Systematic assessment of the influence of quality of studies on mistletoe in cancer care on the results of a meta-analysis on overall survival.

Purpose: Mistletoe treatment in cancer patients is controversial, and a Cochrane review concluded that due to heterogeneity, performing a meta-analysis was not suitable. However, several systematic reviews included meta-analyses in favor of mistletoe. The aim of this work was to assess the influence of the methodological quality of controlled studies on the results of a meta-analysis regarding overall survival.

Education of complementary and alternative medicine in adult education centers in Germany: a web-based survey.

Background: Adult education centers are an important part of health education worldwide. Our aim was to evaluate the courses offered by German adult education centers with regard to complementary medicine and nutrition.

Methods: A systematic web-based search was done for the websites of German adult education centers and courses were analyzed considering topics, scientific soundness, and qualification of instructors.

Karnofsky Performance Score Is Predictive of Survival After Palliative Irradiation of Metastatic Bile Duct Cancer.

Background/aim: Palliative irradiation is effective in alleviating symptoms in patients with metastatic cancer in general. However, little data exist regarding irradiation of metastatic bile duct cancer. Selection of the best regimen for such a patient should be based on their survival prognosis.

Outcomes After Radio(chemo)therapy for Non-Metastatic Bile Duct Cancer.

Background/aim: The role of radio(chemo) therapy for non-metastatic bile duct cancer is not well defined. This study provides additional data for this rare situation.

Patients And Methods: Data of eight patients receiving radio(chemo)therapy for non-metastatic bile duct cancer were retrospectively analyzed regarding local control, metastases-free survival and overall survival.

A scoring system for predicting the survival prognosis of patients receiving stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for 1-3 lung metastases.

Introduction: The main goal of the present study was the development of a survival scoring system for patients treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for very few lung metastases. Such an instrument would be of value when selecting the optimal dose for individual patients with a limited number of pulmonary lesions.

Methods: Forty-six patients receiving SBRT for 1-3 lung metastases were retrospectively analyzed.

A New Score for Estimating Survival After Definitive Radiochemotherapy of Limited Disease Small Cell Lung Cancers.

Introduction: Most patients with limited disease small cell lung cancer (LD-SCLC) receive definitive radiochemotherapy. Some patients cannot withstand combined modality treatments. Patients with short life expectancies should receive less time-consuming programs.

Impact of the Radiation Dose and Completion of Palliative Radiotherapy on Survival in Patients Treated for Locally Advanced Lung Cancer.

Aim: To compare three total radiation dose levels for their impact on survival in patients receiving palliative radiotherapy (RT) for locally advanced lung cancer.

Patients And Methods: Radiation dose (equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions=EQD2: 31-40 Gy vs. 41-46 Gy vs.

Value of Comorbidity Scales for Predicting Survival After Radiochemotherapy of Small Cell Lung Cancer.

The Charlson Comorbidity Index plus three comorbidity scales were evaluated for survival after radiochemotherapy of limited stage SCLC. For the Charlson Comorbidity Index, 2-4 points were compared to 5-8 points. For the Age-Comorbidity Score, 2-6 points were compared to 7-10 points.

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) with Lower Doses for Selected Patients with Stage I Non-small-cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC).

SBRT is very effective for stage I NSCLC. Biologically effective doses (BED) >100 Gy are recommended. Elderly patients and those with a limited performance status may not tolerate these high doses.