Surgically (laparotomy/laparoscopy) guided placement of high dose rate interstitial irradiation catheters (LG-HDRT): technique and outcome.

Objective: To describe and evaluate the technique and the clinical outcome of a new modality for the treatment of women with persistent or recurrent pelvic malignancies utilizing surgically (laparotomy or laparoscopic) guided high dose rate (HDR) catheters to complete high dose rate interstitial irradiation therapy (LG-HDRT).

Methods: Between 6/2000 and 6/2004, 14 women with histologic evidence of postradiation persistent (3 patients) or recurrent (11 patients) pelvic disease underwent LG-HDRT. Five patients (36%) received treatment for a 2nd, 3rd or 4th recurrence.

Endobronchial brachytherapy and optimization of local disease control in medically inoperable non-small cell lung carcinoma: a matched-pair analysis.

Purpose: External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) alone for early stage, medically inoperable non-small cell lung cancer (MILC) can produce local disease control and sometimes cure. We have previously reported that higher EBRT doses result in improved disease control and, for patients with tumors > or =3.0 cm, improved survival.

The benefits of a gynecologic oncologist: a pattern of care study for endometrial cancer treatment.

Objectives: Compare important aspects of initial endometrial cancer treatment in women with or without primary management by a gynecologic oncologist (GYO).

Methods: A retrospective pattern of care study was conducted using tumor registry data from a community-based health care system. Surgically treated endometrial cancer cases were reviewed with respect to histology, training of surgeon(s), procedures, TNM staging, and prescription of adjuvant radiation.

Poly(L-lactide/glycolide) suture: the effect of acute radiation.

Unlabelled: The physical properties of Poly(L-lactide/glycolide) indicate that the suture retains approximately 80% of its original strength at 3 months and 60% of its original strength at 6 months. This new long-term synthetic absorbable suture offers postoperative fascial strength for an extended period when compared to other available absorbables. Importantly, many women with gynecologic cancer will undergo radiation therapy during this interval.

International consensus on palliative radiotherapy endpoints for future clinical trials in bone metastases.

Purpose: To reach a consensus on a set of optimal endpoint measurements for future external beam radiotherapy trials in bone metastases.

Methods: An International Bone Metastases Consensus Working Party invited principal investigators and individuals with a recognized interest in bone metastases to participate in the two surveys and a panel meeting on their preference of choice of optimal endpoints.

Results: Consensus has been reached on the following: (a) eligibility criteria for future trials; (b) pain and analgesic assessments; (c) radiation techniques; (d) follow-up and timing of assessments; (e) parameters at follow-up; (f) endpoints; (g) re-irradiation; and (h) statistical analysis.