In the thorax, the extent of tumor may be more accurately defined with the addition of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) to computed tomography (CT). This led to the increased utility of FDG-PET or PET/CT in the treatment planning of radiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The inclusion of FDG-PET information in target volume delineation not only imp...

This document describes best practice and evidence based recommendations for the use of FDG-PET/CT for the purposes of radiotherapy target volume delineation (TVD) for curative intent treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These recommendations have been written by an expert advisory group, convened by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to facilitate a Coordinated Research ...

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy is being increasingly adopted in the treatment of lung tumors. The use of proton beam therapy can further reduce dose to normal structures. However, uncertainty exists in proton-based treatment plans, including range uncertainties, large sensitivity to position uncertainty, and calculation of dose deposition in heterogeneous areas. This study investigated the ...

Radiotherapy treatment planning requires a localization of the tumor within the patient. This is challenging to accomplish for microscopic infiltrative spread of disease that is not visible on current imaging modalities. Prime examples for infiltrative tumors are gliomas. With the help of mathematical models, common growth characteristics of gliomas, which are known from histopathological studi...

INTRODUCTION In radiotherapy, a team of highly specialised professionals co-operate in planning and delivery of treatment and are responsible for the effectiveness and safety of the service. The aim of this article was to present the necessity and features of a quality assurance (QA) program in radiotherapy through literature review. METHODS A search was carried out in Scirus, Medline/ PubMed...

The increasing interest in combined positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) to guide lung cancer radiation therapy planning has been well documented. Motion management strategies during treatment simulation PET/CT imaging and treatment delivery have been proposed to improve the precision and accuracy of radiotherapy. In light of these research advances, why has translati...

BACKGROUND A phase III multi-centre randomised trial (ROSEL) has been initiated to establish the role of stereotactic radiotherapy in patients with operable stage IA lung cancer. Due to rapid changes in radiotherapy technology and evolving techniques for image-guided delivery, guidelines had to be developed in order to ensure uniformity in implementation of stereotactic radiotherapy in this mul...

INTRODUCTION There is limited evidence to guide the preparation of patients for radiotherapy. This paper describes the protocol for an evaluation of a radiation therapist led education intervention delivered to patients with breast cancer in order to reduce psychological distress. METHODS A multiple-baseline study is being used. Usual care data is being collected prior to the start of the int...

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive technique to detect metabolites within the normal and tumoral tissues. The ability of MRS to diagnose areas of high metabolic activity linked to tumor cell proliferation is particularly useful for radiotherapy treatment planning because of better gross tumor volume (GTV) delineation. The GTV may be targeted with higher radiation dose, pote...

INTRODUCTION Glomus tumors are benign, slow growing tumors originating from paraganglionic tissue, mostly located at the carotid bifurcation, jugular foramen, cervical portion vagus nerve, and middle ear cavity. Radiotherapy is treatment of choice for patients with intracranial extension, and patients with bilateral and multiple tumors, or patients who are inoperable. CASE PRESENTATION We pre...