Radiation Oncology
Expert insights on radiation treatment planning, techniques, toxicity management, and multimodal cancer care.
Recent Discussions
How would you treat a stage I peripheral <3cm extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of the lung? Is SBRT appropriate? If so, what dose would you use?
Marginal zone lymphoma of the lung is a very uncommon variant of MZL but appears to have the same favorable outlook as MZL in other locations. Standard dose for localized MZL is 24-30 gy (2gy per fraction) with lower doses generally used in the eye with local control exceeding 90%. Investigations ar...
Under what circumstances do you consider an enbloc resection versus biopsy for a lower lumbar spinal column tumor?
Typically, a biopsy is performed prior to en bloc resection rather than “either or.” A biopsy is necessary if there is a differential diagnosis based on imaging, and if the diagnosis will affect management: radiation and chemotherapy alone vs. intralesional resection/debulking and adjuvant therapy v...
What dose constraints do you use for 15-25 fraction hypofractionated RT for cholangiocarcinoma?
5Fx 10fx 15fx 25fx Ablative dose 50Gy 60Gy 67.5Gy 75Gy GI tract pt dose (0.2cc) 30Gy 40Gy 45Gy 60Gy Bile Duct pt dose (0.2cc) 40Gy 65Gy 70Gy 80Gy Liver – GTV Mean dose + 700cc below + 1/3 liver over 15Gy 20Gy 24Gy 28Gy Mean dose CP...
Do you obtain MRI for cutaneous SCC with microscopic PNI to assess for gross perineural tumor spread?
I would recommend both an MRI as well as consulting the pathologist regarding the exact nature of the PNI. We had an experience with more than 100 patients (Sapir et al., PMID 27475277). Those with gross PNI (evidenced by MRI, with or without cranial nerve deficit) and microscopic extensive PNI (>2 ...
How would you manage a patient with recurrent, high-grade leiomyosarcoma involving the pelvis after salvage exenteration, but who has a focally positive anterior margin?
Ideally, plan for intraoperative radiation or surface brachytherapy at time of surgery.
How would you approach treatment for a patient with a residual disease after resection of a solitary jejunal myeloblastic sarcoma?
Myeloid sarcoma (historically- chloroma or granulocytic sarcoma) is simply an extramedullary form of AML. The majority of patients who present de novo with a myeloid sarcoma will either have bone marrow involvement at diagnosis or will develop such metachronously if systemic therapy is not pursued. ...
How would you approach a locally advanced NSCLC s/p pneumonectomy now with multi-station mediastinal nodal recurrence?
Very tough clinical scenario. I routinely say that in an era where we have good options with both peri-op chemoimmunotherapy or chemoradiation followed by immunotherapy, patients with LA-NSCLC shouldn't be getting pneumonectomies (with rare exceptions). Stepping off that soapbox, I'd start with a go...
What is the expected timeframe for the development of radiation myelitis and therapies that have helped with neurologic symptoms?
The incidence and the timeframe of the development of radiation myelopathy are influenced by total radiation dose, radiation dose per fraction, time between courses of radiation, and associated chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Older age, the presence of diabetes, and previous exposure to radiation are...
Is there a role for selective arterial embolization of RCC before primary SBRT?
An interesting question! A good way to approach this question is with a list of potential advantages and a list of potential disadvantages. For the record, this is all hypothetical. I am not aware of any published literature that has explored this concept.Advantages: Significantly reduce the size of...
In a patient with anorectal SCC, T2N0, with a history of bladder prolapse managed with pessary, would the pessary need to be removed prior to radiation?
I don't see a problem having a pessary in place at the time of each treatment, if the patient needs it in place in order to function. To reduce the risk of long-term vaginal stenosis, these patients should also have a vaginal spacer inserted at the time of each radiation treatment to better spare th...