to rank the evidence for medical countermeasures for management of acute radiation syndrome (ARS) in a hypothetical scenario involving the hospitalization of 100 to 200 victims. The goal of this panel was to achieve consensus on optimal management of ARS affecting nonhematopoietic organ systems based upon evidence in the published literature.

Methods: English-language articles were identified in MEDLINE and PubMed.

Biological dosimetry by the triage dicentric chromosome assay: potential implications for treatment of acute radiation syndrome in radiological mass casualties.

Biological dosimetry is an essential tool for estimating radiation dose. The dicentric chromosome assay (DCA) is currently the tool of choice. Because the assay is labor-intensive and time-consuming, strategies are needed to increase throughput for use in radiation mass casualty incidents.

Biodosimetry Assessment Tool (BAT) software-dose prediction algorithms.

Purpose: Medical management of suspected radiation casualties requires use of multiparameter biodosimetry because no single biodosimetric measurement is sufficiently robust. This report describes the design and algorithms used in a radiation exposure assessment software application that serves as a diagnostic utility for triage and medical treatment formulation, as well as to convey psychological reassurance, for early-phase assessment of radiation exposures, and for surge response assessment for mass radiological casualties.

Methods: The Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute's Biological Dosimetry Research Program developed the integrated multiparameter Biodosimetry Assessment Tool computer program using Microsoft Visual Basic 6 with various second party plug-ins and add-ons.

Synopsis of partial-body radiation diagnostic biomarkers and medical management of radiation injury workshop.

Radiation exposures from accidents, nuclear detonations or terrorist incidents are unlikely to be homogeneous; however, current biodosimetric approaches are developed and validated primarily in whole-body irradiation models. A workshop was held at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute in May 2008 to draw attention to the need for partial-body biodosimetry, to discuss current knowledge, and to identify the gaps to be filled. A panel of international experts and the workshop attendees discussed the requirements and concepts for a path forward.

WHO 1st consultation on the development of a global biodosimetry laboratories network for radiation emergencies (BioDoseNet).

The World Health Organization (WHO) held a consultation meeting at WHO Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland, December 17-18, 2007, to develop the framework for a global biodosimetry network. The WHO network is envisioned to enable dose assessment using multiple methods [cytogenetics, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), radionuclide bioassays, etc.]; however, the initial discussion focused on the cytogenetic bioassay (i.

Neon heavy charged particle radiotherapy of glioblastoma of the brain.

Purpose: High-linear energy transfer (LET) radiation beams have potential applications in the treatment of glioblastoma, but have not yet demonstrated significant improvement in results. However, some patients have had local control of glioblastoma with high-LET irradiations such as neutrons and heavy charged particles.

Methods And Materials: In this collaborative study, 15 patients were entered into a randomized protocol comparing two dose levels of 20 and 25 Gy in 4 weeks of neon ion irradiation.

Pineoblastoma in adults.

This is the first report of a series of adults (> 16 years of age) with pineoblastomas who had their entire neuraxis staged at the time of diagnosis. Between 1975 and 1992, seven men and four women with histologically proven pineoblastomas were evaluated at the University of California, San Francisco. The median age at diagnosis was 36 years (range, 17-59 yr).

Chondrosarcoma of the larynx after radiation treatment for vocal cord cancer.

The case of a 57-year-old man with chondrosarcoma of the laryngeal cartilage is presented, occurring 16 years after radiation treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the right true vocal cord. Chondrosarcoma of the larynx is an uncommon tumor. The location, grade, and time elapsed from initial treatment make it probably that this patient's chondrosarcoma is associated with his prior radiation treatment.