Monte Carlo modeling of the Elekta Versa HD and patient dose calculation with EGSnrc/BEAMnrc.

Introduction: Numerous studies have proven the Monte Carlo method to be an accurate means of dose calculation. Although there are several commercial Monte Carlo treatment planning systems (TPSs), some clinics may not have access to these resources. We present a method for routine, independent patient dose calculations from treatment plans generated in a commercial TPS with our own Monte Carlo model using free, open-source software.

Management of stage II/III rectal cancer.

Pelvic and distant recurrences in rectal cancer can be associated with substantial morbidity, and patients with stage II and III disease are at increased risk for both local and distant failure when compared to patients with earlier stage disease. Refinement of surgical techniques have helped to reduce the risk of recurrence, and adjuvant therapies such as radiation to the tumor and regional lymph nodes and 5-fluorouracil-based systemic therapies have helped to further provide local control and may have an impact on overall survival. Numerous studies have been completed internationally in an effort to determine the optimal treatment regimen for this patient population.

Clinical T2N0M0 carcinoma of thoracic esophagus.

The incidence of esophageal cancer continues to rise. Historically, the majority of patients had been diagnosed with more advanced stages of disease. However, with screening programs, like those in place for patients with Barrett's esophagus, many patients are being diagnosed earlier in their disease course.

The role of chemotherapy and radiation in the treatment of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Approximately one out of every three patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has locally advanced disease that is surgically unresectable. If their performance status allows, it is current practice to treat these patients with a combination of chemotherapy and external beam irradiation. There have been several studies supporting the addition of chemotherapy to radiation, particularly when delivered concurrently.

Cetuximab: its use in combination with radiation therapy and chemo-therapy in the multimodality treatment of head and neck cancer.

Dimerization of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on the cell membrane of tumor cells has been implicated in triggering a complex signal cascade that leads to increased tumor proliferation and survival. Cetuximab is a human-murine chimeric monoclonal antibody designed to target EGFR and competitively inhibit dimerization by circulating ligands. By this mechanism, it works to prevent this signal cascade thus hindering tumor proliferation.

The role of positron emission tomography in esophageal cancer.

The most common methods for staging esophageal cancer are endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and computed tomography (CT). EUS is well established in differentiating between early tumor stages and more advanced primary lesions. When combined with fine needle aspiration, EUS has become an important tool in assessing the regional lymph nodes, as well.

Long-term outcome of stage I seminoma.

Purpose: To report on long-term outcomes among patients with stage I seminoma treated by orchiectomy with or without adjuvant radiation.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective review of medical records of patients treated between 1974 and 2002 was undertaken to identify factors associated with patient outcomes.

Results: With a median follow-up of 7.

Misrepresentation of publications among radiation oncology residency applicants.

Introduction: Authorship misrepresentations have been described for residency and fellowship applications for various medical specialties. This study assessed the prevalence of misrepresented publications in radiation oncology residency applications.

Materials And Methods: The authors reviewed 117 applications to their residency program for a single 2004 position offered through the National Resident Matching Program.

Multimodality approaches for pancreatic cancer.

The role of combined-modality therapy for pancreatic cancer is evolving with the recent development and completion of major, multi-institutional clinical trials. One of the challenges for the busy clinician is to appreciate the variation in staging, surgical expertise, and application of either definitive chemoradiotherapy or adjuvant chemoradiotherapy for local and/or regionally advanced disease. Our aim is to summarize the current state-of-the-art management and future directions regarding the multimodality approach to pancreatic cancer.