Automated treatment planning for whole breast irradiation with individualized tangential IMRT fields.

Purposes: This study aimed to develop and validate algorithms for automating intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning in breast cancer patients, with a focus on patient anatomical characteristics.

Material And Methods: We retrospectively selected 400 breast cancer patients without lymph node involvement for automated treatment planning. Automation was achieved using the Eclipse Scripting Application Programming Interface (ESAPI) integrated into the Eclipse Treatment Planning System.

Gel of chamomile vs. urea cream to prevent acute radiation dermatitis in patients with head and neck cancer: a randomized controlled trial.

Aim: To compare a gel made with chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) with a cream of urea as an intervention to delay the time to occurrence of radiation dermatitis.

Background: Radiation dermatitis is one of the most common adverse effects of radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer. It is characterized by erythema, itching, pain, skin breakage and burning sensation, and there is no consensus on how to prevent it.

Outcome for patients with essential trigeminal neuralgia treated with linear accelerator stereotactic radiosurgery.

Background: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is one option for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, after unsuccessful conservative approaches.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate our institutional results in the management of patients with idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia treated with linear accelerator SRS.

Methods: Fifty-two patients were treated between January 1998 and December 2009 and were followed for more than 6 months (median: 26.

Long-term outcomes of stereotactic radiosurgery for treatment of cavernous sinus meningiomas.

Purpose: Patients with cavernous sinus meningiomas (CSM) have an elevated risk of surgical morbidity and mortality. Recurrence is often observed after partial resection. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), either alone or combined with surgery, represents an important advance in CSM management, but long-term results are lacking.

Anatomical study of the plantaris tendon: reliability as a tendo-osseous graft.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the insertion of the plantaris tendon in terms of shape, length, width and size, to define if there is available bony insertion for future use as reconstructive procedure in secondary tendon graft in hand surgery.

Methods: In 30 limbs, the plantaris tendon was anatomically dissected to investigate its bony attachments to the calcaneus.

Results: The plantaris was present in 29 of 30 dissections and regularly inserted in the calcaneus.