Micronuclei assay--a predictive variable for tumor response to treatment.

Our preliminary data indicate that the formation of micronuclei (MN) in treated tumor cells is a predictive variable for tumor response to treatment. In a pilot study involving four patients who received both radiation therapy and hyperthermia, fine needle aspirate (FNA) samples were taken and analyzed before therapy, and after each 1000 centigray (cGy) up to 3000 cGy. The results indicate a correlation between increasing formation of micronuclei and decreasing tumor volume.

The contribution of internal scatter to radiation dose during CT scan of the head.

An acrylic head phantom was irradiated during a computed tomographic scan with four commercial scanners. Measurements of the spatial distribution of the radiation dose on the surface and internal to the phantom were performed for the scan plane and the scattered beam at various distances from the scan plane. The surface scatter dose was found to be considerably smaller than that for internal scatter.