The combined assessment of p16 and Mib/Ki-67 in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Objective: Despite numerous studies addressing the impact of p16 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), consistent data regarding survival and tumor proliferation behavior are lacking. Although some authors investigate both p16 and Mib/Ki-67 in their cohorts, direct correlations are consistently missing. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined influence of p16 and Mib/Ki-67 status on prognosis in OSCC.

A critical reflection of radiotherapy on osseous free flaps in mandibular segmental resection and immediate reconstruction in locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma: A cohort study.

Background And Purpose: With standard radiotherapy protocols after R0 resection of advanced local oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and primary reconstruction of segmental defects, a high radiation dose is applied to healthy tissue in autologous microvascular free flaps. Considering the potential consequences of flap complications and associated surgeries for patients, data is lacking on whether postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) of the flap volume is indicated at all.

Materials And Methods: Patients with segmental mandibular resection and immediate reconstruction with osseous free flaps due to advanced OSCC between 2012 and 2022 were analyzed retrospectively regarding overall (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), local failure-free survival (LFFS), the need for secondary surgeries as well as flap complications and compared between patients with and without PORT in a matched-pair approach with occurrence of flap complications as a primary endpoint.

Review of preclinical data on hyperthermia treatment in lymphomas and its potential for clinical application.

Introduction: Hyperthermia (HT) at temperatures between 39 °C and 44 °C is utilized as an adjunctive cancer therapy, serving as potent radio- and chemosensitizer. Its effectiveness in treating solid malignancies has been well established. This raises the question of whether HT can also benefit patients with nonsolid tumors, such as lymphomas.

Comparisons of computer simulations and experimental data for capacitive hyperthermia using different split-phantoms.

Introduction: Several positive clinical trials have demonstrated that capacitive hyperthermia (CHT) improves the effectiveness of radiation therapy for the treatment of various cancer entities. However, the ability of CHT to induce significant heating throughout the body is under debate.

Objectives: To perform a pilot study involving comparisons of computer simulations and experimental data using different split-phantoms to validate hyperthermia treatment modeling for pre-planning for a clinical CHT system and to investigate the feasibility of split-phantom measurements in capacitive hyperthermia.

Ga-labeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) PET/CT for locally advanced or recurrent pancreatic cancer staging and restaging after chemoradiotherapy.

Ga-labeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) is a novel PET tracer with great potential for staging pancreatic cancer. Data on locally advanced or recurrent disease is sparse, especially on tracer uptake before and after high dose chemoradiotherapy (CRT). The aim of this study was to evaluate [Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT staging in this setting.

Quantitative PSMA-PET parameters in localized prostate cancer: prognostic and potential predictive value.

Background: PSMA-PET is increasingly used for staging prostate cancer (PCA) patients. However, it is not clear if quantitative imaging parameters of positron emission tomography (PET) have an impact on disease progression and are thus important for the prognosis of localized PCA.

Methods: This is a monocenter retrospective analysis of 86 consecutive patients with localized intermediate or high-risk PCA and PSMA-PET before treatment The quantitative PET parameters maximum standardized uptake value (SUV), tumor asphericity (ASP), PSMA tumor volume (PSMA-TV), and PSMA total lesion uptake (PSMA-TLU = PSMA-TV × SUV) were assessed for their prognostic significance in patients with radiotherapy or surgery.

Literature review: potential non-thermal molecular effects of external radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on cancer.

Introduction: There is an ongoing scientific discussion, that anti-cancer effects induced by radiofrequency (RF)-hyperthermia might not be solely attributable to subsequent temperature elevations at the tumor site but also to non-temperature-induced effects. The exact molecular mechanisms behind said potential non-thermal RF effects remain largely elusive, however, limiting their therapeutical targetability.

Objective: Therefore, we aim to provide an overview of the current literature on potential non-temperature-induced molecular effects within cancer cells in response to RF-electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF).

Predictable patterns within the kelp forest can indirectly create temporary refugia from ocean acidification.

Kelps are recognized for providing many ecosystem services in coastal areas and considered in ocean acidification (OA) mitigation. However, assessing OA modification requires an understanding of the multiple parameters involved in carbonate chemistry, especially in highly dynamic systems. We studied the effects of sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) on an experimental farm at the north end of Hood Canal, Washington-a low retentive coastal system.

The impact of time between surgery and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy in advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.

Objective: In advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), adjuvant therapy (AT) is an important part of the treatment to ensure extended locoregional control after primary surgical resection. The impact of the time interval between surgery and AT on the oncological prognosis remains unclear, particularly in high-risk constellations. The aim of this study is to categorize treatment delays and to determine their impact on the oncological prognosis within the context of the histopathological risk parameters of patients with advanced OSCC.

Erectile function preservation after salvage radiation therapy for biochemically recurrent prostate cancer after prostatectomy: Five-year results of the SAKK 09/10 randomized phase 3 trial.

Objectives: To evaluate effects of dose intensified salvage radiotherapy (sRT) on erectile function in biochemically recurrent prostate cancer (PC) after radical prostatectomy (RP).

Materials And Methods: Eligible patients had evidence of biochemical failure after RP and a PSA at randomization of ≤ 2 ng/ml. Erectile dysfunction (ED) was investigated as secondary endpoint within the multicentre randomized trial (February 2011 to April 2014) in patients receiving either 64 Gy or 70 Gy sRT.

Regional hyperthermia for soft tissue sarcoma - a survey on current practice, controversies and consensus among 12 European centers.

Purpose: To analyze the current practice of regional hyperthermia (RHT) for soft tissue sarcoma (STS) at 12 European centers to provide an overview, find consensuses and identify controversies necessary for future guidelines and clinical trials.

Methods: In this cross-sectional survey study, a 27-item questionnaire assessing clinical subjects and procedural details on RHT for STS was distributed to 12 European cancer centers for RHT.

Results: We have identified seven controversies and five consensus points.

Survey in radiation oncology departments in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland: state of digitalization by 2023.

Purpose: The aim of this work was to assess the current state of digitalization in radiation oncology departments in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Methods: A comprehensive survey was conducted in a digital format, consisting of 53 questions that covered various aspects of digitalization including patient workflow, departmental organization, radiotherapy planning, and employee-related aspects.

Results: Overall, 120 forms were eligible for evaluation.

MassWateR: Improving quality control, analysis, and sharing of water quality data.

The long-term protection and restoration of aquatic resources depends on robust monitoring data; data that require systematic quality control and analysis tools. The MassWateR R package facilitates quality control, analysis, and data sharing for discrete surface water quality data collected by monitoring programs of various size and technical capacity. The tools were developed to address regional needs for programs in Massachusetts, USA, but the principles and outputs can be applicable to monitoring data collected anywhere.

Oncologic Outcome in Advanced Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma After Refusal of Recommended Adjuvant Therapy.

Importance: Clinicians may be confronted with patients refusing recommended adjuvant therapy (AT) after the primary resection of an advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, for this tumor entity, data are lacking regarding the oncological outcomes and associated factors after refusal of AT.

Objective: To evaluate the difference in survival and disease recurrence for patients with and without recommended AT after resection of advanced OSCC.

Subgroup Analysis of Overall Survival among Smoking and Non-Smoking Elderly Patients with HNSCC.

Smoking is a leading cause of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, non-smokers are also affected by HNSCC, and the prognostic factors applicable to older non-smokers with HNSCC are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to determine predictors of overall survival (OS) in patients both with and without a smoking history aged 70 and over at initial diagnosis.

Management of the Contralateral Neck in Unilateral Node-Positive Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Introduction: In lateralized oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with ipsilateral cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM), the surgical management of the unsuspicious contralateral neck remains a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to analyze this cohort and to compare the outcomes of patients with and without contralateral elective neck dissection (END).

Material And Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with lateralized OSCC, ipsilateral CLNM (pN+) and contralateral cN0-stage was performed.

Tetramodal therapy with transurethral resection followed by chemoradiation in combination with hyperthermia for muscle-invasive bladder cancer: early results of a multicenter phase IIB study.

Background: Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TUR-BT) followed by chemoradiation (CRT) is a valid treatment option for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a tetramodal approach with additional regional hyperthermia (RHT).

Methods: Patients with stages T2-4 MIBC were recruited at two institutions.

18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography of Head and Neck Cancer: Location and HPV Specific Parameters for Potential Treatment Individualization.

Purpose: 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is utilized for staging and treatment planning of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Some older publications on the prognostic relevance showed inconclusive results, most probably due to small study sizes. This study evaluates the prognostic and potentially predictive value of FDG-PET in a large multi-center analysis.

Natural Analogues in pH Variability and Predictability across the Coastal Pacific Estuaries: Extrapolation of the Increased Oyster Dissolution under Increased pH Amplitude and Low Predictability Related to Ocean Acidification.

Coastal-estuarine habitats are rapidly changing due to global climate change, with impacts influenced by the variability of carbonate chemistry conditions. However, our understanding of the responses of ecologically and economically important calcifiers to pH variability and temporal variation is limited, particularly with respect to shell-building processes. We investigated the mechanisms driving biomineralogical and physiological responses in juveniles of introduced (Pacific; ) and native (Olympia; ) oysters under flow-through experimental conditions over a six-week period that simulate current and future conditions: static control and low pH (8.

Correlation Between Quantitative PSMA PET Parameters and Clinical Risk Factors in Non-Metastatic Primary Prostate Cancer Patients.

Background: PSMA PET is frequently used for staging of prostate cancer patients. Furthermore, there is increasing interest to use PET information for personalized local treatment approaches in surgery and radiotherapy, especially for focal treatment strategies. However, it is not well established which quantitative imaging parameters show highest correlation with clinical and histological tumor aggressiveness.

Initial estuarine response to inorganic nutrient inputs from a legacy mining facility adjacent to Tampa Bay, Florida.

Legacy mining facilities pose significant risks to aquatic resources. From March 30th to April 9th, 2021, 814 million liters of phosphate mining wastewater and marine dredge water from the Piney Point facility were released into lower Tampa Bay (Florida, USA). This resulted in an estimated addition of 186 metric tons of total nitrogen, exceeding typical annual external nitrogen load estimates to lower Tampa Bay in a matter of days.

Experimental and computational evaluation of capacitive hyperthermia.

Objective: Hyperthermia as an enhancer of radio- and/or chemotherapy has been confirmed by various trials. Quite a few positive randomized trials have been carried out with capacitive hyperthermia systems (CHS), even though specific absorption rates (SAR) in deep regions are known to be inferior to the established annular-phased array techniques. Due to a lack of systematic SAR measurements for current capacitive technology, we performed phantom measurements in combination with simulation studies.

Predictors for Adherence to Treatment Strategies in Elderly HNSCC Patients.

Finding a cure may be less important than ensuring the quality of life in elderly patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The aim of this study was to determine predictors for adherence. Clinical and pathological data from patients ≥70 years with HNSCC (initial diagnoses 2004-2018) were investigated retrospectively.

Adherence to Contouring and Treatment Planning Requirements Within a Multicentric Trial: Results of the Quality Assurance of the SAKK 09/10 trial.

Purpose: To evaluate the results of the radiation therapy (RT) quality assurance (QA) program of the phase 3 randomized SAKK 09/10 trial in patients with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer after prostatectomy.

Methods And Materials: Within the Schweizerische Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Klinische Krebsforschung (SAKK) 09/10 trial testing 64-Gy versus 70-Gy salvage RT, a central collection of treatment plans was performed and thoroughly reviewed by a dedicated medical physicist and radiation oncologist. Adherence to the treatment protocol and specifically to the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) guidelines for target volume definition (classified as deviation observed yes vs no) and its potential correlation with acute and late toxicity (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.