Comparative treatment planning study on sequential vs. simultaneous integrated boost in head and neck cancer patients: Differences in dose distributions and potential implications for clinical practice.

Aim: The purpose of this work was to compare sequential (SeqB) versus simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) radiotherapy plans delivered with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for patients with locally advanced squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (HNSCC).

Patients And Methods: SeqB and SIB plans using VMAT for 10 HNSCC patients given definitive chemoradiation were generated and analysed for differences in dose distribution, coverage, conformity and homogeneity to the planning target volumes (PTV) 1-3 and sparing of organs at risk (OAR).

Results: The mean delineated volumes ± standard deviations were 137.

Long-term results of total body irradiation in adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Purpose: The aim of this chart review of adult patients treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with total body irradiation (TBI) was to evaluate early and late toxicity and long-term outcome.

Patients And Methods: A total of 110 adult patients (34 ± 12 years) with ALL underwent TBI (6 fractions of  2 Gy for a total of 12 Gy) as a part of the treatment regimen before transplantation. Treatment-related toxicity, mortality, and hematologic outcome are reported.

Robotic radiosurgery as an alternative to brachytherapy for cervical cancer patients.

Background And Purpose: To compare MRI-guided brachytherapy (BT) and two different dose prescriptions for robotic radiosurgery (RRS) in locally advanced cervical cancer.

Methods And Materials: Eleven patients with FIGO stage IIB-IIIB cervical cancer underwent RRS instead of BT for various reasons. A total dose of 30 Gy was administered in five fractions.

Brachytherapy-emulating robotic radiosurgery in patients with cervical carcinoma.

Purpose: To evaluate the technique, dosimetry, dose-volume-histograms (DVHs) and acute toxicity for CyberKnife® boost irradiation instead of intra-cervical brachytherapy in patients with cervical cancer.

Methods And Materials: Eleven who were not suitable for brachytherapy with FIGO stage IIB-IIIB cervical cancer underwent primary chemoradiation. After fiducial implantation, T2 contrast-enhanced planning MRI and CT scans at 2-mm slice thickness were collected in the treatment position.

Helical tomotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost after laparoscopic staging in patients with cervical cancer: analysis of feasibility and early toxicity.

Purpose: To demonstrate the feasibility and safety of the simultaneous integrated boost technique for dose escalation in combination with helical tomotherapy in patients with cervical cancer.

Methods And Materials: Forty patients (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Stage IB1 pN1-IVA) underwent primary chemoradiation with helical tomotherapy. Before therapy, 29/40 patients underwent laparoscopic pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy.

Helical tomotherapy in cervical cancer patients: simultaneous integrated boost concept: technique and acute toxicity.

Purpose: To evaluate the acute toxicity of simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) technique for dose escalation with helical tomotherapy (HT) in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.

Patients And Methods: 20 patients (FIGO IB1 pN1-IIIB) underwent primary chemoradiation. Prior to chemoradiation, a laparoscopic pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy was performed.

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy in patients with cervical cancer. An intra-individual comparison of prone and supine positioning.

Background: Chemoradiation for cervical cancer patients is associated with considerable gastrointestinal toxicity. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) has demonstrated superiority in terms of target coverage and normal tissue sparing in comparison to conventional 3D planning in gynaecological malignancies. Whether IMRT in prone (PP) or supine position (SP) might be beneficial for cervical cancer patients remains partially unanswered.

Early multiple organ failure after recurrent endotoxemia in the presence of vasoconstrictor-masked hypovolemia.

Objective: Critically ill patients who develop multiple organ failure during systemic inflammatory states are often predisposed to hypovolemia and vasoconstrictor therapy. Although numerous investigations have evaluated the sequelae of systemic inflammation, no data are available on the contribution of chronic vasoconstrictor-masked hypovolemia to organ dysfunction and morphology.

Design: Prospective, randomized laboratory investigation.