According to researchers from the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, using the intra-arterial yttrium-90 radioactive isotope to deliver radiation directly to a tumor allows for a higher dose of radiation to be used, and shows promise in prolonging life for many patients with liver cancer.  The findings were showcased at the at the 35th Annual Society of Interventional Radiologys (SIR) Scientific Meeting in Tampa, Fla.

An image-based skeletal dosimetry model for the International Commission on Radiological Protection reference newborn accounts for the unique 3D microstructure of newborn marrow cavities and bone trabeculae as seen under microCT imaging, suggesting that radiation doses to newborn bone marrow have been overestimated by existing clinical skeletal models, according to an article published in the March 5 issue of Physics in Medicine and Biology.

The American College of Radiology (ACR), American Board of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America and the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine have submitted joint comments to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding proposed implementation of the Medicare/Medicaid program on meaningful use of certified EHR technology.

Radiofrequency ablation, a minimally invasive treatment that applies heat directly to the tumor causing cancer cell death with minimal associated injury to the surrounding healthy liver, contributes to the prolongation of patients' lives by nearly three years, according to a study presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology's (SIR) 35th annual scientific meeting in Tampa, Fla. this week.

Early findings suggest a radiation therapy that involves numerous highly-focused and potent radiation beams provides targeted tumor control in nearly all patients, reduces treatment-related illness and may ultimately improve survival for patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer, according to a study in the March 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Palliative care services are available at most U.S. cancer centers, although the scope of services offered and the degree of integration between palliative care and oncology care varies widely among centers, according to a study in the March 17 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association.

Two companies that make surgical ablation devices have settled whistleblower lawsuits with the government that alleged they marketed the devices for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), which is not an FDA-approved indication, according to a report in the March 11 Wall Street Journal.

Medical software and device manufacturer Varian Medical Systems will supply Kent Oncology Centre in Southeast England with two Clinac iX accelerators with RapidArc capability for radiotherapy treatments.