Meta-Analysis of Stereotactic Body Radiation ThERapy in Nonspine BONE Metastases (MASTER-BONES).

Purpose: The efficacy and safety of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for patients with nonspine bone metastases remains in question. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to evaluate SBRT treatment outcomes in nonspine bone metastases.

Methods And Materials: Eligible studies were retrieved from MEDLINE, Embase, Scielo, the Cochrane Library, and annual meeting proceedings through July 6, 2023.

Moderately hypofractionated post-operative radiation therapy for breast cancer: preferences amongst radiation oncologists from countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Background: The safety and effectiveness of moderately hypofractionated post-operative radiation therapy for breast cancer were demonstrated by several trials. This study aimed to evaluate the current patterns of practice and prescription preference about moderately hypofractionated post-operative radiation therapy to assess possible aspects that affect the decision-making process regarding the use of fractionation in breast cancer patients in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). We also aimed to identify factors that can restrain the utilization of moderately hypofractionated post-operative radiation therapy for breast cancer.

Mild and Asymptomatic Coronavirus Disease in Children, Adolescents, and Household Contacts and Prolonged Viral Excretion.

Method: This was a prospective, observational, and descriptive cohort study. Nasopharyngeal swabs and blood were collected six times at weekly intervals. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) tests and immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgA assays were used to test for COVID-19.

Brazilian Validation of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Group (QLG) Computerised Adaptive Tests (CAT) Core.

Background: This study aimed to validate the Brazilian version of EORTC CAT Core and compare the Brazilian results with those from the original European EORTC CAT Core validation study.

Methods: After validated translation, 168 cancer patients from Brazil receiving radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy was assessed. Translated EORTC CAT Core and all QLQ-C30 items were administered to patients using CHES (Computer-Based Health Evaluation System) before (T0) and after (T1) treatment initiation.

Advances in radiotherapy in bone metastases in the context of new target therapies and ablative alternatives: A critical review.

In patients with bone metastases (BM), radiotherapy (RT) is used to alleviate symptoms, reduce the risk of fracture, and improve quality of life (QoL). However, with the emergence of concepts like oligometastases, minimal invasive surgery, ablative therapies such as stereotactic ablative RT (SABR), radiosurgery (SRS), thermal ablation, and new systemic anticancer therapies, there have been a paradigm shift in the multidisciplinary approach to BM with the aim of preserving mobility and function survival. Despite guidelines on using single-dose RT in uncomplicated BM, its use remains relatively low.

Update of the systematic review of palliative radiation therapy fractionation for bone metastases.

Purpose: Radiation therapy is an effective modality for pain management of symptomatic bone metastases. We update the previous meta-analyses of randomized trials comparing single fraction to multiple fractions of radiation therapy in patients with uncomplicated bone metastases.

Methods: A literature search was conducted in Ovid Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register.

Hypofractionated radiotherapy for complicated bone metastases in patients with poor performance status: a phase II international trial.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of hypofractionated radiotherapy (16 Gy in 2 fractions, 1 week apart) in patients with complicated bone metastases and poor performance status.

Methods: A prospective single-arm phase II clinical trial was conducted from July 2014 to May 2016. The primary endpoint was pain response as defined in the International Consensus on Palliative Radiotherapy Endpoints.

Quality of life in responders after palliative radiation therapy for painful bone metastases using EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-BM22: results of a Brazilian cohort.

Background: Bone metastases cause pain, suffering and impaired quality of life (QoL). Palliative radiotherapy (RT) and/or chemotherapy are effective methods in controlling pain, reducing analgesics use and improving QoL. This study goal was to investigate the changes in QoL scores among patients who responded to palliative treatment.

Use of corticosteroids for pain control in cancer patients with bone metastases: a comprehensive literature review.

Purpose Of Review: Despite a limited understanding of the exact mechanism, corticosteroids are commonly employed for pain control in patients with bone metastases. The aim of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of corticosteroid-mediated pain control in patients with bone metastases associated with solid cancers.

Recent Findings: A literature search was conducted using OVID MEDLINE and Embase databases (from 1946 up to July 19, 2016).

Good outcomes of liver transplantation for hepatitis C at a low volume centre.

Background And Aims: Concerns exist about outcomes of liver transplantation (LT) from low volume centres, especially for hepatitis C (HCV) patients. The aim of the study was to assess patient outcomes as well as their predictors post LT for HCV in a small volume Australian unit (< 25 LTs/year), comparing these with the average outcomes obtained from national and international transplant registries. Patients transplanted for HCV at the South Australian Liver Transplant Unit between 1992 and 2012 were studied.

m-RECIST at 1 month and Child A are survival predictors after percutaneous ethanol injection of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background And Aims: Percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) is a well-established therapeutic option in patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The modified-Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (m-RECIST) are an important tool for the assessment of HCC response to therapy. The aim was to evaluate whether HCC response according to the m-RECIST criteria could be an effective predictor of long-term survival in Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage 0 and A HCC patients undergoing PEI.

Criteria for liver transplantation for HCC: what should the limits be?

Liver transplantation is a well-established treatment in a subset of patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The Milan criteria (single nodule up to 5 cm, up to three nodules none larger than 3 cm, with no evidence of extrahepatic spread or macrovascular invasion) have been traditionally accepted as standard of care. However, some groups have proposed that these criteria are too restrictive, and exclude some patients from transplantation who might benefit from this procedure.

Current controversies surrounding liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has progressed rapidly over the last decade from a futile therapy to the first choice therapy for suitable patients. Excellent outcomes of LT for HCC can be largely attributed to the use of the Milan Criteria, which have restricted LT to patients with early stage tumors. These criteria may be conservative, and it is likely that a subset of patients with tumors beyond these criteria can have acceptable outcomes.

Effect of an extract of Aloe vera on the biodistribution of sodium pertechnetate (Na99mTcO4) in rats.

Purpose: Aloe vera is a tropical plant popularly known in Brazil as babosa. We have investigated the effect of aqueous extract of Aloe vera on the biodistribution of Na99mTcO4 and laboratorial parameters in Wistar rats.

Methods: Twelve animals were divided into treated and control groups.