'Magnetic' Solution to Identify and Kill Tumors Aug 11, 2010
10, 2010) Though a valuable weapon against cancerous tumors, radiation therapy often harms healthy tissue as it tries to kill malignant cells. Now, Prof. (Science Daily)
Fly-Fishing Retreat Helps Breast Cancer Survivors Find Strength, Support Aug 10, 2010
The side effects from radiation therapy stiffened her hands and made her fingers swell. "I couldn't button my shirt or tie my own shoes," said Scott, 55. (FOX61, CT)
Breast Abscesses Linked to Smoking, Nipple Piercings Aug 10, 2010
None of the women had a history of breast cancer, breast radiation therapy or breast surgery within the previous 12 months. Compared with nonsmokers, smokers were six times more likely to develop breast abscesses, the investigators found. (MEDLINEplus)
Partnership creates life science entrepreneurs Aug 9, 2010
Others have worked on business plans for additional Moffitt spin-off companies, including , a Tampa firm developing technology to individualize radiation therapy. The students asked questions no one had asked before, said Dr. Javier Torres-Roca, co-founder and chief scientific officer, such as how the technology would be commercialized, whether the firm would build its own lab and if so what it would cost. (Tampa Bay Business Journal, FL)
Surgery Better Than Radiation, Hormone Treatments for Some Prostate Cancer, Study Shows Aug 9, 2010
Researchers found that the risk for cancer-specific mortality was more than three times higher in patients who received hormone therapy versus radical prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate) and more than twice as high in patients who received external-beam radiation therapy versus prostatectomy ... The American Urological Association's clinical practice guidelines for localized prostate cancer treatments include active surveillance, radical prostatectomy, external-beam radiation... (Science Daily)
Local Cancer Center to expand Aug 6, 2010
8 million, state-of-the-art radiation therapy treatment machine ... About that same time, it also upgraded its Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy machine so more radiation would be delivered to tumors and less to surrounding healthy tissue. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Smoking, Nipple Piercing Are Risk Factors for Developing Breast Abscesses, Study Finds Aug 4, 2010
Using the surgical and radiologic databases at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, researchers identified 68 patients from January 1, 2004, to November 1, 2009, with a diagnosis of breast abscess who did not have a current or previous history of breast cancer, breast radiation therapy, or breast surgery within the past 12 months. Patients were considered to have recurrence of their breast abscess if they required a repeat drainage procedure in the same breast quadrant within six... (Science Daily)
Two men file lawsuits over errors in prostate biopsies Aug 2, 2010
Now he is weighing the possibility of radiation therapy. Karen Steponaitis, chief operating officer of Strata, said Thursday that she was aware of the letter of apology to Cloutman but had not seen the lawsuit and could not comment on a specific patient s care because of confidentiality rules. (Boston Globe)
Calcium supplements linked to heart attacks Aug 2, 2010
One out of three of these low-risk men received radiation therapy. Those treatment rates are similar to rates for men more likely to have higher-grade cancers. (Boston Globe)
Moffitt signs agreement with CvergenX Jul 28, 2010
Under the agreement, CvergenX acquired the exclusive worldwide rights to InterveneXRT, a technology platform that individualizes radiation therapy ... Researchers have used genomic analysis to develop diagnostic tools to guide chemotherapy use, but InterveneXRT represents the first time that analysis of an individual s genes has been expanded to radiation therapy, the statement said ... Radiation therapy is prescribed for more than 60 percent of all cancer patients, more than any single... (Tampa Bay Business Journal, FL)
Most Men with Low-Risk Prostate Cancer Treated Aggressively Jul 28, 2010
For these men, watchful waiting is probably better than surgery or radiation therapy, the researchers noted ... Although the men had low-risk cancer, more than 75 percent of them underwent surgery to remove their prostate or had radiation therapy, DiPaola's group found. (MEDLINEplus)
Illumina acquires Helixis for at least $70 million Jul 28, 2010
After radiation therapy, they could order the same test to see if the treatment reduced the number of gene copies. The Helixis machine is small enough to fit on a desk and will sell in the United States for $13,900. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
NYU Langone offers vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy for localized prostate cancer Jul 28, 2010
"This procedure only treats the cancerous part of the prostate gland, similar to how a lumpectomy might be done for breast cancer. Photodynamic therapy is just one of the many personalized treatment options offered by the Smilow Comprehensive Prostate Cancer Center at NYU Langone Medical Center. The Center offers a wide range of the latest treatment options for prostate cancer including: open or robotic prostatectomy surgery, brachytherapy, external beam radiation therapy, cryotherapy and... (EurekAlert!)
- Who are these storm troopers really? Jul 25, 2010
Mike Ozeroglu, 36, a radiation therapy physicist with the US Navy, ended up doing all the leatherwork on his Jango Fett costume. Its not something that you can just buy. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Radiation for Childhood Cancer Can Boost Risk of Stillbirth Later Jul 24, 2010
However, radiation therapy that included the uterus and ovaries increased the risk ninefold for having a stillbirth and infant death shortly after birth ... On the positive side, cancer treatments have changed over time and radiation therapy tends to be more targeted while chemotherapy is now the primary choice of treatment for leukemia, Boice said ... Dr. Daniel Armstrong, associate chair of pediatrics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, said that "on the one hand, it is not a... (MEDLINEplus)
Irradiating stem cell niche doubles survival in brain cancer patients Jul 24, 2010
Pajonk said the study, published today in the early online edition of the journal BMC Cancer, could result in changes in the way radiation therapy is given to patients with these deadly brain cancers ... The radiation therapy could damage neural stem cells as well as the cancer stem cells, Pajonk said, but those may be replaceable at some future date using induced pluripotent stem cells made from the patient's own cells. (EurekAlert!)
Video Game Processors Help Lower CT Scan Radiation Jul 22, 2010
Cone beam CT plays an essential role in image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), a state-of-the-art cancer treatment. IGRT uses repeated scans during a course of radiation therapy to precisely target tumors and minimize radiation damage in surrounding tissue ... 1 mAs per projection, the team achieved images clear enough for image-guided radiation therapy. (Science Daily)
Hope on a Harley Jul 22, 2010
Thirty-one days of radiation therapy in Mankato began on July 9, with Carols husband Jim taking her to the appointment every day on the back of his Harley ... Following radiation therapy with the side effect a major, major, major, major. (Mt. Lake Observer/Advocate, MN)
Storm troopers get ready to invade Comic-Con Jul 20, 2010
a radiation therapy physicist with the U.S. Navy, ended up doing all the leatherwork on his Jengo Fett costume. "It's not something that you can just buy. You pretty much have to make it yourself," says, adding that refining the costume is a continuous process. (KLAS-TV)
How Technology May Improve Treatment for Children With Brain Cancer Jul 20, 2010
ScienceDaily (July 18, 2010) A study presented at the 52nd Annual Meeting of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) shows that children with brain tumors who undergo radiation therapy (the application of X-rays to kill cancerous cells and shrink tumors) may benefit from a technique known as "intensity modulated arc therapy" or IMAT. ... The study, which was conducted by medical physicists at St. Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis, TN, compared different treatment strategies... (Science Daily)
New Recommendations Issued for Use of Cetuximab in Colon Cancer Therapy Jul 19, 2010
19, 2007) Preliminary findings show adding the chemotherapy drug cetuximab (brand name Erbitux) to radiation therapy and chemotherapy may help some patients with head and neck cancer live longer, according to. (Aug. (Science Daily)
Silicon Oil May Protect Vision from Radiation for Eye Cancer Jul 17, 2010
THURSDAY, July 15 (HealthDay News) -- Shielding the eye with silicon oil may safeguard the eyesight of patients who must undergo radiation therapy for an eye cancer known as ocular melanoma, new research suggests ... "Vision loss is a devastating yet common side effect of radiation therapy," vitreoretinal surgeon Dr. Tara McCannel, an assistant professor of ophthalmology and director of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Ophthalmic Oncology Center at the Jules Stein Eye Institute,... (MEDLINEplus)
Finding Cancer 'Cold Spots' Can Help Minimize Radiotherapy Side-Effects Jul 16, 2010
(May 10, 2008) RapidArc is the next-generation of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) offering radiation delivery up to eight times faster than conventional IMRT. The first US patient to be given the new ... 19, 2010) A new analysis has found that a considerable proportion of patients with end-stage or terminal cancer do not benefit from palliative radiation therapy (radiotherapy) despite spending most of their ... 21, 2009) Medicare recipients with head and neck cancer commonly do not... (Science Daily)
High-Paying Jobs Requiring Only an ... Jul 16, 2010
High-Paying Jobs Requiring Only an Associate's Degree. High-Paying Jobs Requiring Only an Associate's Degree. (Suite101.com)
MTSU study: Shortage of health care employees continues, and not just for doctors and nurses Jul 15, 2010
medical imaging (diagnostic medical sonography, nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy, and diagnostic radiologic technology). physical therapy assisting. (Nashville Business Journal, TN)
Prediction tool helps estimate local recurrence in patients with noninvasive breast cancer Jul 14, 2010
Standard treatments following surgery include radiation therapy and hormone treatment ... According to Dr. VanZee, until now, there has been no prediction tool to help doctors estimate the risk of recurrence and thus help identify which patients would benefit most from radiation therapy. (EurekAlert!)
New 3-D Imaging Techniques for Improved Lung Cancer Drug Development Jul 14, 2010
6, 2009) A rapid decline in metabolic activity on a PET scan after radiation therapy for non-small cell lung cancer is correlated with good local tumor control, according to a new. (Mar. (Science Daily)
Surgeons Find New Way to Shield Vision During Radiation for Eye Cancer: Silicon Oil Jul 14, 2010
Now, UCLA researchers have discovered that a commonly used substance called silicon oil shields the eye and appears to protect vision in patients undergoing radiation therapy for ocular melanoma ... "Vision loss is a devastating yet common side effect of radiation therapy," said Dr. Tara McCannel, assistant professor of ophthalmology and director of the UCLA Ophthalmic Oncology Center at the Jules Stein Eye Institute ... While more long-term research is needed, early follow-up with McCannel's... (Science Daily)
Put patients at the center Jul 12, 2010
The problem stems from the fact that as cancer care has become more sophisticated, it has become more specialized, driving physicians into narrow, isolated specialty silos, such as surgery, medical oncology or radiation therapy. The trend toward fragmentation of care is, of course, a problem in many areas of medicine. (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)
Pain, dry mouth may play role in sleep quality of head and neck cancer patients Jul 12, 2010
The researchers suggest that the relatively minor change in sleep quality one year after diagnosis may be due to symptoms and side effects from treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy ... "Additionally, radiation therapy to treat head and neck cancer can contribute to dry mouth, which requires excessive drinking and urination throughout the night." ... Based on their findings, the study authors recommend intensity-modulated radiation therapy techniques that treat head and... (EurekAlert!)
Vote for me Meet the Candidates forum held Jul 11, 2010
Morris, who appeared in less than top physical condition due to undergoing radiation therapy, apologized for his appearance. When I witness the devastation, destruction, the methodical dismantling of the country that has given me so much, and provided me so much for me and my family, I said I have to go in behalf of Mark so we can really get this thing under control, Morris said. (Alva Review Courier, OK)
Rye man keeps living through terminal cancer Jul 11, 2010
"At the time, Jon was bed-ridden, attached to a catheter, and doctors told them he'd never walk again. He couldn't even get out of bed without the assistance of two people.In an effort to prolong his life by just weeks, doctors put Jon on Nexavar, a targeted chemotherapy treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat kidney cancer. Because the drug isn't specified for liver cancer, and understanding Jon's severe illness, doctors and the Papandrew family never expected that... (Seacoast New Hampshire)
New Surgery Improves Outcomes for Severe Flat Foot Deformity Jul 9, 2010
7, 2008) For breast cancer patients who underwent a mastectomy and who undergo radiation therapy after immediate breast reconstruction, autologous tissue reconstruction provides fewer long-term complications. (Mar. (Science Daily)
No Substantial Quality Difference Between Organically and Conventionally Produced Eggs, Study Finds Jul 9, 2010
Radiation therapy requires visualizing exactly where a tumor is located, usually from looking at hundreds of different X-ray , CT or PET scan images. . (Science Daily)
What are the Causes of Hair Loss an... Jul 7, 2010
Medical treatments: Chemotherapy or radiation therapy is responsible for the development of hair thinning. Nonetheless, after the treatment, hair begins to re-grow. (Suite101.com)
EUSA Pharma Grants Japanese Rights to Erwinase(R) Oncology Therapy to Ohara Pharmaceutical Jul 6, 2010
The company currently has eight marketed products, including Caphosol(R) for the treatment of oral mucositis, a common and debilitating side-effect of radiation therapy and high dose chemotherapy, Erwinase(R) and Kidrolase(R) for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Collatamp(R) G, a surgical implant impregnated with the antibiotic gentamicin, ProstaScint(R) for imaging the extent and spread of prostate cancer and Quadramet(R) for the treatment of pain in patients whose cancer has... (Canada Newswire)
- FEATURE : Insurance clerk leads cancer survivors by example Jul 4, 2010
In addition to surgery, Lu underwent six grueling courses of chemotherapy and 31 courses of radiation therapy ... Despite having no training as a professional counselor, Lu provides them with valuable tips on coping with the disease and the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Volunteer opportunities Jul 3, 2010
Radiation Therapy Greeter -- Hours are noon - 3 p.m., any day Monday - Friday. Greet patients and visitors to Radiation Therapy. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
HPV and Oropharyngeal Cancer Jul 1, 2010
From the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston (K.K.A., R. Weber, D.I.R., C.L.); Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Statistical Center (J.H.) and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (R.A.) both in Philadelphia; Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City (R. Wheeler); Centre Hospitalier de l'Universit; de Montr;al, Montreal (P.F.N.-T.); Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore (W.H.W.); Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville (C.H.C.); University of Louisville, Louisville,... (New England Journal of Medicine)
Local man uses experience to encourage others Jun 26, 2010
I do feel that an aggressive course of chemotherapy and radiation therapy is the treatment of choice in hopefully providing some local-regional control of this aggressive cancer. After listening to several of his doctor s recommendations, Coyne told him, It might get me, but I m not going to lay down. (Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald, NC)
Valley family creates team to honor one of their own Jun 24, 2010
She had surgery in June to remove the tumor and radiation therapy until March of this year. Boone said an MRI was done and the tumor had returned. (Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald, NC)
TomoTherapy signs purchasing group deal Jun 24, 2010
Under the agreement, radiation therapy systems from TomoTherapy (NASDAQ: TOMO) will be made available to members of the organization, St. Louis-based. Amerinet has more than 41,000 members nationwide. (Milwaukee Business Journal, WI)
'Watchful Waiting' Often Best Strategy for Slow-Moving Prostate Cancer Jun 22, 2010
From 1997 through December 2002, over 2,000 patients were assigned to active surveillance, close to 3,400 underwent radical prostatectomy (removal of the prostate and some surrounding tissue), and more than 1,400 received radiation therapy ... 9 percent in the radiation therapy group ... This suggests that patients with a shorter life expectancy were more often selected for active surveillance rather than surgery or radiation therapy, the researchers said. (MEDLINEplus)
Surveillance May Be Suitable Treatment Option for Patients With Low-Risk Prostate Cancer Jun 21, 2010
The patients had low or intermediate risk of prostate cancer progression and were treated with active surveillance or watchful waiting; or radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy from 1997 through December 2002. In this cohort, 2021 patients received surveillance, 3399 received radical prostatectomy, and 1429 received radiation therapy ... 2 years, there were 413 deaths in the surveillance group; 286 in the radical prostatectomy group, and 1429 patients in the radiation therapy group. (Science Daily)
Symptoms of 'Male Menopause' Unzipped Jun 18, 2010
ScienceDaily (June 17, 2010) Scientists have for the first time identified the symptoms associated with what has been termed late-onset hypogonadism or 'male menopause' caused by a reduction in testosterone production in aging men. But the researchers say that unlike the female menopause, which affects all women, the male menopause is relatively rare, affecting only 2% of elderly men, and is often linked to poor general health and obesity. (Science Daily)
ASTRO applauds MedPAC review of Stark law exception Jun 17, 2010
ASTRO believes it is wrong to create business enterprises centered on rewarding physicians for making referrals, yet we are increasingly seeing business ventures across the country designed to generate additional revenues within a group practice by incorporating radiation therapy. We believe these arrangements erode patient choice and can result in dramatic increases in one form of radiation therapy for prostate cancer, while the use of other clinically appropriate, significantly less expensive... (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Use of Testosterone for 'Male Menopause' Questionable, Experts Argue Jun 17, 2010
22, 2010) A new study has found that many male cancer survivors who develop testosterone deficiency after receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy have an impaired quality of life and reduced energy. (Nov. (Science Daily)
ASTRO participates in FDA meeting on radiation safety Jun 17, 2010
ASTRO commends the FDA on holding this meeting to identify current issues and further develop data, which will help inform the FDA's actions to ensure the highest level of safety for radiation therapy patients. Numerous experts from the radiation therapy community, including those from clinical practice, academia and the device industry, gathered to address safety in radiation therapy ... ASTRO's work on radiation therapy safety will continue next week in Miami at the ASTRO/AAPM Safety in... (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Molecular Imaging Allows Individualized 'Dose Painting' for Head and Neck Cancers Jun 15, 2010
ScienceDaily (June 14, 2010) According to research revealed at the Society of Nuclear Medicine's 57th Annual Meeting, a multi-tracer molecular imaging technique using positron emission tomography (PET) provides detailed information about the physiological processes of cancerous tumors -- and could one day help radiation oncologists treat head and neck cancers with precision external-beam radiation therapy and improve the outcomes of therapy ... "By modeling the data acquired from PET scans, we... (Science Daily)
Tumor Virus Is Best Predictor of Throat Cancer Survival Jun 15, 2010
The Phase III clinical trial established by the RTOG examined overall survival and progression-free survival in 323 patients with stage III-IV oropharyngeal cancer treated with a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Of these patients, 206 had HPV-positive tumors and 117 were HPV-negative. (Science Daily)
Docs Wary of New Breast Cancer Approach Jun 13, 2010
The procedure is known by the acronym -- short for targeted intraoperative radiation therapy ... The data come from a large randomized trial that found the process to be at least as effective as standard radiation therapy ... The procedure could help patients avoid the lengthy and often difficult process of whole-breast radiation therapy by combining both lumpectomy and radiation in a single procedure, according to Jayant Vaidya of University College London. (ABC News)
Reducing the Toxicity of Lithium Jun 11, 2010
1, 2009) Cranial radiation therapy to treat brain cancer can result in various long-term neurological side effects, particularly in children. New research, generated in mice, now indicates that lithium. (Science Daily)
Acute Toxicity Predicts Overall Survival in High-Grade Gliomas Jun 10, 2010
Yaacov Lawrence, M.D., assistant professor of Radiation Oncology at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, and colleagues at the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) used the RTOG database to identify 2,610 patients with high-grade glioma who participated in clinical trials from 1983 to 2003 ... All of the patients had received fractionated radiation therapy to treat their brain cancers ... "Traditional cancer trials have emphasized tumor control as a means to increase... (Science Daily)
Blocking DNA Repair Protein Could Lead to Targeted, Safer Cancer Therapy Jun 8, 2010
ScienceDaily (June 7, 2010) Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) and the School of Medicine have discovered that inhibiting a key molecule in a DNA repair pathway could provide the means to make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation therapy while protecting healthy cells ... 1, 2009) Cranial radiation therapy to treat brain cancer can result in various long-term neurological side effects, particularly in children. (Science Daily)
Targeted Radiation for Early Breast Cancer a Good Option Jun 8, 2010
SATURDAY, June 5 (HealthDay News) -- Radiation therapy that targets a specific area of the breast is as effective as whole-breast radiation in reducing breast cancer recurrence in some women and is far more convenient, a new study suggests. Researchers led by Jayant S. Vaidya of University College London, and David Joseph of the University of Western Australia, examined the medical records of almost 1,000 breast cancer patients who received (targeted) intraoperative radiotherapy and a nearly... (MEDLINEplus)
Studies Suggest New Treatment Paradigms for Ovarian, Prostate Cancers Jun 8, 2010
Both the ovarian and prostate cancer trials could change clinical practice, with more women taking the drug bevacizumab (Avastin) to combat the disease in its advanced stages and more men getting radiation therapy for locally advanced prostate cancer, according to researchers who presented the findings Sunday at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago. A third trial, looking at the effectiveness of cetuximab (Erbitux) in treating certain colon cancer patients,... (MEDLINEplus)
Adventist to open new oncology facility Jun 8, 2010
Radiation therapy is used to treat a wide range of cancers, including breast, prostate and lung cancers. It s important for persons with cancer who undergo radiation treatment and who have to travel for therapy every day. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
New 'Microbead' Radiotherapy More Effective With Molecular Imaging Jun 8, 2010
19, 2010) A new analysis has found that a considerable proportion of patients with end-stage or terminal cancer do not benefit from palliative radiation therapy (radiotherapy) despite spending most of their. (Oct. (Science Daily)
People on the Move Jun 8, 2010
While at UAB, Salter served as principal investigator for radiation therapy oncology. Paul Butrus, senior consultant and retired vice president and chief operating officer of was given the William Crawford Gorgas Award. (Birmingham Business Journal, AL)
Harnessing honey's healing power Jun 7, 2010
Most recently, she has had success in using honey dressings on patients with wounds or ulcers resulting from radiation therapy. "Most of these patients in the past had tried various other conventional treatments without good success, and that is the reason why at least initially honey was tried.". (BBC News)
Your Health: A spotlight on radiation from suns, scans Jun 7, 2010
I was given radiation therapy. How much radiation did I receive at that time. (USA Today -- News)
Breast Cancer Jun 5, 2010
The patient may also receive chemotherapy, hormone replacement, radiation therapy or a combination of these. People with breast CA now live longer due to advances in medicine and technology, although sometimes the cancer might return. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Color-Coded Tracking Method Helps Scientists Analyze Outcomes of Newly Transplanted Tissue Jun 5, 2010
Radiation therapy directed at cancer management also damages normal tissues. Autologous transplant of tissues such as fat tissue has often. (Science Daily)
Nanoparticle PSA Test Predicts If Prostate Cancer Will Return: Ultrasensitive Test Gives First Accurate Answer After Prostate Cancer Surgery Jun 4, 2010
"It should be especially useful in the early identification of men who would benefit from adjuvant postoperative radiation therapy and those who need postoperative salvage radiation therapy for recurrence." Catalona, a senior investigator on the study, was the first to demonstrate that the PSA test could be used as a screening test for prostate cancer ... 9, 2006) Prostate cancer patients who have a temporary rise in their prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels after radiation therapy -- called... (Science Daily)
Radiation after mastectomy improves breast cancer survival Jun 3, 2010
Postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) for some breast cancer patients can reduce their risk of recurrence by almost 30 percent and increase their five-year overall survival by almost 50 percent, according to a study in the June 1 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, the official journal of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) ... Of the patients, 383 did not receive radiation therapy and 161 did ... Radiation therapy reduced the risk of... (EurekAlert!)
