SBRT for early stage lung cancer: outcomes from biopsy-proven and empirically treated lesions.

Aim: Herein, we compare outcomes in patients treated with lung stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) with and without tissue confirmation.

Methods: We reviewed 196 patients that underwent lung SBRT for presumed (100 patients) or proven non-small-cell lung cancer (96 patients) over a 10-year period and compared outcomes.

Results: A total of 196 patients with a median age of 76 underwent lung SBRT to a median dose of 48 Gy in four fractions.

Effects of phonation time and magnitude dose on vocal fold epithelial genes, barrier integrity, and function.

Objectives/hypothesis: To investigate the effects of increasing time and magnitude doses of vibration exposure on transcription of the vocal fold's junctional proteins, structural alterations, and functional tissue outcomes.

Study Design: Animal study.

Methods: 100 New Zealand White breeder rabbits were studied.

Quantification of acute vocal fold epithelial surface damage with increasing time and magnitude doses of vibration exposure.

Because the vocal folds undergo repeated trauma during continuous cycles of vibration, the epithelium is routinely susceptible to damage during phonation. Excessive and prolonged vibration exposure is considered a significant predisposing factor in the development of vocal fold pathology. The purpose of the present study was to quantify the extent of epithelial surface damage following increased time and magnitude doses of vibration exposure using an in vivo rabbit phonation model.

Connexins within the rat larynx.

Objectives/hypothesis: To determine the types and localization of connexins within the rat larynx.

Study Design: Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) of the epiglottis and laryngeal mucosa was used to identify connexins (Cx). Immunohistochemical labeling was then used to localize the Cxs within the larynx.

Staging classifications for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Evaluation and treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma is dependent on accurate staging. Tumor-specific factors and the degree of underlying liver disease must be considered when evaluating patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Clinical staging classification systems based on preinterventional data are predictive of survival and influence patient selection for various therapeutic modalities.