Publications by authors named "N Hardcastle"
Purpose: Even with modern immobilisation devices, some amount of intrafraction patient motion is likely to occur during stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) delivery. The aim of this work was to investigate how robustness of plans to intrafraction motion is affected by plan geometry and complexity.
Methods: In 2018, the Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group conducted a multiple-target SRS international planning challenge, the data from which was utilised in this study.
Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a rare autoimmune blistering disease characterised by autoantibodies against basal skin membrane antigens. Although the condition's aetiology remains unclear, recent cases have raised suspicions of an association with immunisation. In this study, we present a case of BP onset in a four-month-old infant following routine vaccination.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: This study examined (1) associations between sociodemographic and clinical variables with low muscle mass and radiodensity and their loss relative to treatment commencement in patients with lung cancer; and (2) the magnitude of change in muscle mass and association with treatment outcomes and survival.
Methods: Prospective study in patients planned for curative (chemo)radiotherapy for lung cancer. Low skeletal muscle mass and radiodensity and muscle loss were determined from pre- and post-treatment computed tomography images.
Article Synopsis
- The study explores the development of a linac-mounted photon-counting detector (PCD) for image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) that could significantly enhance imaging by improving soft-tissue contrast and spatial resolution compared to traditional flat panel detectors (FPDs).
- Researchers characterized the image quality of the PCD, focusing on parameters like 2D spatial resolution, noise, and contrast, by comparing it with an FPD using various imaging techniques and calibration methods.
- Results showed that the PCD provides a linear energy calibration and better raw contrast in images, suggesting its potential for improved tumor delineation in radiation therapy applications.
Objective: To develop, implement, and evaluate a standardized perioperative care pathway for pediatric patients undergoing alveolar bone grafting from the anterior iliac crest.
Design: A historical control group of 40 patients was reviewed retrospectively and compared to a prospectively collected treatment group of 40 patients who were treated with the new pathway.
Setting: Tertiary-level academic pediatric hospital between 2018 and 2021.