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Oliveira C, Barbosa B, Couto JG, Bravo I, Hughes C, McFadden S, Khine R, McNair HA. Advanced practice in radiotherapy across Europe: stakeholders' perceptions of implementation and evolution. Radiography (Lond) 2024; 30:896-907. [PMID: 38608565 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2024.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adapting radiotherapy services with workforce innovation using skills-mix or task-shifting optimises resources, supporting current and future demands. Advanced practitioners (APs) work at a different level of practice (beyond initial registration) across four pillars: clinical practice, leadership and management, education, and research. There is limited cross-country research on the advanced therapeutic radiographers/radiation therapists (TR/RTTs), particularly in Europe. This study aimed to investigate European radiotherapy stakeholders' perceptions regarding current and future advanced practice (AP). METHODS From June to September 2022, one-to-one online semi-structured interviews were conducted in English, and audio and video were recorded. Full verbatim audio files were independently transcribed and checked by interviewer and interviewees. Braun and Clarke's seven steps guided the thematic analysis (using NVivo). RESULTS Thirty-three interviewees working or studying in 16 European countries represented practitioners (n=14), managers (n=6), educators (n=4), professional bodies (n=4), students (n=3), and regulators (n=2). Four overarching themes emerged: "AP drivers and outcomes", "AP challenges vs enablers", "Current vs future AP", "Becoming and being advanced practitioner". Participants identified research as the neglected AP pillar due to a lack of protected time, limited staff skills, no research culture, no funding, workload, and clinical priorities. Interviewees highlighted the importance of consistency in job titles, harmonisation of education models and curricula, definition of AP requirements, and support for all AP pillars through job plans and workforce planning. CONCLUSION Neither the profession nor education of TR/RTTs are harmonised across Europe, which is highly reflected in advanced-level practice. Advanced TR/RTTs should work across all pillars, including research, and these should be embedded in master's programmes, including leadership. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE This study highlights a policy gap in the education and practice of APs in radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Oliveira
- Radiotherapy Department, Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto (IPO Porto), Portugal; Escola Internacional de Doutoramento, Universidad de Vigo, Spain.
| | - B Barbosa
- Radiotherapy Department, Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto (IPO Porto), Portugal; Escola Internacional de Doutoramento, Universidad de Vigo, Spain; Medical Physics, Radiobiology Group and Radiation Protection Group, IPO Porto Research Centre (CI-IPOP), Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto (IPO Porto), Portugal.
| | - J G Couto
- Radiography Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Malta.
| | - I Bravo
- Medical Physics, Radiobiology Group and Radiation Protection Group, IPO Porto Research Centre (CI-IPOP), Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto (IPO Porto), Portugal.
| | - C Hughes
- School of Health Sciences, Ulster University, United Kingdom.
| | - S McFadden
- School of Health Sciences, Ulster University, United Kingdom.
| | - R Khine
- European Federation of Radiographer Societies, Utrecht, Netherlands; Institute of Health Sciences Education, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London, United Kingdom.
| | - H A McNair
- European Federation of Radiographer Societies, Utrecht, Netherlands; The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Radiotherapy and the Institute of Cancer Research, Surrey, United Kingdom.
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Starling MTM, Thibodeau S, de Sousa CFPM, Restini FCF, Viani GA, Gouveia AG, Mendez LC, Marta GN, Moraes FY. Optimizing Clinical Implementation of Hypofractionation: Comprehensive Evidence Synthesis and Practical Guidelines for Low- and Middle-Income Settings. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:539. [PMID: 38339290 PMCID: PMC10854666 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The global cancer burden, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), worsens existing disparities, amplified by the rising costs of advanced treatments. The shortage of radiation therapy (RT) services is a significant issue in LMICs. Extended conventional treatment regimens pose significant challenges, especially in resource-limited settings. Hypofractionated radiotherapy (HRT) and ultra-hypofractionated/stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) offer promising alternatives by shortening treatment durations. This approach optimizes the utilization of radiotherapy machines, making them more effective in meeting the growing demand for cancer care. Adopting HRT/SBRT holds significant potential, especially in LMICs. This review provides the latest clinical evidence and guideline recommendations for the application of HRT/SBRT in the treatment of breast, prostate, and lung cancers. It emphasizes the critical importance of rigorous training, technology, stringent quality assurance, and safety protocols to ensure precise and secure treatments. Additionally, it addresses practical considerations for implementing these treatments in LMICs, highlighting the need for comprehensive support and collaboration to enhance patient access to advanced cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephane Thibodeau
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, Kingston General Hospital, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | | | | | - Gustavo A. Viani
- Department of Medical Imagings, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Hematology and Oncology of University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil
- Latin America Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Andre G. Gouveia
- Latin America Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre 90619-900, Brazil
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, Juravinski Cancer Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8V 5C2, Canada
| | - Lucas C. Mendez
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Gustavo Nader Marta
- Radiation Oncology Department, Hospital Sirio Libanês, Sao Paulo 01308-050, Brazil
- Latin America Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Fabio Ynoe Moraes
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, Kingston General Hospital, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
- Latin America Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre 90619-900, Brazil
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Baumann M, Bacchus C, Aznar MC, Coppes RP, Deutsch E, Georg D, Haustermans K, Hoskin P, Krause M, Lartigau EF, Lee AWM, Löck S, Offersen BV, Thwaites DI, van der Heide UA, Valentini V, Overgaard J. Clinical research for global needs of radiation oncology. Radiother Oncol 2024; 190:110076. [PMID: 38157941 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2023.110076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carol Bacchus
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marianne C Aznar
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom
| | - Rob P Coppes
- Departments of Radiation Oncology and Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Section Molecular Cell Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Eric Deutsch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institut d'Oncologie Thoracique (IOT), Gustave Roussy, France
| | - Dietmar Georg
- Division Medical Radiation Physics, Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Vienna/AKH, Wien, Austria
| | - Karin Haustermans
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Hoskin
- Mount Vernon Cancer Centre and University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mechthild Krause
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany; OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Germany
| | - Eric F Lartigau
- Academic Department of Radiotherapy, Oscar Lambret Comprehensive Cancer Center, Lille, France
| | - Anne W M Lee
- Department of Clinical Oncology, University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital and University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Steffen Löck
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Germany
| | - Birgitte V Offersen
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - David I Thwaites
- Institute of Medical Physics, School of Physics, The University of Sydney, Australia; Radiotherapy Research Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St James's Hospital and University of Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Uulke A van der Heide
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jens Overgaard
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
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Collins S, Ogilvy A, Huang D, Hare W, Hilts M, Jirasek A. Iterative image reconstruction with polar coordinate discretized system matrix for optical CT radiochromic gel dosimetry. Med Phys 2023; 50:6334-6353. [PMID: 37190786 DOI: 10.1002/mp.16459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gel dosimeters are a potential tool for measuring the complex dose distributions that characterize modern radiotherapy. A prototype tabletop solid-tank fan-beam optical CT scanner for readout of gel dosimeters was recently developed. This scanner does not have a straight raypath from source to detector, thus images cannot be reconstructed using filtered backprojection (FBP) and iterative techniques are required. Iterative image reconstruction requires a system matrix that describes the geometry of the imaging system. Stored system matrices can become immensely large, making them impractical for storage on a typical desktop computer. PURPOSE Here we develop a method to reduce the storage size of optical CT system matrices through use of polar coordinate discretization while accounting for the refraction in optical CT systems. METHODS A ray tracing simulator was developed to track the path of light rays as they traverse the different mediums of the optical CT scanner. Cartesian coordinate discretized system matrices (CCDSMs) and polar coordinate discretized system matrices (PCDSMs) were generated by discretizing the reconstruction area of the optical CT scanner into a Cartesian pixel grid and a polar coordinate pixel grid, respectively. The length of each ray through each pixel was calculated and used to populate the system matrices. To ensure equal weighting during iterative reconstruction, the radial rings of PCDSMs were asymmetrically spaced such that the area of each polar pixel was constant. Two clinical phantoms and several synthetic phantoms were produced and used to evaluate the reconstruction techniques under known conditions. Reconstructed images were analyzed in terms of spatial resolution, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), signal nonuniformity (SNU), and Gamma map pass percentage. RESULTS A storage size reduction of 99.72% was found when comparing a PCDSM to a CCDSM with the same total number of pixels. Images reconstructed with a PCDSM were found to have superior SNR, CNR, SNU, and Gamma (1 mm, 1%) pass percentage compared to those reconstructed with a CCDSM. Increasing spatial resolution in the radial direction with increasing radial distance was found in both PCDSM and CCDSM reconstructions due to the outer regions refracting light more severely. Images reconstructed with a PCDSM showed a decrease in spatial resolution in the azimuthal directions as radial distance increases, due to the widening of the polar pixels. However, this can be mitigated with only a slight increase in storage size by increasing the number of projections. A loss of spatial resolution in the radial direction within 5 mm radially from center was found when reconstructing with a PCDSM, due to the large innermost pixels. However, this was remedied by increasing the number of radial rings within the PCDSM, yielding radial spatial resolution on par with images reconstructed with a CCDSM and a storage size reduction of 99.26%. CONCLUSIONS Discretizing the image pixel elements in polar coordinates achieved a system matrix storage size reduction of 99.26% with only minimal reduction in the image quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Collins
- Department of Physics, University of British Columbia-Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Andy Ogilvy
- Department of Physics, University of British Columbia-Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Dominic Huang
- Department of Mathematics, University of British Columbia-Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Warren Hare
- Department of Mathematics, University of British Columbia-Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michelle Hilts
- Department of Physics, University of British Columbia-Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
- Medical Physics, BC Cancer-Kelowna, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Andrew Jirasek
- Department of Physics, University of British Columbia-Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
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Jaffray DA, Knaul F, Baumann M, Gospodarowicz M. Harnessing progress in radiotherapy for global cancer control. NATURE CANCER 2023; 4:1228-1238. [PMID: 37749355 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00619-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The pace of technological innovation over the past three decades has transformed the field of radiotherapy into one of the most technologically intense disciplines in medicine. However, the global barriers to access this highly effective treatment are complex and extend beyond technological limitations. Here, we review the technological advancement and current status of radiotherapy and discuss the efforts of the global radiation oncology community to formulate a more integrative 'diagonal approach' in which the agendas of science-driven advances in individual outcomes and the sociotechnological task of global cancer control can be aligned to bring the benefit of this proven therapy to patients with cancer everywhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Jaffray
- Departments of Radiation Physics and Imaging Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Felicia Knaul
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Mary Gospodarowicz
- Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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McDonagh D, Tonning KL, Freeman B, Birring EJ, Dimopoulos M, Harnett N, Skubish S, Starrs C, Mei SWM, Vapiwala N, Matthews K. An Environmental Scan of Advanced Practice Radiation Therapy in the United States: A PESTEL Analysis. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:11-21. [PMID: 37169268 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In 2021, the Advanced Practice Radiation Therapy Working Group (APRTWG) was established in the United States as a grassroots alliance of multidisciplinary radiation oncology professionals-radiation therapists, physicians, dosimetrists, and administrators-located across the country, interested in studying and establishing the Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist (APRT) level of practice in the United States. The APRT model has shown success in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and other countries, documenting the value of the APRT to the quality and advancement of clinical care. In the United States, the APRTWG seeks to coordinate activities, align resources, and drive the national agenda to collectively develop and define novel models of care using APRT in line with the evolving needs of patients and the radiation therapy profession. This environmental scan aims to examine the context of radiation oncology medical practice in the United States to inform pathways ahead for a proposed APRT model through a Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal (PESTEL) analysis. METHODS AND MATERIALS A literature search was conducted to understand the chronological timeline of the development of APRT during the past 25 years. Items that included the activities, scope of practice, and implementation of APRT nationally and internationally were identified. Papers describing advanced practitioner roles that are commonly found in the multidisciplinary team in radiation oncology both in the United States and internationally, such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners, were excluded. RESULTS Despite the environmental scan outcome, it is acknowledged that data collation and analysis was not as robust as that anticipated by undertaking a systematic review. Papers were identified by the lead author that aligned with each of the PESTEL factors. Defined broadly, a new care model can adjust how health services are delivered by incorporating best practices in patient care for a specific population, person, or patient cohort. As patients enter different stages of their disease, the purpose of a new model is to provide individuals with the right care, at the right time, by the right team, in the right place. It is clear that the opportunity for positive change and impact on the current state of practice in radiation oncology exists. CONCLUSION The environmental scan findings demonstrate the complexities associated with implementing APRT in the United States, with multifactorial political, environmental, societal, technological, economic, and legal aspects to consider. The APRTWG will continue to lead and participate in such activities to demonstrate and identify APRT role opportunities in the United States and drive the nationwide implementation of the APRT level of practice in this country.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Nicole Harnett
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Neha Vapiwala
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Sapir E, Cherny NI, Ennis RD, Smith BD, Smith GL, Marks LB, Corn BW. Evaluation of the ESMO-Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale version 1.1 (ESMO-MCBS v1.1) for adjuvant radiotherapy in breast cancer. ESMO Open 2023; 8:101206. [PMID: 37236087 PMCID: PMC10265604 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2023.101206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) has suggested using the ESMO-Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (MCBS) to grade the magnitude of clinical benefit of cancer therapies. This approach has not been applied to radiation therapy (RT) yet. We applied the ESMO-MCBS to experiences describing the use of RT to assess (1) the 'scoreability' of the data, (2) evaluate the reasonableness of the grades for clinical benefit and (3) identify potential shortcomings in the current version of the ESMO-MCBS in its applicability to RT. MATERIALS AND METHODS We applied the ESMO-MCBS v1.1 to a selection of studies in radiotherapy that had been identified as references in the development of American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) evidence-based guidelines on whole breast radiation. Of the 112 cited references, we identified a subset of 16 studies that are amenable to grading using the ESMO-MCBS. RESULTS Of the 16 studies reviewed, 3/16 were scoreable with the ESMO tool. Six of 16 studies could not be scored because of shortcomings in the ESMO-MCBS v1.1: (1) in 'non-inferiority studies', there is no credit for improved patient convenience, reduced patient burden or improved cosmesis; (2) in 'superiority studies' evaluating local control as a primary endpoint, there is no credit for the clinical benefit such as reduced need for further interventions. In 7/16 studies, methodological deficiencies in the conduct and reporting were identified. CONCLUSIONS This study represents a first step in determining the utility of the ESMO-MCBS in the evaluation of clinical benefit in radiotherapy. Important shortcomings were identified that would need to be addressed in developing a version of the ESMO-MCBS that can be robustly applied to radiotherapy treatments. Optimization of the ESMO-MCBS instrument will proceed to enable assessment of value in radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Sapir
- Samson Assuta Ashdod University Hospital, Ashdod, Israel.
| | - N I Cherny
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - R D Ennis
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick
| | | | | | - L B Marks
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - B W Corn
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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Linde P, Klein M, Lang F, Wegen S, Petersen C, Dapper H, Fan J, Celik E, Marnitz S, Baues C. Teaching in radiation oncology: now and 2025-results of a focus group with medical students. Strahlenther Onkol 2023; 199:360-369. [PMID: 36063205 PMCID: PMC9443630 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-022-01997-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In Germany, the new Licensing Regulations for Physicians 2025 (Ärztliche Approbationsordnung, ÄApprO) define a binding legal framework on the basis of which medical faculties modernize their curricula. Since 2015, the National Competence Based Learning Objectives Catalogue for Medicine 2.0 (Nationaler Kompetenzbasierter Lernzielkatalog 2.0., NKLM) formulates competencies and learning objectives to be achieved in the course of studies as curriculum orientation for the medical faculties. In addition, about 80% of the areas of a new core curriculum are to be made compulsory. A needs analysis in the target group of students has not yet taken place for the subject of radiation therapy (RT) or radiation oncology (RO). This study therefore surveys the experiences and requirements of students regarding medical education in RT. METHODS Qualitative single-center study using a semistructured in-depth focus group with 11 medical students (20-26 years; 6 female, 5 male) was conducted. Brainstorming sessions were conducted in small groups and individually; oral contributions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis according to Mayring. Results were compared with the content of the future curriculum and reviewed for congruence with current expert recommendations of the German Society of Radiation Oncology (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Radioonkologie, DEGRO). RESULTS The plans to develop a longitudinal and practice-oriented curriculum was positively received by students. Specifically, students wanted to introduce the basics of RT as an early link to practice in preclinical teaching units. The necessary acquisition of communicative skills should also be taught by lecturers in RO. Methodologically, regular digital survey tools for self-monitoring, discussion rooms, and problem-based learning were named. In the perception of students, the subject appears underrepresented in relation to its relevance in the multimodal therapy of oncological diseases. CONCLUSION Results of the needs analysis for the subject of RT are consistent with ÄApprO, NKLM, and DEGRO. Moreover, they complement them and should be considered in the curriculum development of Masterplan Medical Education 2020 (Masterplan Medizinstudium 2020). The results contribute to high-quality and target-group-oriented medical training in the subject of RT, increased visibility, and thus early bonding of future physicians to RO in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Linde
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiation Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Marie Klein
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiation Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Frauke Lang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiation Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Simone Wegen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiation Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Cordula Petersen
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hendrik Dapper
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Public Hospital of Bielefeld, University Medical Center East Westphalia-Lippe, Teutoburger Str. 50, 33604, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Jiaqi Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiation Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Eren Celik
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiation Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Simone Marnitz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiation Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christian Baues
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiation Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
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Soares S, Faria I, Aires F, Monteiro A, Pinto G, Sales MG, Correa-Duarte MA, Guerreiro SG, Fernandes R. Application of Gold Nanoparticles as Radiosensitizer for Metastatic Prostate Cancer Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044122. [PMID: 36835538 PMCID: PMC9964626 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 50% of all prostate cancer (PCa) patients are treated by radiotherapy (RT). Radioresistance and cancer recurrence are two consequences of the therapy and are related to dose heterogeneity and non-selectivity between normal and tumoral cells. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) could be used as potential radiosensitizers to overcome these therapeutic limitations of RT. This study assessed the biological interaction of different morphologies of AuNPs with ionizing radiation (IR) in PCa cells. To achieve that aim, three different amine-pegylated AuNPs were synthesized with distinct sizes and shapes (spherical, AuNPsp-PEG, star, AuNPst-PEG, and rods, AuNPr-PEG) and viability, injury and colony assays were used to analyze their biological effect on PCa cells (PC3, DU145, and LNCaP) when submitted to the accumulative fraction of RT. The combinatory effect of AuNPs with IR decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis compared to cells treated only with IR or untreated cells. Additionally, our results showed an increase in the sensitization enhancement ratio by cells treated with AuNPs and IR, and this effect is cell line dependent. Our findings support that the design of AuNPs modulated their cellular behavior and suggested that AuNPs could improve the RT efficacy in PCa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia Soares
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- FP-I3ID, FP-BHS, Universidade Fernando Pessoa (UFP), 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
- CEB, Centre of Biological Engineering of Minho University, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- BioMark@ISEP/CEB—Center of Biological Engineering of Minho University, School of Engineering, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel Faria
- School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fátima Aires
- Radiotherapy Service, São João Hospital Center, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Armanda Monteiro
- Radiotherapy Service, São João Hospital Center, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Pinto
- Radiotherapy Service, São João Hospital Center, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Goreti Sales
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- CEB, Centre of Biological Engineering of Minho University, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- Biomark@UC/CEB—Centre of Biological Engineering of Minho University, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Coimbra University, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel A. Correa-Duarte
- CINBIO, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
- Southern Galicia Institute of Health Research (IISGS), and Biomedical Research Networking Center for Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 36310 Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana G. Guerreiro
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology, Immunology of the University of Porto-IPATIMUP, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biomedicine, Biochemistry Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (S.G.G.); (R.F.)
| | - Rúben Fernandes
- FP-I3ID, FP-BHS, Universidade Fernando Pessoa (UFP), 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Health Sciences (FCS) & Hospital Escola Fernando Pessoa (HEFP), University Fernando Pessoa (UFP), 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (S.G.G.); (R.F.)
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10
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De Thoré MG, Meziani L, Deutsch E, Mondini M. Cytofluorometric characterization of the myeloid compartment of irradiated mouse tumors. Methods Cell Biol 2023; 174:17-30. [PMID: 36710048 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The use of ionizing radiation (IR) is a cornerstone for the treatment of cancer and radiotherapy (RT) is used in roughly 50% of cancer patients. It is now well established that RT exerts widespread effects on the tumor stroma, including the immune environment. Together with its deeply characterized effects on the lymphoid compartment, RT also deeply affects the myeloid cell compartment. Fluorescence-activated flow cytometry is one of the most widely used technologies in immunology, allowing the multiparametric analysis of cells on a cell-by-cell basis. Here, we provide a detailed flow cytometry protocol to analyze the myeloid cell populations of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive TC1/Luc tumors engrafted in the oral mucosa of immunocompetent mice, and to evaluate their modulations in response to RT. The same method, with slight modifications, can be used to study the tumor myeloid cells from a variety of other mouse tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lydia Meziani
- Gustave Roussy, INSERM U1030, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Eric Deutsch
- Gustave Roussy, INSERM U1030, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France.
| | - Michele Mondini
- Gustave Roussy, INSERM U1030, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France.
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11
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Lachos-Dávila A, Guzmán-Barrón RM, Sedano CA. In Reply to Li et al. Adv Radiat Oncol 2022; 8:100997. [PMID: 36711061 PMCID: PMC9873491 DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2022.100997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
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12
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Overgaard M, Nielsen HM, Tramm T, Højris I, Grantzau TL, Alsner J, Offersen BV, Overgaard J. Postmastectomy radiotherapy in high-risk breast cancer patients given adjuvant systemic therapy. A 30-year long-term report from the Danish breast cancer cooperative group DBCG 82bc trial. Radiother Oncol 2022; 170:4-13. [PMID: 35288227 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2022.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 1982 and 1990 the Danish Breast Cancer Cooperative Group (DBCG) conducted a randomized trial in high-risk pre- and postmenopausal (<70 years) breast cancer patients comparing mastectomy plus adjuvant systemic therapy alone versus the same treatment plus postoperative irradiation. AIM To present a comprehensive analysis of the complete DBCG 82bc study with a 30-year long-term follow-up of the cancer therapeutic effect and survival, together with an additional focus on the potential long-term life-threatening morbidity related to cardiac irradiation and/or the risk of secondary cancer induction. METHODS A total of 3083 patients with pathological stage II and stage III breast cancer were after mastectomy randomly assigned to receive adjuvant systemic therapy and postoperative irradiation to the chestwall and regional lymph nodes (1538 pts), or adjuvant systemic therapy alone (1545 pts). Pre- and menopausal patients (DBCG 82b) received 8-9 cycles of CMF with an interval of 4 weeks, whereas postmenopausal patients (DBCG 82c) received tamoxifen 30 mg daily for one year. The median follow-up time was 34 years. The primary endpoints were loco-regional recurrence (LRR) and overall mortality, and the secondary endpoints were distant metastasis, breast cancer mortality, and irradiation related late morbidity. RESULTS Overall the 30-year cumulative incidence of loco-regional recurrence was 9% in irradiated patients versus 37% in non-irradiated patients who received adjuvant systemic therapy alone (HR: 0.21 [95% cfl 0.18-0.26]). Distant metastasis probability at 30 years was 49% in irradiated patients compared to 60% in non-irradiated (HR: 0.77 [0.70-0.84]). Consequently, these figures resulted in a reduced breast cancer mortality: 56% vs 67% (HR: 0.75 [0.69-0.82], and overall mortality (81% vs 86% at 30 years (p < 0.0001), HR: 0.83 [0.77-0.90] in favor of irradiation. Radiotherapy did not result in any significant excess death of other courses, such as ischemic heart disease, HR: 0.82 [0.58-1.18]; nor secondary lung cancer HR: 1.44 [0.92-2.24], or other non-cancer related death HR: 1.15 [0.92-1.45]. CONCLUSION The study definitely demonstrate that optimal long-term treatment benefit of high-risk breast cancer can only be achieved if both loco-regional and systemic tumor control are aimed for. Therefore, radiotherapy has an important role in the multidisciplinary treatment of breast cancer. The PMRT treatment did not result in excess ischemic heart damage, nor in other non-breast cancer related death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Overgaard
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | | | - Trine Tramm
- Department of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Inger Højris
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Trine Lønbo Grantzau
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Jan Alsner
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Birgitte Vrou Offersen
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Jens Overgaard
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.
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13
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Høyer M, Grau C, Overgaard J. No time to die - BiGART is back. The 20th Acta Oncologica Symposium - BIGART 2021. Acta Oncol 2022; 61:117-119. [PMID: 34991422 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2021.2022206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Morten Høyer
- Danish Centre for Particle Therapy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Cai Grau
- Danish Centre for Particle Therapy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jens Overgaard
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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14
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Comacchio C, Antolini G, Ruggeri M, Colizzi M. Gender-Oriented Mental Health Prevention: A Reappraisal. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:1493. [PMID: 35162515 PMCID: PMC8835536 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have investigated the impact of gender on mental health, but only a few have addressed gender differences in mental health risk and prevention. We conducted a narrative review to assess the current state of knowledge on gender-specific mental health preventive interventions, along with an analysis of gender-based risk factors and available screening strategies. Out of 1598 articles screened using a comprehensive electronic search of the PubMed, Web-of-Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases, 53 were included for review. Among risk factors for mental health problems, there are individual, familiar, social, and healthcare factors. Individual factors include childhood adversities, which show gender differences in distribution rates. However, current childhood abuse prevention programs are not gender-specific. Familiar factors for mental health problems include maternity issues and intimate partner violence, and for both, some gender-specific preventive interventions are available. Social risk factors for mental health problems are related to education, employment, discrimination, and relationships. They all display gender differences, but these differences are rarely taken into account in mental health prevention programs. Lastly, despite gender differences in mental health service use being widely known, mental health services appear to be slow in developing strategies that guarantee equal access to care for all individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giulia Antolini
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Maternal-Child Integrated Care Department, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy;
| | - Mirella Ruggeri
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Marco Colizzi
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
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15
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Gomes ER, Franco MS. Combining Nanocarrier-Assisted Delivery of Molecules and Radiotherapy. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14010105. [PMID: 35057001 PMCID: PMC8781448 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14010105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is responsible for a significant proportion of death all over the world. Therefore, strategies to improve its treatment are highly desired. The use of nanocarriers to deliver anticancer treatments has been extensively investigated and improved since the approval of the first liposomal formulation for cancer treatment in 1995. Radiotherapy (RT) is present in the disease management strategy of around 50% of cancer patients. In the present review, we bring the state-of-the-art information on the combination of nanocarrier-assisted delivery of molecules and RT. We start with formulations designed to encapsulate single or multiple molecules that, once delivered to the tumor site, act directly on the cells to improve the effects of RT. Then, we describe formulations designed to modulate the tumor microenvironment by delivering oxygen or to boost the abscopal effect. Finally, we present how RT can be employed to trigger molecule delivery from nanocarriers or to modulate the EPR effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Rocha Gomes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil;
| | - Marina Santiago Franco
- Department of Radiation Sciences (DRS), Institute of Radiation Medicine (IRM), 85764 München, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-89-3187-48767
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16
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Zhang Y, Xu J, Fei Z, Dai H, Fan Q, Yang Q, Chen Y, Wang B, Wang C. 3D Printing Scaffold Vaccine for Antitumor Immunity. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2106768. [PMID: 34601760 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202106768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cancer vaccine platform has attracted great interest in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Here, 3D printed scaffolds loaded with immunoregulators are developed for enhanced cancer immunotherapy. The rapid manufacturing and precise molding based on 3D printing can realize the mass manufacturing of cancer vaccines and personalized design. Meanwhile, compared to the traditional hydrogel, the 3D-scaffold with porous structure endows its similar functions compared with real lymphoid organs by recruitment of a great number of immune cells, leading to the formation of "artificial tertiary lymphoid structures," where there is a promising site to enhance both humoral and cellular immune responses. Efficient anticancer immunity is induced when combined with immune checkpoint blockade to inhibit the tumor growth. Personalized antitumor scaffold vaccines are further demonstrated for filling of tumor site after surgery to prevent cancer metastasis. Taken together, these results promise the 3D printing scaffold vaccine as the potential strategy for cancer vaccine therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Jialu Xu
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Ziying Fei
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Huaxing Dai
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Qin Fan
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Qianyu Yang
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Yitong Chen
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Beilei Wang
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
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17
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Baumann M, Bacchus C. Radiation Oncology - Towards a mission-oriented approach to cancer. Mol Oncol 2021; 14:1429-1430. [PMID: 32615032 PMCID: PMC7332219 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carol Bacchus
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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18
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Viezens L, Dreimann M, Eicker SO, Heuer A, Koepke LG, Mohme M, Krätzig T, Stangenberg M. Posterior vertebral column resection as a safe procedure leading to solid bone fusion in metastatic epidural spinal cord compression. Neurosurg Focus 2021; 50:E8. [PMID: 33932938 DOI: 10.3171/2021.2.focus201087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cancer is one of the leading causes of death and greatly decreases a patient's quality of life. Vertebral metastases often lead to epidural spinal cord compression (ESCC) requiring surgical therapy. It has previously been shown that in patients with metastatic ESCC (MESCC), a surgical intervention leads to an improved outcome. Although the treatment paradigms in spinal metastases have changed and separation surgery followed by stereotactic radiosurgery is considered the best strategy, there are still cases in which 360° decompression with stabilization is indicated. In these patients, a proper bone fusion should be the treatment goal to guarantee good clinical results in extended survival times through progressions in oncological therapies. The aim of this study was to examine the safety and feasibility of posterior vertebral column resection (pVCR) in everyday clinical practice, achievement of bone fusion, and midterm outcome in patients with MESCC. METHODS All patients treated with pVCR due to MESCC between 2013 and 2020 were enrolled in this observational single-center study. Demographics, outcome parameters, numeric rating scale (NRS) score, Frankel grade, and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score were evaluated. Radiological images routinely acquired during follow-up were reviewed and screened for the presence of bone fusion. RESULTS Sixty-six patients were treated by eight surgeons. The mean follow-up period was 549 ± 739 days. At baseline, the average age was 64.4 ± 10.9 years. Reported NRS scores (preoperative 6.2 ± 1.7 vs postoperative 3.4 ± 1.6) and segmental kyphosis as measured on sagittal CT images (preoperative 13.5° ± 8.6° vs postoperative 3.8° ± 5.4°) decreased significantly (p < 0.001). In only 2 patients (3%), the Frankel grade worsened postoperatively, whereas in 12 patients (18.2%) an improvement was documented. The KPS score remained constant during the observation period (preoperative 73.2% ± 18.2% vs 78.3% ± 18% at last follow-up). Bone fusion was observed in 26 patients (86.7%) receiving CT more than 100 days after the index surgery. CONCLUSIONS pVCR is a reliable surgical technique in daily clinical practice, which proves to be beneficial in terms of short- as well as midterm outcome, as judged by the KPS and NRS. The overall improvement in the Frankel grade shows patient safety. A bone fusion was observed regularly in oncological patients undergoing pVCR. The authors therefore conclude that pVCR is a safe, fast, and efficient strategy to achieve stability and pain relief by achievement of bone fusion in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Viezens
- 1Division of Spine Surgery, Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, and
| | - Marc Dreimann
- 1Division of Spine Surgery, Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, and
| | - Sven Oliver Eicker
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Annika Heuer
- 1Division of Spine Surgery, Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, and
| | - Leon-Gordian Koepke
- 1Division of Spine Surgery, Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, and
| | - Malte Mohme
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Theresa Krätzig
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Stangenberg
- 1Division of Spine Surgery, Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, and
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19
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Dutz A, Lühr A, Troost EGC, Agolli L, Bütof R, Valentini C, Baumann M, Vermeren X, Geismar D, Timmermann B, Krause M, Löck S. Identification of patient benefit from proton beam therapy in brain tumour patients based on dosimetric and NTCP analyses. Radiother Oncol 2021; 160:69-77. [PMID: 33872640 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The limited availability of proton beam therapy (PBT) requires individual treatment selection strategies, such as the model-based approach. In this study, we assessed the dosimetric benefit of PBT compared to photon therapy (XRT), analysed the corresponding changes in normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) on a variety of available models, and illustrated model-based patient selection in an in-silico study for patients with brain tumours. METHODS For 92 patients treated at two PBT centres, volumetric modulated arc therapy treatment plans were retrospectively created for comparison with the clinically applied PBT plans. Several dosimetric parameters for the brain excluding tumour and margins, cerebellum, brain stem, frontal and temporal lobes, hippocampi, cochleae, chiasm, optic nerves, lacrimal glands, lenses, pituitary gland, and skin were compared between both modalities using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. NTCP differences (ΔNTCP) were calculated for 11 models predicting brain necrosis, delayed recall, temporal lobe injury, hearing loss, tinnitus, blindness, ocular toxicity, cataract, endocrine dysfunction, alopecia, and erythema. A patient was assumed to be selected for PBT if ΔNTCP exceeded a threshold of 10 percentage points for at least one of the side-effects. RESULTS PBT substantially reduced the dose in almost all investigated OARs, especially in the low and intermediate dose ranges and for contralateral organs. In general, NTCP predictions were significantly lower for PBT compared to XRT, in particular in ipsilateral organs. Considering ΔNTCP of all models, 80 patients (87.0%) would have been selected for PBT in this in-silico study, mainly due to predictions of a model on delayed recall (51 patients). CONCLUSION In this study, substantial dose reductions for PBT were observed, mainly in contralateral organs. However, due to the sigmoidal dose response, NTCP was particularly reduced in ipsilateral organs. This underlines that physical dose-volume parameters alone may not be sufficient to describe the clinical relevance between different treatment techniques and highlights potential benefits of NTCP models. Further NTCP models for different modern treatment techniques are mandatory and existing models have to be externally validated in order to implement the model-based approach in clinical practice for cranial radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almut Dutz
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Dresden, Germany
| | - Armin Lühr
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Dresden, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Medical Physics and Radiotherapy, Faculty of Physics, TU Dortmund University, Germany
| | - Esther G C Troost
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Dresden, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Germany: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany, and; Helmholtz Association / Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Linda Agolli
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Germany; Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Rebecca Bütof
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Germany; Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Germany: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany, and; Helmholtz Association / Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Chiara Valentini
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Germany; Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Baumann
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Dresden, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Germany: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany, and; Helmholtz Association / Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany; Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Xavier Vermeren
- West German Proton Therapy Center Essen (WPE), University Hospital Essen, Germany
| | - Dirk Geismar
- West German Proton Therapy Center Essen (WPE), University Hospital Essen, Germany; Department of Particle Therapy, University Hospital Essen, Germany; West German Cancer Center (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, Germany
| | - Beate Timmermann
- West German Proton Therapy Center Essen (WPE), University Hospital Essen, Germany; Department of Particle Therapy, University Hospital Essen, Germany; West German Cancer Center (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mechthild Krause
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Dresden, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Germany: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany, and; Helmholtz Association / Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Steffen Löck
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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20
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Aznar MC, Bacchus C, Coppes RP, Deutsch E, Georg D, Haustermans K, Hoskin P, Krause M, Lartigau EF, Löck S, Offersen B, Overgaard J, Thwaites DI, van der Kogel AJ, van der Heide UA, Valentini V, Baumann M. Radiation oncology in the new virtual and digital era. Radiother Oncol 2021; 154:A1-A4. [PMID: 33387585 PMCID: PMC7773315 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2020.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marianne C Aznar
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom
| | - Carol Bacchus
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rob P Coppes
- Departments of Radiation Oncology and Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Section Molecular Cell Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Deutsch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institut d'Oncologie Thoracique (IOT), Gustave Roussy, France
| | - Dietmar Georg
- Division Medical Radiation Physics, Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Vienna/AKH Wien, Austria
| | - Karin Haustermans
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Hoskin
- Mount Vernon Cancer Centre and University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mechthild Krause
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
| | - Eric F Lartigau
- Academic Department of Radiotherapy, Oscar Lambret Comprehensive Cancer Center, Lille, France
| | - Steffen Löck
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Birgitte Offersen
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jens Overgaard
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - David I Thwaites
- Institute of Medical Physics, School of Physics, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Albert J van der Kogel
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, USA
| | - Uulke A van der Heide
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincenzo Valentini
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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21
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Berns A, Ringborg U, Celis JE, Heitor M, Aaronson NK, Abou‐Zeid N, Adami H, Apostolidis K, Baumann M, Bardelli A, Bernards R, Brandberg Y, Caldas C, Calvo F, Dive C, Eggert A, Eggermont A, Espina C, Falkenburg F, Foucaud J, Hanahan D, Helbig U, Jönsson B, Kalager M, Karjalainen S, Kásler M, Kearns P, Kärre K, Lacombe D, de Lorenzo F, Meunier F, Nettekoven G, Oberst S, Nagy P, Philip T, Price R, Schüz J, Solary E, Strang P, Tabernero J, Voest E. Towards a cancer mission in Horizon Europe: recommendations. Mol Oncol 2020; 14:1589-1615. [PMID: 32749074 PMCID: PMC7400777 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive translational cancer research approach focused on personalized and precision medicine, and covering the entire cancer research-care-prevention continuum has the potential to achieve in 2030 a 10-year cancer-specific survival for 75% of patients diagnosed in European Union (EU) member states with a well-developed healthcare system. Concerted actions across this continuum that spans from basic and preclinical research through clinical and prevention research to outcomes research, along with the establishment of interconnected high-quality infrastructures for translational research, clinical and prevention trials and outcomes research, will ensure that science-driven and social innovations benefit patients and individuals at risk across the EU. European infrastructures involving comprehensive cancer centres (CCCs) and CCC-like entities will provide researchers with access to the required critical mass of patients, biological materials and technological resources and can bridge research with healthcare systems. Here, we prioritize research areas to ensure a balanced research portfolio and provide recommendations for achieving key targets. Meeting these targets will require harmonization of EU and national priorities and policies, improved research coordination at the national, regional and EU level and increasingly efficient and flexible funding mechanisms. Long-term support by the EU and commitment of Member States to specialized schemes are also needed for the establishment and sustainability of trans-border infrastructures and networks. In addition to effectively engaging policymakers, all relevant stakeholders within the entire continuum should consensually inform policy through evidence-based advice.
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