SU-E-T-505: BrainLab Plan Comparisons: Brain Scan Pencil Beam versus IPlan Monte Carlo.

Purpose: Monte Carlo (MC) dose modeling techniques are available in the newest version of Brain Lab's IPlan treatment planning system (TPS). Prior to the upgrade, at our facility, BrainLab's BrainScan was the treatment planning system available; pencil beam (PB) modeling is employed by BrainScan. As published in the literature, MC calculations, as compared to the PB algorithm, can generate differences in coverage as much as 20%.

Preoperative optimization of multi-organ failure following acute myocardial infarction and ischemic mitral regurgitation by placement of a transthoracic intra-aortic balloon pump.

Background: The management of acute myocardial infarction with resultant acute ischemic mitral regurgitation and acute multi-organ failure can prove to be a very challenging scenario. The presence of concomitant vascular disease can only serve to further compromise the complexity of the situation. We demonstrate a new indication for the transthoracic intra-aortic balloon pump as a preoperative means of unloading the heart and improving clinical outcome in such high-risk patients with severe vascular disease.

A prototype quantitative film scanner for radiochromic film dosimetry.

We have developed a high resolution, quantitative, two-dimensional optical film scanner for use with a commercial high sensitivity radiochromic film (RCF) for measuring single fraction external-beam radiotherapy dose distributions. The film scanner was designed to eliminate artifacts commonly observed in RCF dosimetry. The scanner employed a stationary light source and detector with a moving antireflective glass film platen attached to a high precision computerized X-Y translation stage.

A strategic view on the use of pharmacodynamic biomarkers in early clinical drug development.

Early-phase clinical trials have traditionally focused on the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic properties of a therapeutic candidate, while questions regarding efficacy have been left unanswered until phase II clinical development. Although an understanding of all of these parameters is unarguably essential to the successful development of a drug candidate, this information is insufficient. Biomarkers are increasingly being used in early drug development to allow for the exploration of pharmacodynamic effects of targeted therapeutics before clinical signs and symptoms are evaluated.