Radiation Medicine Commons^™

Inducing Accelerated Lung Toxicity In Mice Using A Partial Arc Sbrt Technique, Andrew Gerry, Charita Kunta, Noelle Francois, Tiziana Deangelis, Anuradha Shastri, Nicole Simone, Reza Taleei

Department of Radiation Oncology Posters

Background

• Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is a frequent outcome of thoracic radiation therapy, constraining safe tumor radiation dosage. Various animal models, such as mice, rats, and pigs, have been devised to study RIPF
• Current methods for inducing lung fibrosis in mice involve whole lung irradiation with doses between 2-20 Gy. These methods used fixed anterior and posterior (AP/PA) x-ray beams at 0º and 180º with analysis typically commencing 24 to 52 weeks post-radiation
• Current methods are unrepresentative of modern radiation therapy techniques and are limited by the associated long latency of RIPF

Influence Of Pretreatment Magnetic Resonance Imaging On Local Therapy Decisions For Intermediate-Risk Prostate Cancer Patients, Christian Skowronski, Andrew Shanholtzer, Brent Yelton, Muayad Almahariq, Daniel Krauss

Posters

Prostate cancer has the third highest incidence rate and is the second leading cause of cancer death for men in the United States. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides superior soft tissue delineation serving as a valuable tool for both diagnosis and treatment planning. With minimal data regarding utility on diagnosis and treatment planning for intermediate-risk prostate cancer, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s guidelines indicate MRI as optional in intermediate-risk prostate cancer evaluation. This project aims to elucidate whether MRI affects radiation treatment decisions for intermediate-risk prostate cancer.

Outcomes Of Locally Advanced Lung Cancer Patients Treated With 60 Gy Vs. 70 Gy, Batoul Nasser, Muyad Almahariq, Inga Grills

Posters

The standard form of treatment for locally advanced lung cancer is to prescribe the conventional dose of 60 Gy radiation therapy (RT) concurrently with chemotherapy. However, five-year overall survival is still less than 20%. These outcomes remain poor due to both distant and local regional recurrence. The literature suggests that local regional control and overall survival is strongly associated with doses of radiotherapy that are higher than 60 Gy. However, when escalating radiation dose was prescribed exceeding 70 Gy, the overall survival rates plateaued. The primary goal of this study is to determine if there is a marked difference in …

Dose To The Left Anterior Descending Artery Correlates With Cardiac Events After Irradiation For Breast Cancer, Brittany Silverman, Andrew Zureick, Vincent Grzywacz, Muayad Almahariq, Aleksander Vayntraub, Joshua Dilworth

Posters

Although global heart dose has been associated with late cardiac toxic effects in patients who received radiation therapy for breast cancer, data detailing the clinical significance of cardiac substructure dosimetry are limited. We investigated whether dose to the left anterior descending artery (LAD) correlates with adverse cardiac events.

Tumor Locations Impact On Cardiac Toxicity In Women That Received Partial Breast Irradiation, Sara Diltz, Muayad Almahariq, Joshua Dilworth

Posters

Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) is an appropriate modality for select women with low-risk breast cancer. While APBI delivers radiation dose to a smaller volume of breast tissue compared to whole breast irradiation, dose to the heart and coronary vessels may be relatively high, depending on the proximity of the treatment device to these structures. The primary goal of this study is to determine if the risk of adverse cardiac events depends on tumor location in women receiving APBI.

High Dose Rate Brachytherapy Monotherapy Versus External Beam Radiotherapy With Hdr Brachytherapy Boost For Unfavorable Intermediate Prostate Cancer Patients, Doyle Lang, Benjamin Willen, Daniel J. Krauss, Sirisha R. Nandalur

Posters

Prostate cancer is the most common male malignancy by incidence in the world. Treatment differs by the patient’s risk stratification. For the treatment of unfavorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer, external beam radiotherapy with high-dose-rate brachytherapy boost was the accepted treatment but high-dose-rate brachytherapy as monotherapy has been proposed as a potentially viable treatment option. External beam radiotherapy treatment involves shooting high-energy photons or particle radiation through normal healthy tissue to hit the tumor directly. High-dose-rate brachytherapy involves inserting radioactive seeds into the tumor. Studies are needed to compare toxicity profiles and relative outcomes between the two treatment options.

Imaging-Based Modules For Musculoskeletal Anatomy & Pathology In Preclinical Medical Education, Ameen Suhrawardy, Tarek Almsaddi, Sarah Fried, Sayf Al-Katib, Drew Moore, Malli Barremkala

Posters

Many medical students report a lack of adequate orthopedic and musculoskeletal (MSK) teaching in the preclinical medical curriculum. As gross anatomy is emphasized in pre-clinical education, students may feel a disconnect from clinical anatomy proficiency. This project assesses the efficacy of a preclinical image-based module to teach MSK anatomy and pathology concepts to preclinical medical students.

Impact Of Structured Reporting Template On The Quality Of Hrct Radiology Reports For Interstitial Lung Disease, Han G. Ngo, Girish B. Nair, Sayf Al-Katib

Posters

This QI study compared the completeness of HRCT radiology reports before and after the implementation of a disease-specific structured reporting template for suspected cases of interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Evaluating The Impact Of Software Distortion Correction On Target Doses In Cranial Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Sharjil Shamim, Zachary Seymour

Posters

INTRODUCTION
Brainlab’s Elements suite proposed a novel MR distortion correction method based on CT imaging. This involves registration of sub-volumes from MR imaging to generate single continuous deformation field maps, creating a corrected MR image set. No literature currently exists studying the impact of software correction on target dose for cranial stereotactic radiosurgery. In this study, we aim to evaluate the impact of Brainlab distortion correction on radiation target dose compared to original treatment plans without distortion correction.

Development Of A Deep Neural Network For Synthesis Of Non-Contrast Cranial T1-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Agueda M. Taylor, Evan Porter, Thomas Guerrero

Posters

INTRODUCTION
Although 122 out of 1000 people in the US have MRI’s done each year, there are over 4 million with contraindications that subsequently forgo the diagnostic benefits. Studies in recent years have implemented artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms such as deep neural networks (DNN) for production of synthetic medical imaging. The goals of this project are to develop a DNN, specifically a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) that will predict synthetic Cranial T1 Weighted MRI from non-contrast CT, and to evaluate the model quality.

Fluoroscopic Demonstration Of Thoracic Tumor Immobilization With High Frequency Percussive Ventilation, Cristian Solano, Ina M. Sala, Beverly Maurer, Ronald Levitin, Thomas M. Guerrero

Posters

INTRODUCTION
High frequency percussive ventilation (HFPV) is a novel immobilization technique that utilizes high frequency low tidal volume ventilation to produce endotracheal percussion. In a previous departmental study of chest wall motion immobilization, it was found that volunteers were able to tolerate HFPV for varying lengths of time – from a few to tens of minutes. By investigating a novel process to immobilize the chest wall, and thus thoracic tumors, it can allow for more localized radiation delivery and reduction of healthy tissue irradiation.

The Prognostic Significance Of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase As A Biomarker In Head And Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas Treated With Conventional Chemoradiation, Kenneth H. Barker, Barbara L. Pruetz, Jessica D. Arden, Thomas J. Quinn, George D. Wilson

Posters

INTRODUCTION
The prognosis of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treated with chemoradiation can be predicted using p16 as a surrogate biomarker of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) status, but a subset of patients continues to do poorly despite a positive or negative p16 status. This project attempted to identify another biomarker, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) as a marker for prognosis in HNSCC patients. Radiation induces oxidative damage to destroy tumor cells, and G6PD is a key enzyme involved in protecting cells from oxidative damage. The goal of this project was to identify a prognostic biomarker that would aid …

Functional Lung Segmentation From Computed Tomography Images Using Deep Learning, Duyen M. Quach, Evan Porter, Thomas M. Guerrero

Posters

INTRODUCTION
Functional avoidance treatment planning allows radiation oncologists to intentionally minimize radiation dose to higher-functioning lung areas while favoring radiation dose towards lower-functioning regions. This treatment planning method has been shown to reduce pulmonary toxicity for patients receiving radiation therapy. Functional lung information, traditionally ventilation or perfusion SPECT scans, is required to plan for functional avoidance.

The Use Of Nuclear Medicine In Detecting And Treating Mental Health Diseases, Jena Simmons, Gina Capitano, Walter Kierzkowski

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

Mental health disorders affect over 792 million people around the world, and a leading cause for disability. Mental health disorders include a plethora of conditions that affect mood, thinking and behavior, including but not limited to, depression, dementia, anxiety, autism, and schizophrenia. The most common method of diagnosis is a psychological evaluation, which can lack accuracy if performed as the only method of diagnosis. Nuclear Medicine helps aid in diagnosis of these disorders in conjunction with psychological testing. Brain scans can help determine if there is a pathogenic cause for the symptoms. Brain scans are done utilizing Positron Emission Tomography …

Treatment Of Orbital Lesions Using Cyberknife Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Emily Morahan

Student Research Poster Presentations 2021

The purpose of the research done was to evaluate the use of CyberKnife Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) for treating orbital lesions. Efficacy and tolerability of such treatment was analyzed with data drawn from multiple sources, regarding dose and fractionation, quality of life following treatment(s) and prognosis. CyberKnife SRS is the newest, most advanced model of radiation delivery systems, featuring a robotic arm capable of manipulating the linear accelerator into thousands of unique angles. The addition of new angles allows for a more precise concentration of radiation delivered to the lesions. In the case of optic lesions, it is crucial to minimize …

Following The Growth Of Sarah's Baby: An Ipe Activity For Medical Nutrition & Diagnostic Sonography Students, Tanya M. Custer, Megan Timmerman, Cynthia M. Schmidt, Teresa L. Hartman, Harlan Sayles, Kathryn Wampler, Lea Lambing, Kim Michael

Posters and Presentations: Medical Imaging & Therapeutic Sciences

Objectives: Interprofessional education (IPE) involves collaborative learning among students from different professions. While acceptance of these types of activities is increasing, there are opportunities to expand the number of health care professions involved in IPE. The purpose of this study was to explore student perceptions and outcomes after participation in a Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) and Medical Nutrition Education (MNE) interprofessional education activity centered around a clinical case study on fetal growth. Subjects & Methods: The IPE activity was administered to four student cohorts from academic years to 2015-2016 to 2018-2019. Participants included 66 students (n=39 DMS and n=27 MNE). …

Continuity Of Care In The Resected Pancreatic Cancer Patient Population At Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Christian Fernandez, Md, Nazanin Sarpoulaki, Andrew J. Song, Md, Mark D. Hurwitz, Md

House Staff Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Conference (2016-2019)

Introduction

• Standard of care for resectable pancreatic cancer according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines includes surgery, chemotherapy, and consideration of radiotherapy
• Thomas Jefferson University Hospital is a high volume institution with over 100 surgical pancreatic cancer cases per year
• Adjuvant treatment at high volume centers is recommended at all stages and inpatients at TJUH routinely receive inpatient radiation and medical oncology consultations prior to discharge to discuss the benefit of adjuvant therapies
• Despite these efforts and potential benefit to patients, the rate of follow up and delivery of adjuvant therapies at TJUH have not be characterized
• We retrospectively …

Mindful Meditation Practice For Imaging Professionals, Tanya M. Custer, Kim Michael

Posters and Presentations: Medical Imaging & Therapeutic Sciences

Although a career in medical imaging is very fulfilling and rewarding, research shows that health care professionals are becoming more prone to burnout. The healthcare environment can be face-paced, stressful and demanding. Burnout syndrome results from emotional exhaustion that causes depersonalization and decreased professional accomplishment.1-3 Burnout can have a negative impact not only on the individual, but the environment as well. Decreased patient satisfaction and increased errors are both associated with burnout in the healthcare setting.2

Mindfulness can be defined as the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally to the unfolding of …

Open Book Testing In Health Science Education: Student Perceptions And Outcomes In Ultrasound Physics, Kim Michael, Tanya M. Custer

Posters and Presentations: Medical Imaging & Therapeutic Sciences

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of open book exams (OBE) in the education of imaging students and to assess the beliefs and perceptions of the students in regard to the use of open book testing.

Subjects & Methods: Study participants included twenty-seven sonography students enrolled in an academic health sciences center. OBE was implemented in two ultrasound physics courses. Data was collected through focus groups & exam outcomes. Creswell’s procedure for data analysis & representation was followed.

Results: Overall outcomes showed no statistically significant difference between exam grades for the different cohorts with the …

Bezoar: Imaging Findings & Case Study Of A Rare Pathology, Tanya M. Custer, Kim Michael

Posters and Presentations: Medical Imaging & Therapeutic Sciences

A bezoar is a hard, indigestible mass of material that forms within the alimentary canal, most commonly the stomach.1 Bezoars are classified according to composition. The most common type of bezoar is a phytobezoar composed of indigestible food fibers that occur in fruits & vegetables, including celery, pumpkin, prunes, raisins, & sunflower-seed shells. Other common types of bezoars include trichobezoars, composed of hair, & pharmacobezoars, made of undissolved medications.

A number of risk factors have been associated with bezoar development. Patients who have undergone gastric surgery, such as partial gastrectomy, are at an increased risk of developing a bezoar due …

The Interprofessional Academy Of Educators: Inclusive, Collaborative, Innovative, Tanya M. Custer, Kim Michael

Posters and Presentations: Medical Imaging & Therapeutic Sciences

Issue to be addressed: To elevate the educational mission of the institution, UNMC established the Interprofessional Academy of Educators in 2016. Designed by educators for educators, this interprofessional community strives to improve health professions education by encouraging curricular innovation, supporting educational scholarship & offering mentorship for early career and seasoned educators.

Method: The inaugural class included a unique blend of medical scholars from 8 Colleges, 2 Institutes, Academic Affairs, IT Services, and Library Sciences. Members span a 500-mile wide campus. Eight SIGs foster interprofessional collaboration & scholarship. An academically diverse leadership team of five oversees the Academy.

Imaging The Transgender Patient, Tanya M. Custer, Kim Michael

Posters and Presentations: Medical Imaging & Therapeutic Sciences

Within the health care system, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons face many obstacles that lead to health disparities. These disparities include social stigma, lack of provider knowledge and training, lack of sufficient health insurance coverage, and layout of physician practice. As noted by the Joint Commission, federal law prohibits the discrimination of individuals based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, and sex within the health care system.1 It is essential for all health care providers to be educated on the best practices in regard to caring for the LGBT patient.

The focus of this exhibit is to …

The Utilization Of The Anatomage Virtual Dissection Table In The Education Of Imaging Science Students, Tanya M. Custer, Kim Michael

Posters and Presentations: Medical Imaging & Therapeutic Sciences

Objectives: The purpose of this research was to investigate the use of the Anatomage Virtual Dissection Table in the education of imaging science students and to assess the beliefs and perceptions of the students in regard to using the Table for teaching imaging-based anatomy & pathology.

Subjects & Methods: Study participants included 17 medical imaging students to include 9 Diagnostic Medical Sonography students, 2 Magnetic Resonance Imaging students, 2 Nuclear Medicine Technology students, 2 Radiation Therapy students and 2 Cardiovascular Interventional Technology students. Data was collected through focus groups and course/instructor evaluations. The researchers followed Creswell’s procedure for data analysis …

Weighing The Risks And Benefits Of Radiation Exposure And Diagnostic X-Rays In Children, Leah Costello

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

The number of X-rays, specifically CT scans, performed on patients in the United States is increasing exponentially every year. Children are at most risk for long term damage from this increase in radiation exposure. This study explores how much risk children are being exposed to and how we can, as practitioners, make informed decisions about when or when not to order CT scans. The purpose of this paper is to provide practitioners the information needed to help patients decide if the long-term risks of cancer from medical radiation outweigh the potential benefit of diagnostic or therapeutic radiation. The review of …