Radiation Oncology

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to damage cancer cells' DNA and destroy their ability to divide and grow. It is delivered using linear accelerators, proton accelerators, metered cobalt-60 exposure, or brachytherapy where radioactive seeds are placed inside the patient on a temporary or permanent basis to kill cancer or relieve pain. The main radiation oncology society and annual conference is the American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

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MRI guidance significantly reduces radiotherapy side effects compared to CT

A recent comparison of the two modalities’ utility for guiding radiation therapy for prostate cancer shows numerous benefits for MRI over CT.

Novel imaging technique could be used to tailor glioblastoma treatment

It allows providers to quantify changes in tumor size throughout patients’ treatment in real-time, providing early indications of efficacy and enabling adjustments as needed.

Post-mastectomy radiation therapy can be safely shortened prior to breast reconstruction

New research suggests that treatment regimens can be nearly halved without increasing the risk of recurrence or complications further down the road. 

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More and more radiation therapy jobs going unfilled

As part of efforts to address staffing shortages, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists is holding a virtual career fair focused on radiation therapy jobs on Sept. 26.

New BAT lead garment better protects healthcare workers from radiation exposure.

Doc develops lead garment that drastically reduces radiation exposure to vulnerable areas

The vest offers extended coverage of the breast, axilla and thyroid. It is said to reduce exposure of these areas by nearly 98%. 

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Researchers score $2M to examine side effects of radiation therapy in prostate cancer patients

The grant will fund a team at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center working to identify genetic biomarkers capable of predicting RT side effects.

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Mindfulness audio eases symptoms for prostate cancer patients during radiation therapy

Experts signaled optimism for how their findings could benefit men who might be reluctant to seek support while battling cancer. 

artificial intelligence in healthcare

AI able to assess invasiveness of lung lesions to aid in surgery

In a study, the most accurate model combined deep-learning with a radionomics approach.

Around the web

The new technology shows early potential to make a significant impact on imaging workflows and patient care. 

Richard Heller III, MD, RSNA board member and senior VP of policy at Radiology Partners, offers an overview of policies in Congress that are directly impacting imaging.
 

The two companies aim to improve patient access to high-quality MRI scans by combining their artificial intelligence capabilities.