Effects Of Radiotherapy In Patients Research Articles

Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy for Early-stage Lung Cancer in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Device: A Case Series.

Radiotherapy-induced malfunction of pacemakers and cardiac defibrillators has been reported, and corresponding guidelines have been developed in various countries. Although several studies have reported the effects of radiotherapy in patients with implantable left ventricular assist device (LVAD), its safety remains unclear. Herein, we report three cases of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) using CyberKnife for early-stage lung cancer in patients with implantable LVAD. Three patients in their 50s or 60s, including two women and one man, who had LVADs due to dilated or ischemic cardiomyopathy and performance status of 0 or 1, were diagnosed with stage IA2 lung cancer (cT1bN0M0) by imaging only. All three patients were deemed inoperable due to cardiac comorbidity and underwent SABR at the Osaka University Hospital. The total radiation dose was 42-52 Gy, administered in four fractions. All treatment plans were designed to keep the LVAD dose below 2 Gy. In all patients, SABR was completed without acute adverse events or LVAD malfunction. During the follow-up period of 3-29 months, no disease progression or chronic adverse events were observed in any of the patients. This case series indicated that SABR using CyberKnife is a safe treatment option for early-stage lung cancer in patients with LVAD by reducing the dose to the LVAD.

Theragnostic Gadolinium-Based Nanoparticles Safely Augment X-ray Radiation Effects in Patients with Cervical Cancer.

Activated guided irradiation by X-ray (AGuIX) nanoparticles are gadolinium-based agents that have the dual benefit of mimicking the effects of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent used in a clinical routine and enhancing the radiotherapeutic activity of conventional X-rays (for cancer treatment). This "theragnostic" action is explained on the one hand by the paramagnetic properties of gadolinium and on the other hand by the generation of high densities of secondary radiation following the interaction of ionizing radiation and high-Z atoms, which leads to enhanced radiation dose deposits within the tumors where the nanoparticles accumulate. Here, we report the results of a phase I trial that aimed to assess the safety and determine the optimal dose of AGuIX nanoparticles in combination with chemoradiation and brachytherapy in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. AGuIX nanoparticles were administered intravenously and appropriately accumulated within tumors on a dose-dependent manner, as assessed by T1-weighted MRI, with a rapid urinary clearance of uncaught nanoparticles. We show that the observed tumor accumulation of the compounds can support precise delineation of functional target volumes at the time of brachytherapy based on gadolinium enhancement. AGuIX nanoparticles combined with chemoradiation appeared well tolerated among the 12 patients treated, with no dose-limiting toxicity observed. Treatment yielded excellent local control, with all patients achieving complete remission of the primary tumor. One patient had a distant tumor recurrence. These results demonstrate the clinical feasibility of using theranostic nanoparticles to augment the accuracy of MRI-based treatments while focally enhancing the radiation activity in tumors.

Retrospective study evaluating dental side effects of radiotherapy in patients treated for head and neck cancer

IntroductionHead and neck cancer squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the seventh most common cancer worldwide with around 600,000 new diagnosis each year. Nowadays, in locally advanced disease, radiotherapy (RT) play an important role, this with or without chemotherapy in organ preservation strategies. More specific for early stage localized disease, RT (or surgery) seems to give similar results on locoregional control (LRC) and choice is made according to the organ preservation issue. Despite the fact that technical improvements have been made to optimize the radiation dose delivery and minimize the normal tissue toxicity, RT is associated with potential early and late toxicities. Osteoradionecrosis of the jaw (ORNJ), especially seen after teeth extraction, is one of the associated toxicities and can significantly impair the patient's quality of life. Because of the fear of developing ORNJ, one is very reluctant to extract or place a dental implant post-radiotherapy, especially in high irradiation dose zones (>40 Gy). Hence, it is important to define teeth at risk of future extraction before initiating RT and to handle those in high-risk irradiation zones. In order to optimise extractions, we created a predictive model of the expected irradiation dose, and thus the need for extraction, to the teeth bearing bones. The aim of this study is to validate our model and to define the potential relationship between the radiation dose received by each tooth and the dental complications observed. Material and methodsBetween March 2012 and March 2018, patients with HNSCC treated by intensity modulated RT were retrospectively analysed. The mean irradiation dose for each tooth was generated on the administered treatment plan by contouring each tooth separately on each dosimetric scan section using dedicated software (Eclipse, Varian). In order to validate our predictive model, we compared the actual generated/administered teeth irradiation doses with the irradiation doses predicted by our model. ResultsOur predictive model was accurate in 69.6% of the cases. In 12.5% of cases the predicted dose was higher than the calculated dose and lower in 17,8% of the cases. A correct- or over-estimation (is the latter being clinically less worrying than an underestimated dose) was achieved in 82% of cases. For the 18% of cases underfitting, the mean margin of error was 5.7 Gy. No statistically significant association was found between the development of caries and doses to the teeth, doses to the parotid glands or dental hygiene. However, a significant association between dental irradiation at more than 40 Gy and the occurrence of dental fractures (p = 0.0002) were demonstrated. ConclusionsOur predictive model seems to be 82% accurate for dose prediction, hence might be helpful for optimizing/minimizing prophylactic extractions. Indeed, following our model, professionals could decide not to extract damaged teeth in areas not at risk of ORNJ, lowering morbidity during and after RT. Contrary to the literature, no relationship was found between the occurrence of dental caries and parotid irradiation and the patient's oral hygiene. However, for the first time, a highly significant correlation between the occurrence of dental fracture and dental irradiation at more than 40 Gy was observed.

Connexin 43 Prevents Radiation-Induced Intestinal Damage via the Ca2+-Dependent PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway.

Radiation-induced intestinal damage (RIID) is a common side effect of radiotherapy in patients with abdominopelvic malignancies. Gap junctions are special structures consisting of connexins (Cxs). This study aimed to investigate the expression and role of connexins in RIID and underlying mechanism. In this study, a calcein-AM fluorescence probe was used to detect changes in gap junctional intercellular communication in intestinal epithelial IEC-6 cells. Our results show that gap junctional intercellular communication of IEC-6 cells was reduced at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after irradiation, with the most pronounced effect at 24 h. Western blotting and immunofluorescence results showed that the expression of Cx43, but not other connexins, was reduced in irradiated intestinal epithelial cells. Silencing of Cx43 reduced gap junctional intercellular communication between irradiated intestinal epithelial cells with increased ROS and intracellular Ca2+ levels. Furthermore, knockdown of Cx43 reduced the number of clonal clusters, decreased cell proliferation with increased cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Western blotting results showed that silencing of Cx43 resulted in changed γ-H2AX and PI3K/AKT pathway proteins in irradiated intestinal epithelial cells. Administration of the PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitor LY294002 inhibited the radioprotective effects in Cx43-overexpressing intestinal epithelial cells. Our study demonstrated that Cx43 expression is decreased by ionizing radiation, which facilitates the radioprotection of intestinal epithelial cells.

Effects and Assessment of the Optic Pathway After Management with Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Intracranial Tumors: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

Intracranial tumors are treated through a minimally invasive procedure called stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), which uses precisely targeted radiation beams. When SRS is used to treat tumors in or near the optic pathway, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eyes to the brain, it is essential to assess the effects of treatment on visual function. The optic pathway is considered relatively radiation-sensitive, and high doses of radiation can lead to visual impairment or loss. Various methods can be used to assess the effects of SRS on the optic pathway, including visual acuity testing, visual field testing, and imaging studies. These assessments can be performed before and after treatment to track changes in visual function and detect potential complications or side effects. Assessing the optic pathway after management with SRS for intracranial tumors is essential to the treatment process to ensure that patients receive the best possible outcomes while minimizing the risk of complications. Close collaboration between the multidisciplinary team is often necessary to optimize treatment planning and monitoring of treatment response. In this review, we conducted an extensive analysis of the effects of radiation in patients with intracranial tumors after receiving radiotherapy.

Autophagy gene Atg7 regulates the development of radiation-induced skin injury and fibrosis of skin.

Radiation-induced skin injury, which may progress to fibrosis, is a severe side effect of radiotherapy in patients with cancer. However, currently, there is a lack of preventive or curative treatments for this injury. Meanwhile, the mechanisms underlying this injury remain poorly understood. Here, we elucidated whether autophagy is essential for the development of radiation-induced skin injury and the potential molecular pathways and mechanisms involved. We used the myofibroblast-specific Atg7 knockout (namely, conditional Atg7 knockout) mice irradiated with a single electron beam irradiation dose of 30Gy. Vaseline-based 0.2% rapamycin ointment was topically applied once daily from the day of irradiation for 30days. On day 30 post irradiation, skin tissues were harvested for further analysis. In vitro, human foreskin fibroblast cells were treated with rapamycin (100nM) for 24h and pretreated with 3-MA (5mM) for 12h. Macroscopic skin manifestations, histological changes, and fibrosis markers at the mRNA and protein expression levels were measured. Post irradiation, the myofibroblast-specific autophagy-deficient (Atg7Flox/Flox Cre+ ) mice had increased fibrosis marker (COL1A1, CTGF, TGF-β1, and α-SMA) levels in the irradiated area and had more severe macroscopic skin manifestations than the control group (Atg7Flox/Flox Cre- ) mice. Treatment with an autophagy agonist rapamycin attenuated macroscopic skin injury scores and skin fibrosis marker levels with decreased epidermal thickness and dermal collagen deposition in Atg7Flox/Flox Cre+ mice compared with the vehicle control. Moreover, in vitro experiment results were consistent with the in vivo results. Together with studies at the molecular level, we found that these changes involved the Akt/mTOR pathway. In addition, this phenomenon might also relate to Nrf2-autophagy signaling pathway under oxidative stress conditions. In conclusion, Atg7 and autophagy-related mechanisms confer radioprotection, and reactivation of the autophagy process can be a novel therapeutic strategy to reduce and prevent the occurrence of radiodermatitis, particularly skin fibrosis, in patients with cancer.

Predicting metastasis at initial diagnosis and radiotherapy effectiveness in patients with metastatic osteosarcoma.

Osteosarcoma is a primary malignant bone tumor affecting mostly children and adolescents. The overall 10year survivals of patients with metastatic osteosarcoma are typically less than 20% in the literature and remain concerning. We aimed to develop a nomogram for predicting the risk of metastasis at initial diagnosis in patients with osteosarcoma and evaluate the effectiveness of radiotherapy in patients with metastatic osteosarcoma. Clinical and demographic data of patients with osteosarcoma were collected from the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results database. We randomly split our analytical sample into the training and validation cohorts, then established and validated a nomogram for predicting the risk of osteosarcoma metastasis at initial diagnosis. The effectiveness of radiotherapy was evaluated by performing propensity score matching in patients underwent surgery + chemotherapy and those underwent surgery + chemotherapy + radiotherapy, among patients with metastatic osteosarcoma. 1439 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in this study. 343 of 1439 had osteosarcoma metastasis by the time of initial presentation. A nomogram for predicting the likelihood of osteosarcoma metastasis by the time of initial presentation was developed. In both unmatched and matched samples, the radiotherapy group demonstrated a superior survival profile comparing with the non-radiotherapy group. Our study established a novel nomogram to evaluate the risk of osteosarcoma with metastasis, and demonstrated that radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy and surgical resection could improve 10-year survival in patients with metastasis. These findings may guide the clinical decision-making for orthopedic surgeons.

Image masking using convolutional networks improves performance classification of radiation pneumonitis for non-small cell lung cancer.

Radiation pneumonitis (RP) is a serious side effect of radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Image cropping reduces training noise and may improve classification accuracy. This study proposes a prediction model for RP grade ≥ 2 using a convolutional neural network (CNN) model with image cropping.The 3D computed tomography (CT) images cropped in the whole-body, normal lung (nLung), and nLung regions overlapping the region over 20Gy (nLung∩20Gy) used in treatment planning were used as the input data. The output classifies patients as RP grade < 2 or RP grade ≥ 2. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under the curve (AUC) were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC).The accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, and AUC were 53.9%, 80.0%, 25.5%, and 0.58, respectively, for the whole-body method, and 60.0%, 81.7%, 36.4%, and 0.64, respectively, for the nLung method. For the nLung∩20Gy method, the accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, and AUC improved to 75.7%, 80.0%, 70.9%, and 0.84, respectively.The CNN model, in which the input image is segmented in the normal lung considering the dose distribution, can help predict an RP grade ≥ 2 for NSCLC patients after definitive radiotherapy.

A Unique Adverse Event of Radiotherapy in a Patient With IgG4-related Disease: A Case Report.

IgG4-related disease (IgG4RD) is a rare autoimmune proinflammatory condition that mimics other cancers and has unique pathological findings. The effects of radiotherapy in patients with IgG4RD remain unknown. A male patient in his seventies who received radiotherapy (68 Gy/39 fr) for bladder cancer 5 months prior, presented to our hospital with fatigue and swelling in both legs. The patient had a history of IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis, a subtype of IgG4RD. Leg edema gradually worsened despite treatment with a diuretic agent. Computed tomography showed hyperdense soft-tissue lesions in the irradiated area. The serum level of IgG4 increased to 1,380 mg/dl. One month after administration of a corticosteroid (10 mg per day) as an ex juvantibus treatment for IgG4RD, leg edema disappeared. Soft-tissue lesions in the irradiated area decreased in size. The adverse event was ultimately diagnosed as the recurrence of IgG4RD in the irradiated area. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of an adverse event of radiotherapy for a patient with IgG4RD. We experienced a unique adverse event of radiotherapy in a patient with IgG4RD. Caution is advised on radiotherapy administration in patients with IgG4RD.

Expression changes and clinical significance of serum neuron-specific enolase and squamous cell carcinoma antigen in lung cancer patients after radiotherapy

To explore the changes and clinical significance of serum Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma antigen (SCC) in patients with lung cancer before and after radiotherapy. 82patients with lung cancer were treated with radiotherapy, and effective clinical intervention was given during the radiotherapy process. The patients were followed up for1year after radiotherapy and were divided into a recurrence and metastasis group (n=28) and a non-recurrence and metastasis group (n=54) according to their prognosis. Another54healthy volunteers examined in the present study's hospital during the same period were selected as the control group. To compare the changes of NSE and SCC levels in serum in patients with lung cancer at admission and after radiotherapy, and to explore their clinical significance. After intervention, NSE and SCC levels in the serum of the two groups of patients were significantly lower than those before intervention, and the levels of CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ were significantly higher than those before intervention (p<0.05); the level of CD8+ was not significantly different from that before intervention (p > 0.05). And NSE and SCC levels in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the routine group, the levels of CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ were significantly higher than those in the routine group (p<0.05). NSE and SCC in serum can preliminarily evaluate the effect of radiotherapy in patients with lung cancer and have a certain predictive effect on prognosis.

Circulating levels of IL-6 and TGF-β1 in patients with prostate cancer undergoing radiotherapy: associations with acute radiotoxicity and fatigue symptoms

BackgroundThe goal of research was to investigate the possible relations between serum concentrations of IL-6 and TGF-β1, individual and clinical characteristics, and adverse effects of radiotherapy in patients with prostate cancer: acute and late genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity, and fatigue.MethodsThirty-nine patients with localized or locally advanced prostate cancer who were treated with radiotherapy were enrolled in this study. The acute radiotoxicity grades and fatigue levels were assessed during the radiotherapy and 1 month after the radiotherapy. Estimation of the late radiotoxicity was performed every three months in the first year, every four months in the second year, and then every six months. Serum levels of IL-6 and TGF-β1 were determined before radiotherapy and after the 25th radiotherapy fraction by ELISA.ResultsThe significant positive association between diabetes mellitus and changes in acute genitourinary toxicity grades during the radiotherapy was observed in prostate cancer patients. In addition, patients who were smokers had significantly higher maximum fatigue levels in comparison with patients who were non-smokers. The circulating IL-6 levels were significantly higher after the 25th radiotherapy fraction in comparison with levels determined before radiotherapy. The significant positive correlations between pretreatment TGF-β1 levels and maximum genitourinary toxicity grades and between TGF-β1 levels after the 25th fraction and genitourinary toxicity grades after the 25th fraction, were found. The pretreatment IL-6 concentrations and TGF-β1 concentrations after the 25th fraction were positively correlated with maximum genitourinary toxicity grades. The IL-6 levels after the 25th fraction were positively associated with genitourinary toxicity grades after this fraction. The pretreatment IL-6 concentrations were significantly positively correlated with maximum fatigue scores. The significant positive correlation between IL-6 concentrations and fatigue scores after the 25th fraction was determined. The positive correlations between IL-6 and TGF-β1 concentrations measured after the 25th fraction and maximum fatigue scores were observed.ConclusionsOur results suggest that serum levels of IL-6 and TGF-β1 might influence the severity of acute genitourinary radiotoxicity and fatigue in patients with prostate cancer. Combining clinical parameters and circulating cytokine levels might be useful for the prediction of adverse reactions to radiotherapy.

Effect of radiotherapy on cardiac-specific death in patients with non-malignant tumors of central nervous system and related clinical features.

ImportanceCardiac-specific death from radiation caused by radiation therapy (RT) in patients with malignant tumors has received extensive attention, however, little is known regarding the potential cardiotoxic effects of RT in patients with non-malignant tumors.Objectives and methodsIn this study, we used the SEER data to explore the incidence of post-radiation cardiovascular complications in patients with non-malignant tumors of central nervous system (CNS), and identify the influencing factors of cardiac-specific death.ResultsUltimately 233, 306 patients were included (97.8% of patients had brain tumors and 2.2% had spinal cord tumors). For patients with non-malignant tumors of CNS, RT {yes (odds ratio [OR] 0.851, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.774–0.936, p = 0.001, before propensity score matching (PSM); OR 0.792, 95% CI 0.702–0.894, p < 0.001, after PSM) vs. no} was associated with lower risk of cardiac-specific death, other clinical features affecting cardiac death similar to those in patients with non-malignant tumors of CNS receiving RT. For patients with non-malignant tumors of CNS receiving RT, female, married status, Hispanic ethnicity, surgery, and tumor site (brain exclude nerve and endocrine, nervous system) were associated with lower risks of cardiac-specific death, while earlier year of diagnosis, older age of diagnosis, Black, larger tumor and bilateral tumor were risk factors for cardiac-specific death.ConclusionsOur study shows the influencing factors for cardiac-specific death in patients with non-malignant tumors of CNS, and found RT is associated with lower risk of cardiac-specific death. These results can facilitate the identification of patients with non-malignant tumors of CNS who can benefit from RT while avoiding cardiovascular events. In addition, this study helps to enhance the clinical use of RT in these populations, especially in patients who may have impaired cardiac function due to CNS tumors.

Effect of embolization before stereotactic radiosurgery for brain arteriovenous malformations: a case-control study with propensity score matching.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether endovascular embolization prior to stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has a negative impact on nidus obliteration for patients with arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). A total of 704 eligible patients with AVM who did not undergo prior surgery or radiotherapy were evaluated. Of these patients, 593 were treated with SRS only, and 111 were treated with embolization followed by SRS (E+SRS). Most patients in the E+SRS group (88%) underwent embolization with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate. In the comparison of radiosurgical outcomes between patients treated with SRS only and E+SRS, these groups were matched in a 1:1 ratio using propensity score matching to eliminate differences in basic characteristics. The primary outcome was to compare the nidus obliteration rates between the SRS-only and E+SRS groups. The secondary outcomes were the comparison of cumulative hemorrhage rates and the incidence of cyst formation or chronic encapsulated hematoma after SRS between these groups. In the unmatched cohorts, the actuarial 3-, 5-, and 8-year nidus obliteration rates after a single SRS session were 49.6%, 69.4%, and 74.1% in the SRS-only group, respectively, and 30.7%, 50.9%, and 68.6% in the E+SRS group, respectively (p = 0.001). In the matched cohort of 98 patients in each group, the rates were 47.1%, 62.0%, and 69.6% in the SRS-only group and 32.5%, 55.3%, and 75.0% in the E+SRS group, respectively (p = 0.24). There was no significant difference in either cumulative hemorrhage or the incidence of cyst formation or chronic encapsulated hematoma between the groups. Pre-SRS embolization did not affect nidus obliteration rates, cumulative hemorrhage rates, or the incidence of cyst formation or chronic encapsulated hematoma as late adverse radiation effects in patients with AVM treated with SRS.

Utilization of a Chimeric Medial Femoral Condyle Free Flap for Mandibular Osteoradionecrosis.

Background:Primary options for oromandibular reconstruction with osteocutaneous free flaps are the vascularized fibula and iliac crest. Complications of mandible reconstruction are not uncommon and include osteomyelitis, malunion, and osteoradionecrosis (ORN) after radiation therapy. The medial femoral condyle (MFC) free flap is an established salvage option for carpal reconstruction in hand surgery, frequently used for scaphoid nonunion and avascular necrosis. We hypothesize that the MFC flap can be utilized to restore blood supply and reverse the negative effects of radiotherapy in patients who require mandibular reconstruction due to ORN.Methods:A retrospective chart review was conducted at Beaumont Health System, Royal Oak, for patients who underwent MFC free flap reconstruction for mandibular ORN between the years 2012 and 2018. Demographic data, operative details, complications, medical comorbidities, and patient outcomes were retrospectively gathered.Results:A total of four patients were isolated. Four patients developed ORN after resection of squamous cell carcinoma and adjuvant radiotherapy. No patients experienced donor site deficits. Revisions after MFC reconstruction were dependent on individual aesthetics and involvement of neighboring tissue. All four patients continue to be followed with no current issues to the osseous component of the MFC flap.Conclusion:Utilization of the MFC periosteal flap is a viable option in selected patients to salvage nonunion/resorption of mandible reconstruction and ORN of the mandible. Our experience found that the MFC is able to provide pain resolution and healing of intraoral soft tissue defects, and may halt the progression of ORN of the mandible.

The impact of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on late irradiation injury in oral microcirculation.

BackgroundLate side effects of radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer (HNCPs) result in decreased tissue vascularity, a compromised healing capacity and spontaneous breakdown of tissue. The aim of this study was to examine the in vivo effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on the microcirculation in irradiated oral tissue.MethodsUsing a handheld microscope, the effect of HBOT on oral mucosal microcirculation parameters was measured in 34 previously irradiated HNCPs prior to HBOT and at 4 weeks and 6 months posttreatment.ResultsA significant increase in mean buccal vessel density and decrease in buccal vessel diameter was found 6 months after HBOT compared to baseline, 22 ± 11 versus 25 ± 7 cpll/mm2 (p < 0.05) and 20 ± 4 versus 16 ± 5 μm (p < 0.05), respectively.ConclusionOur results indicate that oral microcirculation histopathology associated with irradiation is able to respond to HBOT by redirecting oral microcirculation parameters towards values consistent with healthy tissue.

Effect of 635nm Diode Laser on Radiation Induced Xerostomia Patients

Background: Xerostomia, one of the most major side effects of radiotherapy in patients with oropharyngeal cancer, has a compromising effect on the quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 635nm low-level laser on salivary flow rate and quality of life (QoL) in post-radiotherapy oropharyngeal cancer patients. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on patients (n=34) with persistent post-radiotherapy xerostomia received low level laser therapy (LLLT) (635nm) on the three major salivary glands twice a week for 12 weeks. For each point, dose was 18.75 J/cm2, irradiation time was 15 s, energy was 1.5 J. Energy for each session was 33 J and laser tip diameter was 0.08cm2. Extra oral points were marked over the parotid gland (6 points), submandibular (3points) and sublingual gland (2 points). Unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rate (SFR) and quality of life (QoL) using University of Washington (UW) QoL questionnaire were assessed. Unstimulated SFR and QOL scores were normally distributed and hence paired t-test was used. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The mean unstimulated SFR was significantly increased by 0.16 units after LLLT (p=0.001). Similarly, the median stimulated SFR significantly increased by 0.45 units post LLLT respectively (p=0.001). The mean QoL was significantly increased by 591.32 units after LLLT (p≤0.05). Conclusion: Low level laser therapy (LLLT) demonstrates to be effective in increasing salivary flow rate and the QoL scores hence mitigating salivary hypofunction and improving overall quality of life of patients. Keywords: Low-Level Laser Therapy; Xerostomia.

Twelve-Month Evaluation of Temperature Effects of Radiotherapy in Patients after Mastectomy.

The aim of this study was to verify the changes in the temperature distribution within the breast at twelve months after the end of radiotherapy for breast cancer. The study included twenty-four women. The first test group consisted of twelve women who underwent breast mastectomy and qualified for radiotherapy according to standard medical treatment procedures. The second group included twelve healthy women. The tests were conducted before treatment with radiation therapy and two months, six months, nine months, and one year after the end of treatment. The mean temperature values changed depending on the time that had elapsed since the end of treatment. The highest temperature increase in all patients was observed six months after the end of radiotherapy. This research has confirmed that the assessment of temperature changes in the breast area after radiotherapy can evaluate the severity and lesions in the time course of the radiation reaction.

The Survival Effect of Radiotherapy on Stage IIB/III Pancreatic Cancer Undergone Surgery in Different Age and Tumor Site Groups: A Propensity Scores Matching Analysis Based on SEER Database.

BackgroundIt remains controversial whether radiotherapy (RT) improves survival in patients with stage IIB/III PDAC. A growing number of studies have found that patients’ age at diagnosis and tumor site not only affect prognosis, but also may lead to different treatment responses. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to verify whether the survival effect of radiotherapy in patients with stage IIB/III PDAC varies across age and tumor site groups.MethodsThe target population was selected from PDAC patients undergone surgery in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2004 and 2016. This study performed the Pearson’s chi-square test, Cox regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier (K-M) method, and focused on propensity frequency matching analysis.ResultsNeither neoadjuvant radiotherapy (nRT) nor adjuvant radiotherapy (aRT) patient group had probably improved survival among early-onset patients. For middle-aged patients, nRT seemed to fail to extend overall survival (OS), while aRT might improve the OS. Plus, both nRT and aRT were associated with improved survival in elderly patients. The aRT might be related with survival benefits in patients with pancreatic head cancer, while nRT was not. And RT in patients with PDAC at other sites did not appear to provide a survival benefit.ConclusionCarefully selected data from the SEER database suggested that age and tumor location may be the reference factors to guide the selection of RT for patients with stage IIB/III PDAC. These findings are likely to contribute to the development of personalized treatment for patients with stage IIB/III PDAC.

Radiotherapy for patients with Ledderhose disease: Long-term effects, side effects and patient-rated outcome

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term effects of radiotherapy for patients with Ledderhose disease. MethodsQuestionnaires were sent to all patients with Ledderhose disease who had been treated with radiotherapy at our centre between 2008 and 2017 and who consented to participate. Radiotherapy was performed with orthovolt or electrons in two separate courses of five daily fractions of 3 Gy. The questionnaires addressed items such as pain from Ledderhose disease (Brief Pain Inventory), quality of life (EURO-QOL-5D-5L), long-term side effects, and patients’ levels of satisfaction with the effect of treatment. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were used to analyse the results. ResultsA total of 102 feet were irradiated in 67 patients (28 men, 39 women). Radiotherapy resulted in significant pain reduction: the mean pain score prior to radiotherapy, collected retrospectively, was 5.7 and 1.7 at time of assessment (p-value < 0.001). The following pain response scores were reported: progressive pain (0%), no change (22%; 22 feet), partial pain response (37%; 38 feet) and complete pain response (absence of pain) (41%; 42 feet). Seventy-eight percent of patients were satisfied with the treatment effect and 57% did not consider radiotherapy burdensome. The scores for societal perspective (0.856) and patients’ perspective on quality of life (82.3) were each comparable to the reference values from the Dutch population in the same age category (0.857 and 80.6, respectively). The most commonly reported residual long-term side effect was dryness of the skin (n = 10; 15%). ConclusionRadiotherapy for Ledderhose disease results in long-term pain reduction in the majority of patients and has limited side effects. The treatment is well tolerated, patients feel satisfied, and quality of life is comparable to the reference population.

The Use of Thermal Imaging in the Evaluation of Temperature Effects of Radiotherapy in Patients after Mastectomy-First Study.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the temperature parameter of the breast area in patients undergoing radiotherapy at various intervals. The relationship between temperature changes on the patient’s skin and the time after the end of radiotherapy was studied. Measurements with a thermal imaging camera were performed in a group of twelve volunteers. Six of them were healthy women who did not have thermal asymmetry between the breasts, whereas six were diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent mastectomy due to the advanced stage of the disease. The patients were qualified for radiation therapy. Thermographic examinations were performed before treatment, two months later and then six months after the end of the treatment. Temperature differences between the healthy breasts and the treated areas were assessed. Additionally, the correlation between a patient’s skin temperature changes and the time after the end of radiotherapy was analyzed. The highest skin temperature increase (1.47 °C) was observed 6 months after the end of RT compared to the measurement before treatment. It seems that thermovision may bring a new tool for quantitative analyses of the temperature effects of radiotherapy.