New framework defines core competencies for contemporary brain brachytherapy
The framework emphasizes multidisciplinary selection, source geometry, imaging, postimplant dosimetry, QA and radiation safety for modern intracranial Cs-131 brachytherapy.
Latest research
Search the archiveAutophagy inhibition radiosensitized IDH1-mutant glioma in preclinical models
ATG7 inhibition plus radiation doubled median survival versus untreated mice and produced long-term tumor-free survival in 40%.
Interstitial brachytherapy achieved 94% local control in complex non-melanoma skin cancer
Definitive interstitial or hybrid brachytherapy controlled 94% of difficult BCC/SCC lesions, although 8% developed grade 3–4 late toxicity.
Locally fabricated phantoms matched commercial dosimetry for 3DCRT TPS verification
Low-cost acrylic and beeswax thorax phantoms produced dose measurements comparable with a commercial phantom and generally remained within IAEA tolerance.
Experts define the roadmap for clinical upright gantry-less radiotherapy
Upright gantry-less RT could reduce system complexity and improve access, but imaging, immobilization and limited clinical evidence remain major barriers.
EBV status did not predict failure after nasopharyngeal cancer RT in Denmark
In 331 Danish NPC patients, five-year failure rates were similar by EBV status, while distant relapse was concentrated in locally advanced disease.
Flap-sparing postoperative RT showed no intraflap recurrences in oral cavity cancer
Among 34 postoperative oral cavity cases, local failures occurred at or near the flap-native interface, with no recurrence inside the flap.
COG highlights major gaps in radiation care for adolescents and young adults
AYA patients face distinct radiation-related late effects and psychosocial challenges, yet age-specific dose constraints and prospective outcome data remain scarce.
Late chest-wall pain affected one-third of patients after breast radiotherapy
Across 5,509 evaluable patients, 34% developed late chest-wall pain, although definitions and reported risk factors varied substantially.
DIBH workflow changes sharply reduced chest-wall motion during breast radiotherapy
Four quality-improvement measures reduced >3-mm chest-wall errors from 21.2% to 4.7%, but sternal marker placement increased skin reactions.
Fractionation mitigated proton interplay for most free-breathing thoracic treatments
Interplay-related underdosage largely disappeared after five fractions, although two high-motion plans retained clinically relevant target deficits.
SRS target location changed pain-response patterns in trigeminal neuralgia
Distal targeting produced more overall pain relief, while proximal targeting yielded more complete pain freedom and medication discontinuation.
Overfilling the bladder made prostate radiotherapy longer and more frustrating
Bladder diameter >10 cm at simulation was associated with longer fractions, more interruptions and greater patient frustration during prostate RT.
Performance status predicted patient-reported toxicity better than age after head and neck RT
Patients aged ≥70 reported similar or lower symptom burden, whereas PS ≥2 consistently predicted worse toxicity and slower recovery after radical RT.
Virtual reality often reduced anxiety and pain during breast cancer care
Across 14 studies, 9 of 11 anxiety studies and 3 of 5 pain studies reported significant improvement with virtual reality.