Flow cytometry-based monitoring of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the peripheral blood of patients with solid tumors.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) ameliorate inflammation by inhibiting T cell responses. In pathological conditions, such as autoimmunity, chronic infections or cancer they accumulate in the periphery. In cancer, MDSCs can also be part of the tumor microenvironment and are associated with a worse prognosis and limited response to immunotherapy.

Online correction of intrafraction motion during volumetric modulated arc therapy for prostate radiotherapy using fiducial-based kV imaging: A cohort study quantifying the frequency of shifts and analysis of men at highest risk.

Background: Various methods exist to correct for intrafraction motion (IFM) of the prostate during radiotherapy. We sought to characterize setup corrections in our practice informed by the TrueBeam Advanced imaging package, and analyze factors associated with IFM.

Methods: 132 men received radiation therapy for prostate cancer with a volumetric modulated arc therapy technique.

MnSOD non-acetylation mimic knock-in mice exhibit dilated cardiomyopathy.

Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD/SOD2) is an essential mitochondrial enzyme that detoxifies superoxide radicals generated during oxidative respiration. MnSOD/SOD2 lysine 68 acetylation (K68-Ac) is an important post-translational modification (PTM) that regulates enzymatic activity, responding to nutrient status or oxidative stress, and elevated levels have been associated with human illness. To determine the in vivo role of MnSOD-K68 in the heart, we used a whole-body non-acetylation mimic mutant (MnSOD) knock-in mouse.

Maintaining first-line therapy plus radiotherapy may prolong progression-free survival and delay second-line therapy for oligoprogressive hepatocellular carcinoma.

Purpose: Optimal treatment strategies for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with oligoprogression after first-line systemic therapy (FLST) remain undefined. We aimed to determine if maintaining [i.e.

Aspirin after completion of standard adjuvant therapy for colorectal cancer (ASCOLT): an international, multicentre, phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Aspirin is a simple, globally available medication that has been shown to reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of aspirin in the secondary prevention of colorectal cancer.

Methods: This phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at 66 centres across 11 countries and territories (ten in Asia-Pacific; one in the Middle East).

Simplifying clinical use of TCGA molecular subtypes through machine learning models.

In this issue of Cancer Cell, Ellrott et al. present machine learning models to classify samples into The Cancer Genome Atlas molecular subtypes using compact sets of genomic features. These validated, ready-to-use models are publicly available, although some clinical hurdles need to be cleared before they are fully implemented.

The effect of the foreign body response on drug elution from subdermal delivery systems.

Contrasting findings are presented in the literature regarding the influence of foreign body response (FBR) on drug release from implantable drug delivery systems. To this end, here we sought direct evidence of the effect of the fibrotic tissue on subcutaneous drug release from long-acting drug delivery implants. Specifically, we investigated the pharmacokinetic impact of fibrotic encapsulation on a small molecule drug, islatravir (293 Da), and a large protein, IgG (150 kDa), administered via biocompatible implants.

Multi-institutional Knowledge-Based (KB) plan prediction benchmark models for whole breast irradiation.

Purpose: To train and validate KB prediction models by merging a large multi-institutional cohort of whole breast irradiation (WBI) plans using tangential fields.

Methods: Ten institutions (INST1-INST10, 1481 patients) developed their KB-institutional models for left/right WBI (ten models for right and eight models for left). The transferability of models among centers was assessed based on the overlap of the geometric Principal Component (PC1) of each model when applied to other institutions and/or on the presence of significantly different optimization policies.

Gamma knife versus linear accelerator thalamotomy for essential tremor and Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Tremor, either in patients with Essential Tremor (ET) or Parkinson's disease (PD), constitutes the most common movement disorder. Stereotactic radiosurgery using Gamma Knife (GK) and linear accelerator (LINAC) systems, is an effective, incisionless treatment modality for ET and PD. Although these technologies have been used clinically since the 1990's, most studies have focused on GK, and efficacy, safety and time to treatment effect (latency) of GK and LINAC have not been compared.

Potential of non-Western medicines in chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer.

This editorial explores the potential integration of non-Western medicine into radiotherapy for cervical cancer. While radiotherapy remains a radical treatment for cervical cancer, its associated toxicity and decline in quality of life can significantly impact patients' lives. Currently, most treatments are supportive, with no specific treatment options available in Western medicine.

Recurrent glioblastoma in national guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of gliomas: A matter of European practice variation.

Introduction: The optimal treatment for recurrent glioblastoma patients remains not well-defined in international guidelines. On top of that, the availability of national guidelines is uncharted.

Research Question: This study aimed to investigate the availability of national guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of adult glioma throughout Europe, specifically focusing on recurrent glioblastoma.

Lessons for a learning health system: Effectively communicating to patients about research with their health information and biospecimens.

Introduction: Sharing patient health information and biospecimens can improve health outcomes and accelerate breakthroughs in medical research. But patients generally lack understanding of how their clinical data and biospecimens are used or commercialized for research. In this mixed methods project, we assessed the impact of communication materials on patient understanding, attitudes, and perceptions.

Radiate & Educate: Empowering Future Physicians through an International Radiation Oncology Student Newsletter.

Background: The field of radiation oncology (RO) is frequently overlooked by medical students due to limited exposure during traditional medical school curricula. Initiatives aimed at increasing exposure while creating opportunities for medical student engagement are vital. Here, we present the inception, 1.

Korean Practice Guidelines for Gastric Cancer 2024: An Evidence-based, Multidisciplinary Approach (Update of 2022 Guideline).

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers in both Korea and worldwide. Since 2004, the Korean Practice Guidelines for Gastric Cancer have been regularly updated, with the 4th edition published in 2022. The 4th edition was the result of a collaborative work by an interdisciplinary team, including experts in gastric surgery, gastroenterology, endoscopy, medical oncology, abdominal radiology, pathology, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and guideline development methodology.

It's all downstream from here: RTK/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway resistance mechanisms in glioblastoma.

Background: The receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)/Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway is one of the most tumorigenic pathways in cancer, with its hyperactivation strongly linked to the aggressive nature of glioblastoma (GBM). Although extensive research has focused on developing therapeutics targeting this pathway, clinical success remains elusive due to the emergence of resistance mechanisms.

Objective: This review investigates how inhibition of the RTK/Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway alters transcription factors, contributing to acquired resistance mechanisms in GBM.

Can PSMA PET detect intratumour heterogeneity in histological PSMA expression of primary prostate cancer? Analysis of [Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 and [F]PSMA-1007.

Purpose: Prostate-specific membrane-antigen positron emission tomography (PSMA PET) is a promising candidate for non-invasive characterization of prostate cancer (PCa). This study evaluated whether PET with tracers [Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 or [F]PSMA-1007 is capable to depict intratumour heterogeneity of histological PSMA expression.

Methods: Thirty-five patients with biopsy-proven primary PCa without evidence of metastatic disease nor prior interventions were prospectively enrolled.

Analysis of radiation oncology integration within general practitioners' daily patient care: a cross-sectional survey in Germany.

Purpose: General practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role in providing interdisciplinary care for radiation oncology patients. This study aims to understand the specific needs and challenges faced by general practitioners in Germany when treating oncology patients.

Methods: A comprehensive web-based questionnaire with 24 items was disseminated to GPs in Germany via email using survio.

Physiopathological effects of entrance versus distal spread-out Bragg peak on mouse spinal cord neurons.

Recent investigations into radiation-induced side effects have focused on understanding the physiopathological consequences of irradiation on late-responding tissues like the spinal cord, which can lead to chronic progressive myelopathy. Proton therapy, an advanced radiation treatment, aims to minimize damage to healthy tissues through precise dose deposition. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding the variation in dose distribution, characterized by maximum deposition at the end of the proton range, known as the distal fall-off of a spread-out Bragg peak.

Feasibility of a comprehensive supervised exercise program during and after treatment of head and neck cancer: a mixed-methods study.

Purpose: This study evaluates the feasibility of a comprehensive supervised exercise program (CSEP) for head and neck cancer (HNC) patients during and after (chemo)radiotherapy, integrating quantitative and qualitative data to identify participation barriers and facilitators.

Methods: To investigate the feasibility of the CSEP, a mixed-method study was performed. For the quantitative part, first, adherence to and safety of the CSEP were considered as quantitative feasibility outcome measures.

Digital redesign of the radiotherapy course for medical students with a blended learning approach.

Purpose: Due to the need for high-quality teaching, we present a new blended learning concept combining digital modules, interactive seminars, and clinical experience. Furthermore, we evaluated its acceptance among students.

Methods: A new concept for teaching was applied to the radiotherapy module and made available via the Hannover Medical School (MHH) learning management system as part of a blended learning concept with educational films, multimedia learning modules, online seminars, and onsite practical training.

Patient experience in a radiation therapy department pre- and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose: Longitudinal collection of patient experience data promotes continual high-quality care and guides quality improvement (QI) work. The purpose of this study was to investigate patient experience in the radiation department during COVID-19 and compare results to previous data collected in 2019.

Methods: Patient experience data was collected using the Your Voice Matters (YVM) survey.

The real prevalence and clinical courses of non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: a retrospective single-institutional study.

Background: Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (PCa) has become clinically important in PCa management, with treatments aiming to delay metastasis. However, limited data exist on its prevalence and patient characteristics in real-world settings.

Methods: We retrospectively investigated the clinical records of 1929 patients who were treated for localized PCa between 2005 and 2018.