Multisegmented radiation therapy as an alternative to 3D conformal radiation therapy, with special reference to breast cancer tangential fields

The paper compares the techniques of 3DCRT and MSCRT in terms of PTV coverage and doses to OARs. The study population consisted of 175 breast cancer patients in whom treatement was analysed in regard to the use of lateral and medial tangential fields. Although we have failed to establish statistical significance at the P=0.05 levelthe results look clinically promising in favour of MSCRT

Advantage and Limitations of Weighting Factors and Weighted Dose Quantities and their Units in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT).

Abstract not availableJRC.F-Institute for Energy (Petten

Volumetric response of intracranial meningioma after photon or particle irradiation.

Background: Meningiomas are usually slow growing, well circumscribed intracranial tumors. In symptom-free cases observation with close follow-up imaging could be performed. Symptomatic meningiomas could be surgically removed and/or treated with radiotherapy. The study aimed to evaluate the volumetric response of intracranial meningiomas at different time points after photon, proton, and a mixed photon and carbon ion boost irradiation. Patients and methods: In Group A 38 patients received proton therapy (median dose: 56 GyE in 1.8–2 GyE daily fractions) or a mixed photon/carbon ion therapy (50 Gy in 2 Gy daily fractions with intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and 18 GyE in 3 GyE daily dose carbon ion boost). Thirty-nine patients (Group B) were treated by photon therapy with IMRT or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy technique (median dose: 56 Gy in 1.8–2 Gy daily fractions). The delineation of the tumor volume was based on the initial, one- and two-year follow-up magnetic resonance imaging and these volumes were compared to evaluate the volumetric tumor response. Results: Significant tumor volume shrinkage was detected at one- and at two-year follow-up both after irradiation by particles and by photons. No significant difference in tumor volume change was observed between photon, proton or combined photon plus carbon ion boost treated patients. WHO grade and gender appear to be determining factors for tumor volume shrinkage. Conclusion: Significant volumetric shrinkage of meningiomas could be observed independently of the applied radiation modality. Long-term follow-up is recommended to evaluate further dynamic of size reduction and its correlation with outcome data

Radiologic findings in patients treated with boron neutron capture therapy for glioblastoma multiforme within EORTC trial 11961

PURPOSE: To assess the occurrence and development of cerebral radiologic changes (cerebral atrophy and white matter lesions) in patients treated with boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) for primary supratentorial glioblastoma multiforme within the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) trial 11961. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were performed before and after surgery and at 1 week and 2, 4.5, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 months after BNCT. For the current study, MRI scans of all assessable patients were analyzed, with emphasis on cerebral atrophy and white matter abnormalities. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients had been treated with BNCT according to the EORTC trial 11961, of whom 24 were assessable for the current study. The development of possible BNCT-related cerebral changes was observed in 12 patients (50%), 10 of whom had cerebral atrophy (42%) and 10 white matter changes (42%) after a median interval of 7.5 and 4.5 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: In this study, cerebral radiologic changes appeared in 50% of patients within the first year after BNCT. Although a clear correlation between the BNCT dose and the development of cerebral changes could not be demonstrated, a relationship between the occurrence of these radiologic abnormalities and BNCT seems likel