Radiation Oncology
Expert insights on radiation treatment planning, techniques, toxicity management, and multimodal cancer care.
Recent Discussions
How would you approach a resected solitary osseous plasmacytoma?
With a few exceptions, surgery is rarely pursued as a definitive modality in hematologic malignancies. I have never seen an orthopedic oncologist attempt an oncologic resection for a solitary plasmacytoma of bone, so my subsequent thoughts are theoretical. In the (very unusual) situation posed, if t...
How would you manage a dehiscent vaginal cuff 2 months after vaginal cuff brachytherapy?
It has to be a combination of surgery and radiation. Partial small dehiscence can sometimes be managed conservatively otherwise, most need surgical fixation.
In a patient with favorable risk pT1N0(mic/i+) breast cancer and favorable anatomy, would you use IMPORT-LOW style PBI while incorporating the high axilla?
For N0(i+), PBI is appropriate, I would not include axilla. 40/15, 30/5. If N1mic, would not use PBI but would favor WBI, high tangents if ER+, RNI if ER-.
Would you use IMRT to treat stage II seminoma?
I wouldn't use IMRT, but I have used protons in 20-40 year old patients, who, like peds, have a long lifetime at risk of secondary malignancy. The NCCN guidelines for Seminoma, Principles of Radiation Therapy, specifically advise against using IMRT and recommend 3D conformal. This is due to fear of ...
How would you treat a recurrent ovarian malignant mixed Mullerian tumor on the pelvic side wall?
I would treat with IMRT and IGRT with total dose equivalent to 66 Gy based on OAR dosimetry to buy time without chemo and improve PFS.
What is the best approach to treat a triple-negative inflammatory breast cancer with pCR following preoperative chemotherapy and a prior history of ipsilateral breast irradiation?
Given inflammatory breast cancer recurrence, even with history of previous breast RT, I would offer reirradiation. Given DCIS, nodal irradiation would not have been used and the breast would be removed at mastectomy leaving chest wall. I would give dose of 50 Gy to CW and nodes, and I would use some...
What risk/pathologic factors merit PMRT for a patient with recurrent breast cancer and a prior history of ipsilateral breast irradiation?
My threshold for reradiation PMRT is higher. Would do for upfront 4 or more positive node or persistence of nodal disease after chemotherapy. If there is complete response to chemotherapy, then would avoid PMRT unless inflammatory breast cancer.
Have you utilized silicone-based film-forming dressings to prevent, minimize, or treat radiation dermatitis?
As the question author stated, Chan et al., PMID 31445838 from Queensland conducted an industry-funded single-blind randomized trial of StrataXRT (silicone-based barrier vs. Sorbolene) (glycerin-based emollient - standard arm) in 197 patients getting 50 Gy or more to the head and neck. They found a ...
When would you consider hyperbaric oxygen for skull base necrosis or temporal lobe necrosis following CNS/HN RT?
I agree with Dr. @Dr. First Last and would like to add a few details. If the patient is asymptomatic, there is a chance of regression of the necrotic lesion, and no therapy is indicated. In symptomatic patients, the first treatment line is steroids, and surgery if the lesion is resectable. The quest...
Do you recommend a specific XRT fractionation for young men with prostate cancer?
I don't think I would use a different curative dose or fields, but I would use protons. Greater longevity, like 40+ years, increases the risk of 2nd malignancy. The integral dose with protons is about two-thirds less than with Xrays, and the secondary malignancy rate reflects that. The risk is only ...