ADVANCE for Imaging & Radiation Oncology

Boosting Protons Reduces Cancer Recurrences

November 2, 2009

Men who receive a "boost" of proton therapy after receiving a standard course of X-ray radiation therapy have fewer recurrences of their prostate cancer compared to men who did not receive the extra dose of proton radiation, according to a first-of-its-kind study presented Nov. 2, 2009, at ASTRO's 51st Annual Meeting in Chicago. The multi-institutional, randomized trial also shows that the high dose treatment is safe for these patients and causes no severe problems later with

Hypofractionated Treatment Stops Cancer Growth for High-Risk

November 3, 2009

Hypofractionated radiation treatment, a newer type of radiation treatment that delivers higher doses of radiation in fewer treatments than conventional radiation therapy, is significantly more effective in stopping cancer from growing in high risk patients, compared to receiving standard radiation treatment, according to a study presented Nov. 4 at the 51st Annual Meeting of ASTRO. In addition, findings show there is no increased risk of negative side effects later in patients who

More from ASTRO/ASRT/SROA

November 4, 2009

Nov. 2, 2009--ASCO Launches International Cancer Corps

November 3, 2009

To improve cancer care in underserved regions of the world, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), in partnership with Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO), recently launched the International Cancer Corps (ICC), a new humanitarian program that will enable ASCO member oncologists to volunteer their time to teach in medical facilities in developing countries.

ASCO's partnership with HVO, another international medical educat

Nov. 3, 2009--MSU Team Lands Grant for Breast Cancer Survivorship Program

November 3, 2009

A team from Michigan State University's Breslin Cancer Center is developing a clinic for breast cancer survivors, hoping to reduce mortality and improve quality of life. A $39,591 grant from the Mid-Michigan Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure will support "Changing Tomorrow's Breast Cancer Survivors," a new multidisciplinary program.

"Some breast cancer survivors don't feel lik

Nov. 3, 2009--NIC Announces Genomic, Personalized Medicine Grants

November 3, 2009

As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the National Cancer Institute (NIC), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), recently funded seven research and research infrastructure Grand Opportunities (GO) grants.

The awards were for comparative effectiveness research (CER) in genomic and personalized medicine (GPM). These awards will support two-year efforts that will advance methods for analysis, synt

Nov. 4, 2009--Study: Answers, New Questions Regarding Cholesterol

November 4, 2009

A pair of studies in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention have laid to rest the decades-long concern that lower total cholesterol may lead to cancer--and indicate that lower cholesterol actually may reduce the risk of high-grade prostate cancer.

Early studies suggested that low cholesterol could increase the risk of certain types of cancer, said Demetrius Albanes, MD, a senior investigator at the National Cance

Nov. 5, 2009--ACR Practice Leaders' Web Site Launches Online Forum

November 4, 2009

The American College of Radiology (ACR) recently launched a practice leaders' Web site designed to address clinical and administrative issues facing radiology and radiation oncology practice leaders by providing the most recent literature from across the medical landscape as well as an online forum to discuss these issues with peers.

With its library of articles, the site offers insight into

Nov. 6, 2009---SNM Applauds House Action to Build Medical Isotopes Reactor

November 6, 2009

SNM applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for its passage of H.R. 3276-the American Medical Isotopes Production Act of 2009.

"The worldwide isotope shortage has long been adversely affecting patients in the U.S.," said Michael M. Graham, Ph.D., M.D., president of SNM. "This important legislation will bring us one step closer to solving this chronic problem."

The American Medical Isotopes Production Act of 2009 was introduced by Congressman Edward

Nov. 6, 2009--ASRT Offers Tips to Improve X-ray Exams

November 6, 2009

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) is offering eight pointers to patients to ensure that they receive the best and safest imaging possible. The tips come on the eve of National Radiologic Technology Week (NRTW), Nov. 8-14, which recognizes and honors radiologic technology (RT) personnel who provide medical imaging and radiation therapy treatments. NRTW marks the anniversary of Wilhelm Roentgen's discovery of the X-ray on Nov. 8, 1895.

Protons Well Tolerated in Prostate Patients

November 2, 2009

Proton beam therapy can be safely delivered to men with prostate cancer and has minimal urinary and rectal side effects, according to a study presented Nov. 2, at the ASTRO 51st Annual Meeting in Chicago.

Researchers sought to determine if delivering higher doses of radiation with proton therapy would cause early harmful side effects to urinary function within the genitourinary system (GU) function and rectal function within the gastrointestinal (GI) system.

"Proton the

Radiation Oncology Comes to Chicago!

Compiled by Kerri Reeves — November 2, 2009

This weekend--Halloween weekend, as it turns out--much of the world's radiation oncology contingent will descend upon Chicago for scientific meetings hosted by three of the field's most important societies: ASTRO, ASRT and SROA.

All three meetings will take place concurrently at the Windy City's McCormick Place convention center and Chicago's Swisshotel starting Nov. 1.

A solid line-up promises a fruitful week. Indeed, attendees to all three meet

Scenes from McCormick Place

November 2, 2009

Society Snapshots

November 3, 2009