RTOG Foundation, Inc.

Higher-Dose Fractionated Reirradiation Shows Promise in Recurrent High-Grade Glioma Treatment

3 months ago

• A Johns Hopkins study of 230 patients demonstrates fractionated reirradiation is safe and effective for recurrent high-grade glioma, with median overall survival reaching 10.2 months from treatment initiation. • Higher reirradiation doses (≥41.4 Gy) proved feasible even for large treatment volumes and tumors near critical brain structures, with minimal neurotoxicity observed in patients. • The study found improved survival outcomes associated with better performance status, longer intervals between radiation sessions, and treatment at first recurrence, supporting this approach as a viable salvage therapy option.

Hypofractionated Partial Breast Irradiation Shows Favorable Outcomes in Early Breast Cancer

4 months ago

• A study of 208 patients with early-stage breast cancer found a low 3.5% rate of cosmetic deterioration three years after hypofractionated partial breast irradiation (PBI). • The 5-year ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence rate was very low at 0.5%, with a 5-year disease-free survival rate of 99.0%, indicating effective local control. • Acute and late normal tissue effects were minimal, with low rates of grade 2 radiation dermatitis (5.8%) and breast induration (1.5%) reported. • The findings support the use of IMRT-based moderately hypofractionated PBI as a safe and cosmetically acceptable option for selected low-risk patients.

Bladder Tumor-Focused Adaptive Radiotherapy: Clinical Outcomes and Feasibility

5 months ago

A study on bladder tumor-focused adaptive radiotherapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer determined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) to be 70 Gy, with acceptable toxicity and promising clinical outcomes, including a 5-year overall survival rate of 58% and a bladder preservation rate of 89%.

SBRT Shows Non-Inferiority to Standard Radiotherapy in Localized Prostate Cancer

6 months ago

• A phase 3 trial, PACE-B, reveals that five-fraction stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is non-inferior to conventional radiotherapy for low- to intermediate-risk localized prostate cancer. • The 5-year incidence of freedom from biochemical or clinical failure was 95.8% in the SBRT group and 94.6% in the control group, indicating comparable cancer control outcomes. • SBRT offers a reduced treatment duration, potentially alleviating the burden on healthcare systems while maintaining favorable cancer control without hormonal treatment. • While genitourinary adverse effects were slightly higher in the SBRT group, the overall safety profile was acceptable, supporting SBRT as a viable alternative to standard radiotherapy.

MR-Linac Adaptive Radiotherapy Reduces Radiation Exposure in High-Grade Glioma

8 months ago

• The phase 2 UNITED trial showed that MR-Linac adaptive radiotherapy with temozolomide reduces clinical target volume margins in high-grade glioma patients. • Adaptive radiotherapy led to a 40% mean reduction in treated CTV margins compared to the EORTC method and a 71% reduction compared to the RTOG method. • Marginal failure occurred in only 4% of patients, demonstrating non-inferiority compared to historical rates, suggesting the safety and feasibility of the approach. • Progression-free survival was improved with long-course radiotherapy compared to historical controls, though overall survival was similar.

UCSF's Dr. Mack Roach III to Receive ASTRO Gold Medal for Prostate Cancer Advancements

8 months ago

• Dr. Mack Roach III is awarded ASTRO's Gold Medal for his contributions to radiation oncology, particularly in prostate cancer treatment. • Roach pioneered the 'Roach Formula' for predicting lymph node involvement and led key Phase III trials using PSA levels for outcome measurement. • His work includes developing models for predicting survival based on data from prostate cancer patients in Phase III trials. • Roach's commitment extends to addressing healthcare disparities and serving on the National Cancer Advisory Board.