Radiation Oncology in India: Challenges and Opportunities
Rising cancer incidence and mortality in India emphasize the need to address the increasing burden of this disease and the stark inequities in access to radiotherapy and other essential medical treatments. State-of-the-art technology is available within the private sector and a few hospitals in the public sector, but 75% of patients in the public sector in India do not have access to timely radiotherapy. This inequity in access to radiotherapy in the public sector is amplified in rural areas, where most of India ׳s population lives. (Source: Seminars in Radiation Oncology)
Source: Seminars in Radiation Oncology - March 18, 2017 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Surbhi Grover, Shivakumar Gudi, Ajeet Kumar Gandhi, Priya M. Puri, Adam C. Olson, Danielle Rodin, Onyi Balogun, Preet K. Dhillon, Daya Nand Sharma, Goura Kishor Rath, Shyam Kishore Shrivastava, Akila N. Viswanathan, Umesh Mahantshetty Source Type: research
Perspectives on Patient Access to Radiation Oncology Facilities and Services in Mainland China
In this report, we would highlight the positive changes that have occurred during the time and outline what is still needed for the future of this important cancer specialty in China. (Source: Seminars in Radiation Oncology)
Source: Seminars in Radiation Oncology - March 18, 2017 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Luhua Wang, Jiade J. Lu, Weibo Yin, Jinyi Lang Source Type: research
Perspectives on Patient Access to Radiation Oncology Services in South America
Cancer represents a fast-growing challenge worldwide, and is being recognized as an emerging and critical issue in low- and middle-income countries, such most of South America. This subcontinent is unique for its geography, culture, and ethnical diversity. Most of its countries have large expanses of jungle and desert where underserved population groups including indigenous (native Indians), represent a challenge for cancer care. Many indigent patients have no access to preventive care nor early diagnosis. (Source: Seminars in Radiation Oncology)
Source: Seminars in Radiation Oncology - March 18, 2017 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Beatriz Amendola, Aldo Quarneti, Arthur Accioly Rosa, Gustavo Sarria, Marco Amendola Source Type: research
South East Asia, Differing Socioeconomic Factors, Differing Access to Radiotherapy: The Philippines, a Microcosm
The accessibility of radiotherapy in Southeast Asia, a region characterized by diversity in both economy and culture, differ widely among its member countries. In most countries, access is not universal and is generally limited by radiotherapy resources and the health-seeking behavior of patients. This in turn relates to the current health policy in place, the practice of radiation oncology, and cultural factors such as religion and family dynamics. Although it is clear that radiotherapy access parallel economic development, it is also affected by different social factors that work to facilitate or impede its improvement. ...
Source: Seminars in Radiation Oncology - March 18, 2017 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Miriam Joy C. Calaguas, Johannes A. Gubat Source Type: research
Challenges and Prospects for Providing Radiation Oncology Services in Africa
There are considerable challenges to meeting the demands of the impending cancer crisis in Africa. These include a rising incidence of cancer and cancer-related deaths, equipment and maintenance costs, and deficits in human resources and training. Addressing these issues would be crucial to tackling the increasing burden of cancer on the continent. Innovations in technology and collaborative efforts within the global oncology community have created promising solutions for establishing quality cancer care in Africa and eradicating the massive disparities that currently exist. (Source: Seminars in Radiation Oncology)
Source: Seminars in Radiation Oncology - March 18, 2017 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Onyinye Balogun, Danielle Rodin, Wilfred Ngwa, Surbhi Grover, John Longo Source Type: research
Implementing Cancer Care for the Undeserved Globally: From the “5 R’s” of Radiobiology to the “7 P’s” of Global Cancer Care
From the 5 R ’s of radiobiology that underpin clinical radiation therapy (repair, reoxygenation, redistribution, repopulation, and radiosensitivity) we propose, somewhat tongue-in-cheek, the 7 P’s for implementing cancer care to the underserved globally. What are they? Well, we needed some suspense for you t o read an editorial introduction to a terrific set of articles so we held off this magnificent new construct to the end. (Source: Seminars in Radiation Oncology)
Source: Seminars in Radiation Oncology - March 18, 2017 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tim R. Williams, C. Norman Coleman Source Type: research
Radiation Oncology in the Developing Economies of Central and Eastern Europe
Eastern Europe is represented by 22 countries of significant variability in population density and degree of economic development. They have been affected by past geopolitical isolation due to their association with the “Soviet Block.” Currently, all Eastern European countries except Slovenia are low- or middle-income level and 10 of them are part of European Union. Health care systems in Central and Eastern Europe have been influenced by the legacy of centralized soviet-era governance; however, most countries, particularly in European Union zone, have gone through health care reforms directed toward modernizing infras...
Source: Seminars in Radiation Oncology - March 18, 2017 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Natia Esiashvili Source Type: research
Prostate Cancer Genetics: Variation by Race, Ethnicity, and Geography
Prostate cancer rates vary substantially by race, ethnicity, and geography. These disparities can be explained by variation in access to screening and treatment, variation in exposure to prostate cancer risk factors, and variation in the underlying biology of prostate carcinogenesis (including genomic propensity of some groups to develop biologically aggressive disease). It is clear that access to screening and access to treatment are critical influencing factors of prostate cancer rates; yet, even among geographically diverse populations with similar access to care (eg, low- and medium-income countries), African descent m...
Source: Seminars in Radiation Oncology - December 14, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Timothy R. Rebbeck Source Type: research
Beyond Just Androgen Deprivation Therapy: Novel Therapies Combined With Radiation
External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) combined with androgen deprivation are standard of care for selected patients with prostate cancer. In recent years, multiple therapies have been experimentally combined with EBRT either concomitantly or adjuvantly. These therapies include chemotherapies, immunotherapies, and novel hormones. In addition to EBRT, clinical trials with radiopharmaceuticals are planned or have been performed with concomitant chemotherapy, immunotherapies, novel hormones, and inhibitors of DNA damage repair. (Source: Seminars in Radiation Oncology)
Source: Seminars in Radiation Oncology - December 14, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Oliver Sartor, Brian Lewis Source Type: research
Emerging Technologies and Techniques in Radiation Therapy
The past decade has brought an improved ability to precisely target and deliver radiation as well as other focal prostate-directed therapy. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), proton beam radiation, high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy, as well as nonradiotherapy treatments such as cryoablation and high-intensity focused ultrasound are several therapeutic modalities that have been investigated for the treatment of prostate cancer in an attempt to reduce toxicity while improving cancer control. However, high-risk prostate cancer requires a comprehensive treatment of the prostate as well as areas at risk for cancer spread. ...
Source: Seminars in Radiation Oncology - December 14, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: William J. Magnuson, Amandeep Mahal, James B. Yu Source Type: research
Postoperative Radiation After Radical Prostatectomy
A total of 3 randomized clinical trials have demonstrated a significant clinical benefit with adjuvant radiation in patients with high-risk prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy, with each showing improved biochemical control outcomes, and one trial (SWOG 8794) also demonstrating increased overall survival. How broadly these results have informed clinical practice has evolved over time, given the widespread availability of ultrasensitive prostate-specific antigen level testing and increased awareness that the high-risk patients are not a uniform cohort. (Source: Seminars in Radiation Oncology)
Source: Seminars in Radiation Oncology - December 14, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Eric C. Ko, Anthony L. Michaud, Richard K. Valicenti Source Type: research
Management of Node-Positive and Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer
Historically, stage IV prostate cancer was considered incurable. Although node-positive and oligometastatic prostate cancers are both classified as stage IV, these likely represent distinct clinical groups, and some patients may be curable with aggressive multimodality treatments. There is a lack of randomized evidence, but retrospective studies suggest that radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy may improve survival in these patients. This is an area of great current research interest and prospective randomized trials are needed to help define the optimal treatments for these patients. (Source: Seminars in Radiation Oncology)
Source: Seminars in Radiation Oncology - December 14, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: James R. Broughman, Ronald C. Chen Source Type: research
Options for Salvage of Radiation Failures for Prostate Cancer
Biochemical failure after primary external beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer is common, and a significant proportion of these failures are due to local residual or recurrent disease. Early or delayed palliation using androgen deprivation therapy is the most common approach. Although a conservative approach is appropriate for many individuals, selected patients would benefit from retreatment with curative intent. We review the pertinent literature on salvage of locally recurrent prostate cancer after primary radiotherapy, including the modalities of surgery, cryotherapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound, or reirradiati...
Source: Seminars in Radiation Oncology - December 14, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Audrey Tetreault-Laflamme, Juanita Crook Source Type: research
Advances in Prostate Cancer Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography for Staging and Radiotherapy Treatment Planning
Conventional prostate cancer staging strategies have limited accuracy to define the location, grade, and burden of disease. Evaluations have historically relied upon prostate-specific antigen levels, digital rectal examinations, random systematic biopsies, computed tomography, pelvic lymphadenectomy, or 99mtechnetium methylene diphosphonate bone scans. Today, risk-stratification tools incorporate these data in a weighted format to guide management. However, the limitations and potential consequences of their uncertainties are well known. (Source: Seminars in Radiation Oncology)
Source: Seminars in Radiation Oncology - December 14, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Drew Moghanaki, Baris Turkbey, Neha Vapiwala, Behfar Ehdaie, Steven J. Frank, Patrick W. McLaughlin, Mukesh Harisinghani Source Type: research
Optimization of the Radiation Management of High-Risk Prostate Cancer
Radiation and androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) are mainstays of treatment for men with high-risk prostate cancer. High-risk disease is heterogeneous and subcategories of “favorable” high risk and very high risk can identify subgroups with particularly good or poor prognosis to help personalize treatment. Overall, randomized trials show that the combination of radiation and ADT improves survival when compared with either by itself. The optimum duration of ADT rem ains controversial, but for most healthy men with aggressive disease, approximately 2-3 years of ADT is well supported by the literature. (Source: Seminars i...
Source: Seminars in Radiation Oncology - December 14, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Paul L. Nguyen Source Type: research
