Simultaneous Focal Boost With Stereotactic Radiation Therapy for Localized Intermediate- to High-Risk Prostate Cancer: Primary Outcomes of the SPARC Phase 2 Trial.

Purpose: Dose-escalated radiation therapy is associated with better biochemical control at the expense of toxicity. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) with dose escalation to the dominant intraprostatic lesion (DIL) provides a logical approach to improve outcomes in high-risk disease while limiting toxicity. This study evaluated the toxicity and quality of life (QoL) with CyberKnife-based SBRT and simultaneous integrated boost in localized prostate cancer.

Interobserver variation in clinical target volume (CTV) delineation for stereotactic radiotherapy to non-spinal bone metastases in prostate cancer: CT, MRI and PET/CT fusion.

Background And Purpose: The use of SBRT for the treatment of oligometastatic prostate cancer is increasing rapidly. While consensus guidelines are available for non-spinal bone metastases practice continues to vary widely. The aim of this study is to look at inter-observer variability in the contouring of prostate cancer non-spinal bone metastases with different imaging modalities.

Nonlocality-Enabled Pulse Management in Epsilon-Near-Zero Metamaterials.

Ultrashort optical pulses are integral to probing various physical, chemical, and biological phenomena and feature in a whole host of applications, not least in data communications. Super- and subluminal pulse propagation and dispersion management (DM) are two of the greatest challenges in producing or counteracting modifications of ultrashort optical pulses when precise control over pulse characteristics is required. Progress in modern photonics toward integrated solutions and applications has intensified this need for greater control of ultrafast pulses in nanoscale dimensions.

Stereotactic radiotherapy with focal boost for intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer: Initial results of the SPARC trial.

Introduction: Dose escalation to dominant intraprostatic lesions (DILs) is a novel method to increase the therapeutic ratio in localised prostate cancer. The Stereotactic Prostate Augmented Radiotherapy with Cyberknife (SPARC) trial was designed to determine the feasibility of a focal boost defined with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) using stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR).

Materials And Methods: Patients were included with newly diagnosed intermediate to high risk prostate cancer with at least one of: Gleason score 4 + 3, stage T3a, or PSA > 20 ng/ml.

Junior Doctor Evaluation of Radiation Oncology Education and Training in Medical Schools and Prevocational Training in Australia.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate radiation oncology (RO)-specific education, confidence and knowledge of junior doctors in Australian teaching hospitals. A 38-item web-based survey was emailed to prevocational junior doctors working in Australian hospitals in New South Wales (NSW), Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Queensland (QLD) between November 2017 and January 2018. The survey evaluated RO educational and clinical exposure of participants during medical school, and prevocational training and their confidence and knowledge of the specialty.

Oncology and Radiation Oncology Awareness in Final Year Medical Students in Australia and New Zealand.

This study aimed to determine final year students' core oncology and radiation oncology knowledge and attitudes about the quality of teaching in medical programmes delivered in Australia and New Zealand. Does the modern medical programme provide core oncology skills in this leading global cause of mortality and morbidity? An online survey was distributed between April and June 2018 and completed by 316 final year students across all 21 medical schools with final year cohorts in Australia and New Zealand. The survey examined teaching and clinical exposure, attitudes and core knowledge for oncology and radiation oncology.

Designer photonic dynamics by using non-uniform electron temperature distribution for on-demand all-optical switching times.

While free electrons in metals respond to ultrafast excitation with refractive index changes on femtosecond time scales, typical relaxation mechanisms occur over several picoseconds, governed by electron-phonon energy exchange rates. Here, we propose tailoring these intrinsic rates by engineering a non-uniform electron temperature distribution through nanostructuring, thus, introducing an additional electron temperature relaxation channel. We experimentally demonstrate a sub-300 fs switching time due to the wavelength dependence of the induced hot electron distribution in the nanostructure.

The status of radiation oncology teaching in Australian and New Zealand medical schools.

Introduction: Radiation therapy is a core component of curative and palliative cancer treatment; however, its indications and benefits remain poorly understood across the medical profession.

Methods: An electronic survey focussing on curriculum content, teaching and assessment in radiation oncology and plans for curriculum change was developed. The Faculty of Radiation Oncology, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiology (RANZCR) distributed the survey to all 24 Australian and New Zealand medical schools.

Outcomes of post-prostatectomy radiotherapy at a Regional Cancer Centre.

Introduction: To investigate the efficacy and toxicity of radiation therapy (RT) after radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer at Radiation Oncology Centres, Toowoomba.

Methods: The electronic medical records of 130 consecutive patients with histologically proven prostate adenocarcinoma who underwent post-prostatectomy RT between January 2008 and December 2014 were analysed. Primary endpoint was Biochemical Recurrence (BCR) after RT.

Maintaining prostate contouring consistency following an educational intervention.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess variation in prostate contouring 12 months following a structured interactive educational intervention (EI) and to test the hypothesis that EIs positively impact on prostate contouring accuracy and consistency long term.

Methods: A common set of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data sets were used to assess prostate contouring consistency before, immediately after and 12 months following an EI. No further EIs were provided after the initial EI.

Prophylactic cranial irradiation in small cell lung cancer: A single institution experience.

Aim: To compare patient demographics, prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) utilization and overall survival (OS) of patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) referred to a large tertiary center with those reported in large clinical trials.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of consecutive patients with limited stage (LS) and extensive stage (ES) SCLC diagnosed at the Princess Alexandra Hospital between January 2008 and December 2013.

Results: Two hundred and three patients with a mean age of 65.

Osteoradionecrosis of the Ribs following Breast Radiotherapy.

Introduction: Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the chest wall is a rare complication after whole-breast radiotherapy (RT). Herein, we report a case of ORN involving the underlying ribs following adjuvant whole-breast RT using standard fractionation and conduct a review of the literature.

Case Report: A previously well 43-year-old female with right-sided, early-stage, node-negative breast cancer was treated with breast-conserving surgery.