International Journal of Cancer Therapy and Oncology
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Journal of Proton Therapy: Call for Papers
No full textJournal of Proton Therapy (JPT) is an international open access, peer-reviewed journal, which publishes original research, technical reports, reviews, case reports, editorials, and other materials on proton therapy with focus on radiation oncology, medical physics, medical dosimetry, and radiation therapy.No article processing/submission feeNo publication feePeer-review completion within 3-6 weeksImmediate publication after the completion of final author proofreadDOI assignment for each published articleFree access to published articles for all readers without any access barriers or subscriptionThe views and opinions expressed in articles are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the policies of the Journal of Proton Therapy.Authors are encouraged to submit articles for publication in the inaugural issue of the Journal of Proton Therapy by online or email to [email protected] more information, please visit www. protonjournal.comwww. protonjournal.org **************************************Journal of Proton Therapy Welcomes Editorial Board Members Chee-Wai Cheng, PhD Dr. Cheng is the Director of Proton Medical Physics at the University Hospitals as well as Professor of Clinical Radiation Oncology at the Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.Carlos Vargas, MDDr. Vargas is a Radiation Oncologist at the Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona. Luca Cozzi, PhD Dr. Cozzi is a Clinical Research Scientist at the Department of Radiotherapy and Radiosurgery at Humanitas Cancer Center, Milan, Italy.Ted Ling, MD Dr. Ling is a Resident Physician at the Department of Radiation Medicine, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, California, USA.Haibo Lin, PhD Dr. Lin is a Medical Physicist at the Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.Xiaodong Zhang, PhD Dr. Zhang is an Associate Professor at the Department of Radiation Physics - Patient Care, Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.Alexei V. Trofimov, PhD Dr. Trofimov is a Radiation Physicist at the Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) as well as Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.Minesh Mehta, MD Dr. Mehta is the Medical Director at the Maryland Proton Treatment Center as well as Professor at the Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.Terence Sio, MD, MS Dr. Sio is a Resident Physician at the Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.Bijan Arjomandy, PhD Dr. Arjomandy is a Lead Senior Proton Medical Physicist at the McLaren Proton Therapy Center, Flint, Michigan, USA.Gino Lim, PhD Dr. Lim is the Department Chair and Associate Professor at the Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.Wayne D. Newhauser, PhD Dr. Newhauser is the Professor and Director of Medical Physics and Health Physics at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.Shikui Tang, PhD Dr. Tang is a Medical Physicist at ProCure Proton Therapy Center, Somerset, New Jersey, USA.David Mansur, MD Dr. Mansur is a Division Chief at Radiation Oncology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.Barbara Rombi, MD Dr. Rombi is an Attending Physician at Proton Therapy Center, S. Chiara Hospital, Trento, Italy.Cole Kreofsky, MD Dr. Kreofsky is a Resident Physician at the Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.Lane Rosen, MDDr. Rosen is a Radiation Oncologist at the Department of Radiation Oncology, Willis-Knighton Cancer Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA.Charles Bloch, PhDDr. Bloch is an Associate Professor at the Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.Wei Liu, PhDDr. Liu is an Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Opioid growth factor receptor (OGFR) expression is downregulated with progression of triple negative breast cancer
Get PDFPurpose: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of breast cancer that accounts for approximately 15% of the newly diagnosed cancers worldwide, and disproportionately affects younger women and women of color. Although many forms of breast cancer are successfully treated, new therapies are needed for TNBC. A novel regulatory system, the opioid growth factor (OGF) – opioid growth factor receptor (OGFr) axis, plays a determining role in neoplasia. OGF is an endogenous peptide that binds specifically to OGFr to inhibit cell replication. As some human cancers grow, OGFr expression is diminished, thus limiting the therapeutic efficacy of OGF. The OGF-OGFr axis is present in human TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 and OGF inhibits cell replication in a dosage-related, receptor-mediated manner. Methods: The present study investigated whether OGFr protein expression in human breast cancer cell lines grown in vitro or transplanted into nude mice, changed with the stage of proliferation or size of tumor using western blotting, semi-quantitative immunohistochemistry, and DNA synthesis techniques. Results: Comparison of log and confluent TNBC cultures revealed that OGF expression was significantly decreased in confluent cultures relative to levels in log-phase cells. Western blot analyses confirmed that OGFr was reduced in confluent TNBC and MCF-7 breast cancer cells in comparison to corresponding log-phase cells. Moreover, BrdU labeling was reduced in confluent cells. Small (<500 mm3) and large (>1000 mm3) TNBC tumors grown in nude mice were processed for semiquantitative measurement of OGF and OGFr. The expression of both peptide and receptor in large tumors was downregulated relative to small tumors. Conclusion: The reduced expression of the inhibitory peptide and receptor diminishes the efficacy of the OGF-OGFr axis as a biotherapy. These data suggest that the OGF-OGFr pathway is altered with cancer progression and one or more elements of this regulatory pathway may serve as biomarkers for TNBC growth
A comparative study on patient specific absolute dosimetry using slab phantom, acrylic body phantom and goat head phantom
Get PDFPurpose: To compare the results of patient specific absolute dosimetry using slab phantom, acrylic body phantom and goat head phantom. Methods: Fifteen intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plans already planned on treatment planning system (TPS) for head-and-neck cancer patients were exported on all three kinds of phantoms viz. slab phantom, acrylic body phantom and goat head phantom, and dose was calculated using anisotropic analytic algorithm (AAA). All the gantry angles were set to zero in case of slab phantom while set to as it is in actual plan in case of other two phantoms. All the plans were delivered by linear accelerator (LA) and dose for each plan was measured by 0.13 cc ion chamber. The percentage (%) variations between planned and measured doses were calculated and analyzed. Results: The mean % variations between planned and measured doses of all IMRT quality assurance (QA) plans were as 0.65 (Standard deviation (SD): 0.38) with confidence limit (CL) 1.39, 1.16 (SD: 0.61) with CL 2.36 and 2.40 (SD: 0.86) with CL 4.09 for slab phantom, acrylic head phantom and goat head phantom respectively. Conclusion: Higher dose variations found in case of real tissue phantom compare to results in case of slab and acrylic body phantoms. The algorithm AAA does not calculate doses in heterogeneous medium as accurate as it calculates in homogeneous medium. Therefore the patient specific absolute dosimetry should be done using heterogeneous phantom mimicking density wise as well as design wise to the actual human body.
Synergetic effect of green tea on polymer gel dosimeter and determination of optimal wavelength to choose light source for optical computed tomography
Get PDFPurpose: The ultimate aim of this study is to observe the effect of Green tea as a co-antioxidant in PAGAT gel dosimeter and evaluate the appropriate light source for scanning the PAGAT and NIPAM polymer gel.Methods: Both PAGAT (Poly Acrylamide Gelatin Tetrakis hydroxyl phosphonium chloride) and NIPAM (N-Isopropyl acrylamide) gel were prepared in normoxic condition. The green tea extract (GTE) was prepared and tested only on PAGAT. Co-60 teletherapy machine has been used for irradiation purpose, and the gel samples were scanned using UV-Visible spectrophotometer. Water equivalency of the gel has been tested in terms of their electron density, effective atomic number and Ratio of oxygen and hydrogen (O/H). We have used NIST XCOM database to test the water equivalency.Results: In this study we found that the GTE added to the gel do not respond to the given doses. By adding sugar we can enhance the sensitivity of the gel. Further investigations are required to use Green tea as a co antioxidant concentration of THPC (Tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium chloride). The optimal wavelength with different region for scanning the PAGAT is 450 to 480 nm (Blue region), for NIPAM it is 540 nm and 570 nm (Green and yellow region). The PAGAT and NIPAM showed better sensitivity at 510 nm. Both gels have their effective atomic number closer to water (NIPAM-7.2, PAGAT-7.379).Conclusion: As per our results, we concluded that GTE alone is not an effective co-antioxidant for polymer gels. When the GTE is combined with sugar and THPC, it protects the gel from pre-polymerization. This study strongly suggests that the blue light is an optimal source for scanning the PAGAT and green to yellow light for NIPAM gel. Though both gels were considered as water equivalent, the PAGAT is equivalent to water and the temporal stability of this gel is higher than NIPAM
Volumic activities measurements and equivalent doses calculation of indoor 222Rn in Morocco
Get PDFPurpose: As a way of prevention, we have measured the volumic activities of indoor 222Rn and we have calculated the corresponding effective dose in some dwellings and enclosed areas in Morocco. Seasonal variation of Radon activities and Relationships between variation of these activities and some parameters such height, depth and type of construction were also established in this work.Methods: The passive time-integrated method of using a solid state nuclear track detector (LR-115 type II) was employed. These films, cut in pieces of 3.4 ´ 2.5 cm2, were placed in detector holders and enclosed in heat-scaled polyethylene bags.Results: The measured volumic activities of radon vary in houses, between 31 and 136 Bq/m3 (0.55 and 2.39 mSv/year) with an average value of 80 Bq/m3 (1.41 mSv/year). In enclosed work area, they vary between 60 Bq/m3 (0.38 mSv/year) in an ordinary area to 1884 Bq/m3 (11.9 mSv/year) at not airy underground level of 12 m. the relatively higher volumic activities of 222Rn in houses were measured in Youssoufia and khouribga towns situated in regions rich in phosphate deposits. Measurements at the geophysical observatory of Berchid show that the volumic activity of radon increases with depth, this is most probably due to decreased ventilation. Conclusion: The obtained results show that the effective dose calculated for indoor dwellings are comparable to those obtained in other regions in the word. The risks related to the volumic activities of indoor radon could be avoided by simple precautions such the continuous ventilation. The reached high value of above 1884 Bq/m3 don't present any risk for workers health in the geophysical observatory of Berchid because workers spend only a few minutes by day in the cellar to control and reregister data
The effect of the presence of the patient on the particles dose estimations in high energy linear accelerator mazes
Get PDFPurpose: Medical accelerators operating above 10 MV are a source of undesirable neutron radiations which contaminate the therapeutic photon beam. These photo-neutrons which contaminate the therapeutic beam can also generate secondary gamma rays, via inelastic and capture reactions, which increase the undesirable dose to the patient body, the oncology staff and the general public. The purpose of the present work is to investigate, through Monte Carlo simulation, the effect of the presence of the patient on the neutron and gamma rays dose calculations. Methods: To illustrate this effect, the MCNP5 code was used to model a radiotherapy room of a medical linear accelerator operating at 18 MV and to calculate the neutron and the secondary gamma ray energy spectra and the dose equivalent, at various points along the centerline of the maze, in the absence and presence of the patient. Results and Conclusion: The obtained results show a significant change in the neutron energy spectra in the presence of the patient especially in the thermal neutron energy region. The results also indicate that the presence of a patient does not affect the simulated neutron and gamma rays dose equivalents at the maze entrance for mazes greater than 3 m long. A significant change in dose equivalent calculated values was observed when the length of the maze is less than 3 m
The role of pre- and post-SRS systemic therapy in patients with NSCLC brain metastases
Get PDFPurpose: We report our experience with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for NSCLC brain metastases. We then assess the prognostic value of pre- and post-SRS systemic therapy (PrSST and PoSST) and evaluate the timing of PoSST.Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed 96 patients with lung cancer and ECOG PS ≤ 3 who underwent SRS during 2007-2013. Recorded factors included SRS treatment parameters, systemic status of disease (SDS) at time of SRS, and the use of PrSST and PoSST. SDS was designated as pulmonary disease or extrapulmonary disease. For analysis, the SRS-PoSST interval (SPI) was divided into ≤30 days and >30 days. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.Results: 85 patients with NSCLC were included in this analysis. 48% received PrSST and 48% received PoSST. 57% of patients had pulmonary disease while 40% had extrapulmonary disease. 46% of patients had synchronous metastases. At a median follow-up of 6 months, the median survival was 6.4 months and the actuarial overall survival at 3, 6, 12, and 36 months was 80%, 52%, 31%, and 6%. Extrapulmonary disease (p = 0.008) negatively predicted for survival while the receipt of any systemic therapy (p = 0.050) or PoSST alone (p = 0.039) positively predicted for survival. In patients receiving PoSST, an SPI >30 days positively predicted for survival (HR 0.28, 95% CI 0.13-0.62, p = 0.002) regardless of SDS.Conclusion: Our results indicate the prognostic importance of systemic therapy and specifically PoSST. Additionally, delaying the initiation of PoSST to >30 days seems beneficial. This finding was potentially influenced by neurotoxicity after SRS. Further investigation is warranted to define the optimal SPI
Estimated radiation exposure from medical imaging for patients of radiology service of Al Faraby Hospital, Oujda Morocco
Get PDFPurpose: To evaluate the effective dose received per radiological examination per patient and the additional cancer risk factor in the Radiological Service of Al Faraby Hospital in 2012. Methods: From the number of radiological procedures (NX) made in 2012 in the radiology service of Al Faraby Hospital and the average effective dose DEX associated with each type of act exam X, it is possible to calculate the effective dose collective [S =∑ DEX * NX]. The additional cancer risk factor is calculated by the X-ray risk software promoting responsible imaging through patient and provider education. It is function of the effective dose received, the age at the time of exam, and gender of patient. Results: The radiological average effective dose received per act exam is 1 millisievert (mSv), whereas it is 4.45 mSv and 0.21 mSv for the computed tomography (CT) scan and conventional radiological examinations, respectively. As for the average number of acts per patient 2.66, the effective dose is 1.16 mSv and 3.8 mSv for CT scan and conventional radiological examinations, respectively. As for the average effective dose per patient 2.69 mSv, it is 5.16 mSv and 0.81 mSv for CT scan and conventional radiological examinations, respectively. As for the additional cancer risk in 40 years at the time of exam, the average additional cancer risk is equal to 2.17 × 10-4, wheras the risk is 4.17 × 10-4 and 6.54 × 10-5 for CT scan and conventional radiological examinations, respectively. Conclusion: Medical exposure related to the diagnosis of patients in the radiology service in 2012 can be characterized by: (a) 2.66 Act exams on average per patient diagnosis corresponding to a mean effective dose equal to 2.69 mSv per patient, (b)frequency of conventional radiology and CT scan was 81% and 19%, respectively. These act exams contribute to the collective effective dose by 17% and 83%, respectively, and (c) radiological acts can be divided into three levels of exposures: 0 to 5 mSv, 5 to 10 mSv, and > 5 mSv, and the proportion of each level is 90.12%, 9.84%, and 0.05%, respectively
Some patients with advanced malignancies also have reversible catatonia or limbic encephalitis
No full textTwo potentially treatable disorders, paraneoplastic catatonia and paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis, may be hidden within the presentation of end stage cancer patients, because catatonia and limbic encephalitis usually feature severely altered mental status, confusion, anorexia, and minimal responsiveness that are also common with people dying of cancer. If catatonia and limbic encephalitis are correctly diagnosed and treated, there should be definite and dramatic improvement that would translate into better quality of life and perhaps even resumption of cancer therapy. This editorial reviews basic features of catatonia and limbic encephalitis, and then presents a strategy to systematically screen for these in end stage cancer patients who are about to enter hospice. A protocol is outlined that could be adapted for clinical practice or for designing clinical studies
Anticancer effects of monocarbonyl analogs of curcumin: oxidative stress, nuclear translocation and modulation of AP-1 and NF-κB
Get PDFPurpose: In order to elucidate anticancer effects of monocarbonyl analogs of curcumin (MACs), we have undertaken the present study to obtain information regarding drug targets by using a microarray approach, and to study the cellular localization of EF24 and the activity of two key transcription factors, AP-1 and NF-κB, involved in complex cellular responses of cell survival and death. Methods: Cytotoxic activity of various drugs was evaluated using a Neutral Red Dye assay. Cellular localization of biotinylated EF24 (active) and reduced EF24 (inactive) was determined using light and confocal microscopy. Measurement of transcription factor binding was carried out using Transfactor ELISA kits (BD Clontech, Palo Alto, CA). Gene microarray processing was performed at Expression Analysis, Inc (Durham, NC) using Affymetrix Human U133A Gene Chips.Results: In this study, we demonstrated that EF24 and UBS109 exhibit much more potent cytotoxic activity against pancreatic cancer than the current standard chemotherapeutic agent gemcitabine. EF24, rapidly localizes to the cell nucleus. The compound modulates the DNA binding activity of NF-κB and AP-1 in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells and DU-145 human prostate cancer cells. Immunohistochemical studies utilizing biotinylated-EF24 and chemically-reduced EF24 show that the unsaturated compound and biotinylated EF24, but not reduced EF24, translocates to the nucleus within 30 minutes after the addition of drug. Through a gene microarray study, EF24 is shown to affect genes directly involved in cytoprotection, tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis and apoptosis. Conclusion: EF24 and UBS109 warrant further investigation for development of pancreatic cancer therapy. The dualistic modulations of gene expression may be a manifestation of the cell responses for survival against oxidative stress by EF24. However, the cytotoxic action of EF24 ultimately prevails to kill the cells