Dosimetry of a novel focused monoenergetic beam for radiotherapy.

. A novel treatment modality is currently being developed that produces converging monoenergetic x-rays. Conventional application of dosimetric calibration as presented in protocol TG61 is not applicable.

Analysis of a novel X-ray lens for converging beam radiotherapy.

We describe the development and analysis of a new teletherapy modality that, through a novel approach to targeted radiation delivery, has the potential to provide greater conformality than conventional photon-based treatments. The proposed system uses an X-ray lens to reflect photons from a conventional X-ray tube toward a focal spot. The resulting dose distributions have a highly localized peak dose, with lower doses in the converging radiation cone.

Clinical variability in approaches to polycystic ovary syndrome.

Study Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate methods of initial diagnosis and management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among members of the North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (NASPAG) to assess the degree of practice heterogeneity among specialist providers of adolescent care.

Design: Cross-sectional, anonymous, internet survey

Participants: NASPAG membership (N = 326; Respondents = 127 (39%))

Results: Percentage of respondents who incorporated specific tests at initial diagnosis was highly variable ranging from 87% (thyroid stimulating hormone) to 17% (sex hormone binding globulin). Oral contraceptives and diet modification/exercise were the most common therapies recommended by 98% and 90% of respondents respectively.