Novel validation of HDR brachy therapy dosimetry for cervical cancer using egs_brachy Monte Carlo simulations: a comparative analysis with Oncentra treatment planning system.

Purpose: This study aims to validate HDR brachytherapy dosimetry for cervical cancer patients utilizing the egs_brachy Monte Carlo (MC) simulation.

Methods: Three cervical cancer patients treated with Ir HDR brachytherapy were included. Dose distributions were calculated by the Oncentra Brachy v4 treatment planning system (TPS) based on AAPM TG-43.

Glossary of Computer-Assisted Implant Surgery and Related Terms. First Edition.

The rapid development of computer-assisted implant surgery (CAIS) and the respective research and clinical applications have necessitated a standardization of the terminology related not only to different devices, but also the different steps involved, surgical and presurgical procedures. The present glossary was introduced at the 1st International Team for Implantology Symposium on Computer-assisted Implant Surgery, based on the collective work of clinicians and researchers with deep understanding and experience in these technologies. The glossary was further refined and revised through the structured input of a large group of global experts within clinical application, research, and education of CAIS.

Optimal radiotherapy dose and fractionation for stereotactic radiotherapy in excised brain metastases.

Purpose: Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) is an important adjunctive treatment after excision of brain metastases. We investigated efficacy and safety outcomes of such treatment and the impact of radiotherapy dose fractionations in a real-world multi-center cohort.

Materials And Methods: All patients who received resection cavity SRT between 2018-2022 were identified from institutional databases of two tertiary oncology centers.

International Consensus Guideline on Delineation of the Clinical Target Volumes at Different Dose Levels for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (2024 Version).

Purpose: Radiation therapy planning for nasopharyngeal carcinoma is one of the most challenging tasks for radiation oncologists due to the notoriously narrow therapeutic margin. The first International Guideline (IG-2018 Version) has served as a practical guide for contouring clinical target volumes (CTVs). With increasing data on locoregional extension patterns and outcomes from studies on optimizing CTV and doses, an updated International Guideline is pressingly needed to provide a reference for enhancing precision.

Intra Oral Photogrammetry: Trueness Evaluation of Novel Technology for Implant Complete-Arch Digital Impression In Vitro.

Objectives: To investigate the trueness of intraoral photogrammetry (IPG) technology for complete-arch implant digital impression and evaluate the effect of implant number.

Material And Methods: All data were fully anonymized in compliance with ethical standards, and a total of 30 complete-arch patient models with 4 (n = 13), 5 (n = 9), or 6 (n = 8) implants were selected from the archive. Digital impressions were taken with IPG and a desktop scanner.

Enhancing patient positioning accuracy: evaluating daily cone beam computed tomography in the halcyon system.

Background: Precise patient positioning is crucial for successful radiotherapy, ensuring accurate delivery of radiation to tumors while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues. Positional errors can significantly impact treatment efficacy and increase side effects. This study evaluates the effectiveness of daily cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging in the Halcyon system for detecting and correcting patient misalignments across various cancer types and treatment sites.

In Vivo Accuracy of Autonomous Dental Implant Robotic Surgery: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Purpose: To systematically analyze the accuracy of autonomous dental implant robotic (ADIR) surgery for dental implant placement.

Materials And Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched on February 21, 2024. Any clinical studies, with the exception of case reports, assessing ADIR accuracy by superimposing preoperative digital planning with postoperative CBCT images were included.

Nanomaterial-Based Molecular Imaging in Cancer: Advances in Simulation and AI Integration.

Nanomaterials represent an innovation in cancer imaging by offering enhanced contrast, improved targeting capabilities, and multifunctional imaging modalities. Recent advancements in material engineering have enabled the development of nanoparticles tailored for various imaging techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and ultrasound (US). These nanoscale agents improve sensitivity and specificity, enabling early cancer detection and precise tumor characterization.

Predicting disease progression from the rate of bodyweight change in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patient during radiotherapy.

Bodyweight loss is a common occurrence in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) patients during Radiotherapy (RT). Previous studies found that the prognostic value of percentage weight loss (pWL) during RT is not credible. We aimed to develop a novel progression predictor surrogated to pWL by modelling all bodyweight records measured during the treatment interval.

Does dose calculation algorithm affect the dosimetric accuracy of synthetic CT for MR-only radiotherapy planning in brain tumors?

Purpose: This study compares the dosimetric accuracy of deep-learning-based MR synthetic CT (sCT) in brain radiotherapy between the Analytical Anisotropic Algorithm (AAA) and AcurosXB (AXB). Additionally, it proposes a novel metric to predict the dosimetric accuracy of sCT for individual post-surgical brain cases.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 20 post-surgical brain tumor patients treated with Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT).

Developing Effective Frameworks for Large Language Model-Based Medical Chatbots: Insights From Radiotherapy Education With ChatGPT.

This Viewpoint proposes a robust framework for developing a medical chatbot dedicated to radiotherapy education, emphasizing accuracy, reliability, privacy, ethics, and future innovations. By analyzing existing research, the framework evaluates chatbot performance and identifies challenges such as content accuracy, bias, and system integration. The findings highlight opportunities for advancements in natural language processing, personalized learning, and immersive technologies.

Weight censorial score: estimation of the weight loss during concurrent chemo-radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients by image features predicts prognosis.

Purpose: Bodyweight loss is commonly found in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma patients during Concurrent Chemo-radiotherapy (CCRT) and has implications for treatment decisions. However, the prognostic value of this weight loss remains uncertain. We addressed it by proposing a novel index Weight Censorial Score (WCS) that characterizes the patient-specific CCRT response on actual to estimated weight loss.

Monte Carlo Simulations in Nanomedicine: Advancing Cancer Imaging and Therapy.

Monte Carlo (MC) simulations have become important in advancing nanoparticle (NP)-based applications for cancer imaging and therapy. This review explores the critical role of MC simulations in modeling complex biological interactions, optimizing NP designs, and enhancing the precision of therapeutic and diagnostic strategies. Key findings highlight the ability of MC simulations to predict NP bio-distribution, radiation dosimetry, and treatment efficacy, providing a robust framework for addressing the stochastic nature of biological systems.

Comparative analysis of treatment modalities for solitary, small (≤3 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of oncologic outcomes.

Background: Solitary hepatocellular carcinoma measuring ≤3 cm represents approximately 30% of hepatocellular carcinoma cases, yet treatment guidelines lack robust evidence. This study compares oncologic outcomes after ablation, liver resection, and liver transplantation for solitary, small hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods: We systematically searched databases up to 7 February 2022, for studies including adults with solitary hepatocellular carcinoma ≤3 cm treated by any ablation, liver resection, or liver transplantation.

Quantum Computing in Medicine.

Quantum computing (QC) represents a paradigm shift in computational power, offering unique capabilities for addressing complex problems that are infeasible for classical computers. This review paper provides a detailed account of the current state of QC, with a particular focus on its applications within medicine. It explores fundamental concepts such as qubits, superposition, and entanglement, as well as the evolution of QC from theoretical foundations to practical advancements.

Does robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty improve alignment and outcomes?

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) continues to increase in popularity as an excellent option for patients with single compartment disease. Robotic-assisted UKA has emerged as an optional tool with hopes for improvement in component placement, limb alignment, and patient outcomes. Furthermore, as patients continue to educate themselves, robotic assistance will become increasingly prevalent.

Optimizing Hearing Outcomes in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Survivors in the Era of Modern Radiotherapy and Systemic Therapy.

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) improves disease control and reduces treatment-related toxicity in patients with localized nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, due to the proximity of the auditory apparatus to the treatment volume and the frequent incorporation of cisplatin-based chemotherapy, treatment-related sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) remains a common debilitating complication among NPC survivors. The reported crude incidence of SNHL following IMRT for NPC varies widely at 1-46% due to differences in auditory assessment methods and thresholds, follow-up durations, chemotherapy usage, and patient compositions.

Ethical Considerations in Human-Centered AI: Advancing Oncology Chatbots Through Large Language Models.

The integration of chatbots in oncology underscores the pressing need for human-centered artificial intelligence (AI) that addresses patient and family concerns with empathy and precision. Human-centered AI emphasizes ethical principles, empathy, and user-centric approaches, ensuring technology aligns with human values and needs. This review critically examines the ethical implications of using large language models (LLMs) like GPT-3 and GPT-4 (OpenAI) in oncology chatbots.

Impact of Scattering Foil Composition on Electron Energy Distribution in a Clinical Linear Accelerator Modified for FLASH Radiotherapy: A Monte Carlo Study.

This study investigates how scattering foil materials and sampling holder placement affect electron energy distribution in electron beams from a modified medical linear accelerator for FLASH radiotherapy. We analyze electron energy spectra at various positions-ionization chamber, mirror, and jaw-to evaluate the impact of Cu, Pb-Cu, Pb, and Ta foils. Our findings show that close proximity to the source intensifies the dependence of electron energy distribution on foil material, enabling precise beam control through material selection.