The dosimetric leaf gap (DLG) is a beam configuration parameter used in the Varian Eclipse treatment planning system, to model the effects of rounded MLC leaf ends. Measuring the DLG using the conventional sliding-slit technique has been shown to be produce questionable results for some volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatments. This study therefore investigated the use of radiochromic...

Surgical treatment remains the only curative treatment for gallbladder cancer. However, even after liver resection, locoregional failure seems to be a significant problem. While there is no Level I evidence, multiple studies have shown benefit for adjuvant radiation in high-risk patients. After extensive liver resection, tolerance to conventional chemoradiation may be limited by potential liver...

Stereotactic body radiotherapy is a highly technology-driven treatment modality. The wider availability of in-room imaging and advanced radiotherapy delivery techniques has led to more institutions offering stereotactic ablative therapy (SABR). While some technological challenges remain, the crucial point for the next generation of SABR clinical trials is that today's technology is used correct...

In synchrotron stereotactic radiotherapy (SSR) the tumor is loaded with a high Z element, and exposed to monochromatic x-rays from a synchrotron source, in stereotactic conditions. The SSR treatment efficiency is related to the heavy element concentration achievable in the tumor, to the radiation energy, and the irradiation geometry [1,2]. The experimental dose verification of SSR in three dime...

BACKGROUND Hypofractionated radiotherapy has been used for the treatment of AVMs and brain metastases. Hypofractionation necessitates the use of a relocatable stereotactic frame that has to be applied on several occasions. The stereotactic frame needs to have a high degree of reproducibility, and patient positioning is crucial to achieve a high accuracy of the treatment. METHODS In this study...

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate asymmetric radiation dose distribution to the breasts in coronary angiography. Gafchromic XR-QA2 film was used as an area dosimeter to capture the asymmetric dose distribution to the breasts at various tissue depths in an anthropomorphic phantom. A selection of tube angulations were used under a controlled experiment and during a mock coronary angiog...

Despite advances in the fields of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the prognosis for high-grade glioma (HGG) remains unsatisfactory. The majority of HGG patients experience disease recurrence. To date, no standard treatments have been established for recurrent HGG. Repeat surgery and chemotherapy demonstrate moderate efficacy. As recurrent lesions are usually located within the previousl...

The management of pancreatic cancer continues to be challenging. Despite surgical, genetic and molecular advances, its overall prognosis remains poor. Surgical resection is the only modality that offers a chance for a cure, with an overall survival rate of 10-20% at 5 years. However, only 20% of the patients are surgical candidates because of locally advanced disease or systemic stage at presen...

Rapid advancements in radiotherapy and molecularly targeted therapies have resulted in the development of potential paradigm-shifting use of radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer. In this review, we discuss some of the most promising therapeutic approaches in the field of radiation oncology. These strategies include the use of highly targeted stereotactic radiotherapy and particle therapy as ...