Detection of an internal density change in an anthropomorphic head phantom via tracking of charged nuclear fragments in carbon-ion radiotherapy.

Background: Carbon-ion radiotherapy provides steep dose gradients that allow the simultaneous application of high tumor doses as well as the sparing of healthy tissue and radio-sensitive organs. However, even small anatomical changes may have a severe impact on the dose distribution because of the finite range of ion beams.

Purpose: An in-vivo monitoring method based on secondary-ion emission could potentially provide feedback about the patient anatomy and thus the treatment quality.

Mixed- and multi-relative biological effectiveness model simultaneous optimization in carbon ion radiotherapy: A proof-of-concept.

Background And Purpose: In carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT), different relative biological effectiveness (RBE) models have been used for calculating RBE-weighted dose (D). Conversion between current RBE predictions and introduction of novel approaches remains a challenging task. Our aim is to introduce a framework considering multiple RBE models simultaneously during CIRT plan optimization, easing the translation between D prescriptions.

Hematologic Toxicity Profiles and the Impact of Hemoglobin Nadir and Transfusion on Oncologic Outcome in Definitive Radiochemotherapy for Cervical Cancer.

: Definitive radiochemotherapy with concomitant cisplatin 40 mg/m weekly represents the standard of care for locally advanced cervical cancer. Current studies (KEYNOTE-A18 and INTERLACE) are intensifying this regimen at the cost of increased hematologic toxicity. We aimed to evaluate influencing factors on hematotoxicity to ensure the safe application of radiochemotherapy.

Bimodal intensity-modulated radiotherapy in combination with carbon ion therapy (C12) of mucosal melanomas - data of the last decade from Heidelberg University Hospital.

Introduction: Due to the rarity of mucosal melanomas, few recent studies can be found investigating the success and side effects of therapy for this entity with large numbers of patients. In this retrospective analysis, the efficacy and toxicity of combined intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and carbon ion therapy (C12) of mucosal melanomas were analyzed to contribute to a better understanding of this rare disease.

Methods: Twenty-two patients were included from 2013 to 2022 in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Heidelberg University Hospital.

Efficacy of palliative hemostatic radiotherapy for tumor bleeding and pain relief in locally advanced pelvic gynecological malignancies.

Purpose: The appearance of symptomatic tumor-related vaginal bleeding and pain in advanced incurable cancer patients with pelvic gynecological malignancies remains a therapeutic challenge in oncological treatment. The aim of our analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of palliative hemostatic radiotherapy.

Methods: We retrospectively identified patients who had received palliative hemostatic radiotherapy (RT) at our institution between 2011 and 2023 and evaluated acute toxicity, local control, cessation of bleeding, and pain relief.