The role of a knowledge based dose-volume histogram predictive model in the optimisation of intensity-modulated proton plans for hepatocellular carcinoma patients : Training and validation of a novel commercial system.

Purpose: To investigate the performance of a knowledge-based RapidPlan, for optimisation of intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) plans applied to hepatocellular cancer (HCC) patients.

Methods: A cohort of 65 patients was retrospectively selected: 50 were used to "train" the model, while the remaining 15 provided independent validation. The performance of the RapidPlan model was benchmarked against manual optimisation and was also compared to volumetric modulated arc therapy (RapidArc) photon plans.

Radiomics based analysis to predict local control and survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy.

Background: To appraise the ability of a radiomics based analysis to predict local response and overall survival for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods: A set of 138 consecutive patients (112 males and 26 females, median age 66 years) presented with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage A to C were retrospectively studied. For a subset of these patients (106) complete information about treatment outcome, namely local control, was available.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma: Optimal treatment strategies based on liver segmentation and functional hepatic reserve.

Aim: To discuss current dosage for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and suggest alternative treatment strategies according to liver segmentation as defined by the Couinaud classification.

Background: SBRT is a safe and effective alternative treatment for HCC patients who are unable to undergo liver ablation/resection. However, the SBRT fractionation schemes and treatment planning strategies are not well established.

Assessment of a model based optimization engine for volumetric modulated arc therapy for patients with advanced hepatocellular cancer.

Background: To evaluate in-silico the performance of a model-based optimization process for volumetric modulated arc therapy (RapidArc) applied to hepatocellular cancer treatments.

Patients And Methods: 45 clinically accepted RA plans were selected to train a knowledge-based engine for the prediction of individualized dose-volume constraints. The model was validated on the same plans used for training (closed-loop) and on a set of other 25 plans not used for the training (open-loop).

Feasibility of stereotactic body radiation therapy with volumetric modulated arc therapy and high intensity photon beams for hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

Background: To report technical features, early outcome and toxicity of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) treatments with volumetric modulated arc therapy (RapidArc) for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods: Twenty patients (22 lesions) were prospectively enrolled in a feasibility study. Dose prescription was 50 Gy in 10 fractions.

Radiation treatment with volumetric modulated arc therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Early clinical outcome and toxicity profile from a retrospective analysis of 138 patients.

Background: To report early outcome and toxicity for inoperable patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT).

Methods: One hundred and thirty eight patients were retrospectively analysed. Dose prescription ranged from 45 to 66 Gy with conventional fractionation regime.

Mini-nutritional assessment predicts functional status and quality of life of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in Taiwan.

This study aimed to determine the possibility of using the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) to evaluate the quality of life and functional status in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The study recruited 300 outpatients with HCC from a teaching hospital in Central Taiwan to serve as subjects. All subjects were interviewed with a structured questionnaire for rating the nutritional status with the MNA (long-form and short-form), and for evaluating quality of life and functional status with Global Quality of Life (GQL) and Global Functional Status (GFS), respectively, of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 version-3.

Comparison of surgery or radiotherapy on complications and quality of life in patients with the stage IB and IIA uterine cervical cancer.

Objectives: To compare the long-term complications and quality of life of patients with stage IB and stage IIA uterine cervical carcinoma treated by surgery or radiotherapy.

Methods: From August 2003 to May 2004, 202 patients with uterine cervical carcinoma were treated with surgery or radiotherapy at two institutions and were enrolled in this study upon follow-up at least 2 years post treatment. All patients completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire and complications Questionnaire.

Results of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and thalidomide for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and thalidomide in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods: Between 1999 and 2003, 121 patients (mean age, 54.4 +/- 12.

Impact of magnetic resonance imaging versus CT on nasopharyngeal carcinoma: primary tumor target delineation for radiotherapy.

Background: Our aim was to assess the capacity of CT versus MRI for delineating to the primary tumor extent of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in treated patients.

Methods: From December 1997 to April 2000, 258 patients with NPC were enrolled. We focused on the primary tumor extension and the discrepancy between CT and MRI.