Use of 3D Spheroid Models for the Assessment of RT Response in Head and Neck Cancer.

Radiotherapy (RT) is a key player in the treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC). The RT response, however, is variable and influenced by multiple tumoral and tumor microenvironmental factors, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and hypoxia. To investigate the biological mechanisms behind these variable responses, preclinical models are crucial.

Benefits of automated gross tumor volume segmentation in head and neck cancer using multi-modality information.

Purpose: Gross tumor volume (GTV) delineation for head and neck cancer (HNC) radiation therapy planning is time consuming and prone to interobserver variability (IOV). The aim of this study was (1) to develop an automated GTV delineation approach of primary tumor (GTVp) and pathologic lymph nodes (GTVn) based on a 3D convolutional neural network (CNN) exploiting multi-modality imaging input as required in clinical practice, and (2) to validate its accuracy, efficiency and IOV compared to manual delineation in a clinical setting.

Methods: Two datasets were retrospectively collected from 150 clinical cases.

Continuous intra-arterial versus intermittent oscillometric arterial pressure monitoring and hypotension during induction of anaesthesia: the AWAKE randomised trial.

Background: Hypotension during induction of anaesthesia is associated with organ injury. Continuous arterial pressure monitoring might help reduce hypotension. We tested the hypothesis that continuous intra-arterial compared with intermittent oscillometric arterial pressure monitoring reduces hypotension during induction of anaesthesia in noncardiac surgery patients.

Hypoxia and Its Influence on Radiotherapy Response of HPV-Positive and HPV-Negative Head and Neck Cancer.

Head and neck squamous cancers are a heterogeneous group of cancers that arise from the upper aerodigestive tract. Etiologically, these tumors are linked to alcohol/tobacco abuse and infections with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV-positive HNSCCs are characterized by a different biology and also demonstrate better therapy response and survival compared to alcohol/tobacco-related HNSCCs.

Moderate dose escalation with volumetric modulated arc therapy improves outcome in rectal cancer.

Background: Locally advanced rectal cancer is frequently treated with a long course of preoperative chemoradiotherapy. We investigated the effect of moderate dose escalation with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) up to 50 Gy in 25 fractions compared to 3D conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) to 45 Gy in 25 fractions in rectal cancer patients. Dose-volume parameters, acute toxicity, and complete response rates were compared.