Radiology Commons^™

American College Of Radiology Manual On Mr Safety: 2024 Update And Revisions, Ivan Pedrosa, David A Altman, Jonathan R Dillman, Michael N Hoff, Alexander M Mckinney, Scott B Reeder, Jeffrey M Rogg, R Jason Stafford, James A Webb, Dina L Hernandez, Robert E Watson

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Since the introduction of the American College of Radiology (ACR) MRI safety guidelines in 2002, the indications for use of MRI in clinical care and research have continued to expand. Similarly, MRI technologies have evolved, with multiple field strengths now available for human imaging. While several publications have updated the ACR recommendations since the first guidelines, a single source in a structured format was lacking. Accordingly, the ACR Committee on MR Safety recently updated the online ACR Manual on MR Safety that compiles ACR recommendations for safe use of MRI equipment in humans into a single document. This review describes …

Differentiation Stage Predicts Radiosensitivity In Mesenchymal-Like Pancreatic Cancer, Tingshi Su, Xinjian Yu, Mojtaba Hoseini-Ghahfarokhi, David B Flint, Scott J Bright, Joana I D S Antunes, David K J Martinus, Mandira Manandhar, Mariam Ben Kacem, Poliana C Marinello, Eurico J G Pereira, Hua-Sheng Chiu, Uwe Titt, David R Grosshans, Jan Schuemann, Henning Willers, Harald Paganetti, Pavel Sumazin, Gabriel O Sawakuchi

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose: To derive a genomic classifier to predict radiosensitivity of pancreatic cancer cell lines and patients with pancreatic cancer to allow genomic-guided radiation therapy.

Methods and materials: We collected a comprehensive data set of full clonogenic cell survival curves of 45 pancreatic cancer cell lines irradiated with clinical photon and proton beams. We derived classifiers based on data from human embryonic and fetal pancreas single-cell RNA-sequencing to distinguish between epithelial and mesenchymal cells and to predict pancreas cell-line differentiation stage. Independent testing was done with an embryonic mouse pancreas single-cell RNA-sequencing data set. We then used bulk RNA-seq profiles from …

Robust Automated Method Of Spatial Resolution Measurement In Radiotherapy Ct Simulation Images, Pavel Govyadinov, Rick R Layman, Tucker Netherton, Raymond Mumme, Aaron K Jones, Laurence E Court, Moiz Ahmad

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Variation in imaging protocol, patient positioning, and the presence of artifacts can vary image quality in CT images used for radiotherapy planning. Automated methods for spatial resolution (SR) estimation exist but require further investigation and validation for wider adoption.

Purpose: To validated previously existing algorithm for SR estimation and introduce improvements that make it robust to patient positioning, CT protocol, site, and artifacts.

Method: A reference algorithm based on the previous gold standard was recreated and modified to improve robustness. The algorithms were tested on three different datasets: (1) a cylindrical ACR CT QC phantom scanned using a Siemens …

Spontaneous Cervical And Mediastinal Hematoma Due To Rupture Of Inferior Thyroid Artery, Takayuki Yamada, Satoru Yanagaki, Nozomi Satani, Yuriko Kagaya, Tomoni Sato, Tomonori Matsuura, Teruyuki Sato, Naoya Noguchi, Nobuo Ohta

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

A 62-year-old man was referred to our hospital presenting with a sore throat, dyspnea, and cervical swelling. Initial precontrast CT scans revealed a cervical and mediastinal hematoma, along with a hemothorax. Further dynamic contrast-enhanced CT scans indicated contrast media extravasation dorsal to the right thyroid gland lobe, suggesting a rupture of the right inferior thyroid artery or a parathyroid adenoma. Following endotracheal intubation, angiography confirmed extravasation from the right inferior thyroid artery. Transarterial embolization (TAE) was successfully performed using a gelatin sponge. The cervical and mediastinal hematoma were surgically excised, and the right inferior parathyroid gland was simultaneously resected. Pathological …

Wearable Penile Devices: The Techring, Gal Saffati, Daniela Orozco Rendon, Riley Daily, Mohit Khera, John P Mulhall

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The integration of wearable technology into healthcare has transformed patient monitoring, particularly in urology. Wearable penile devices (WPDs), such as the FirmTech TechRing, offer real-time data on erectile function, providing critical insights into nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) patterns that can indicate underlying health issues. This piece highlights the potential of the FirmTech TechRing, a WPD, to advance erectile function monitoring by providing real-time data on NPT and intra-coital activity. It explores its promise in detecting early dysfunction, assessing cardiovascular risk, and enhancing proactive health management. By measuring parameters like firmness, girth expansion, and the frequency of erections, the TechRing enables …

Balancing Regeneration And Resistance: Targeting Dclk1 To Mitigate Gastrointestinal Radiation Injury And Oncogenesis, Landon L. Moore, Jerry Jaboin, Milton L. Brown, Courtney W. Houchen

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Ionizing radiation (IR) poses a dual challenge in medicine; while essential for cancer therapy, it inflicts collateral damage to normal tissues, particularly the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. High-dose IR triggers acute radiation syndrome (ARS), characterized by crypt stem cell depletion, mucosal barrier disruption, inflammation, and potential progression to fibrosis and secondary malignancy. Emerging evidence identifies the epithelial kinase doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1)—highly expressed in GI tuft cells and cancer stem-like cells—as a master regulator of post-IR responses. DCLK1 integrates DNA repair (via p53/ATM), and survival signaling (via NF-κB, TGF-β, and MAPK) to promote epithelial regeneration, yet these same mechanisms contribute to …

Feasibility And Impact Of Knowledge-Based Automated Radiotherapy Treatment Planning In Low- And Middle-Income Countries, Awusi Kavuma, Solomon Kibudde, Yao Hao, Baozhou Sun

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background and purpose: A high-quality treatment planning process is crucial in advanced radiotherapy techniques to ensure adequate dose to the target volume (TV) and sparing of organs at risk (OARs). This process often requires intensive labor, creating barriers for deployment in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to establish the feasibility of implementing knowledge-based auto-planning to facilitate clinical efficiency and increase patient throughput in an LMIC.

Materials and methods: We evaluated 60 randomly selected VMAT manual plans (VMPs), including 10 for each of the following sites: head and neck, oesophagus, breast, prostate, cervical, and rectal cancers. Using the same …

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation For Primary Or Salvage Prostate Cancer Therapy: Initial Outcomes In The Veteran Healthcare Setting, Sagar Patel, Ali Antar, Aly Alrabaa, Gal Saffati, Broderick Fleming, Neel Srikishen, Jeremy Slawin, Jennifer Taylor, Jeffrey Jones

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) provides comparable oncologic, erectile, and urinary outcomes to standard-of-care options for localized prostate cancer. This study reports the largest United States series of HIFU in veterans for both primary and salvage therapies. We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 43 veterans treated at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center from 2018 to 2022. Primary endpoints included prostate-specific antigen (PSA) reduction and local recurrence rates. Secondary endpoints included 30-day complications, Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), and American Urological Association Symptom Score (AUASS). In our study, 31 veterans (72.1%) received primary treatment and 12 (27.9%) received …

Telehealth In Emergency Medicine Residency Training: A Model Curriculum, Laura Oh, Rahul Bhat, Michael J Carr, Aditi U Joshi, Bruce M Lo, Ashley C Rider, Lulu Wang, Michael C Wadman, Samuel D Luber

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Emergency physicians are well‐positioned to take a leadership role in telehealth, particularly in emerging categories such as triage, direct acute unscheduled care, and virtual observation. However, the growth of telehealth has outpaced curricular development in emergency medicine (EM) residency programs. This manuscript presents a model longitudinal telehealth curriculum, developed by the consensus of education experts, including representatives from the telehealth interest groups from EM's two primary specialty societies: the American College of Emergency Physicians and the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine. The curriculum describes overarching goals and components that may serve as a foundation for individual institutions seeking to train …

Development Of A New Peyronie’S Disease Self-Assessment Screening App, Gregory A Broderick, Jesse N Mills, Lisa Bathish, Christopher Davis, Mohit Khera

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Peyronie's disease (PD) is an underdiagnosed and undertreated fibroproliferative disorder associated with the formation of plaques that results in penile curvature and discourages some men from seeking medical consultation. The PD self-assessment app, a digital application (app), was developed to increase PD awareness, provide men with a self-screening and educational tool for PD, and help eliminate barriers to seeking consultation with a physician. Prior to deployment, 4 board-certified urologists provided qualitative reviews on the app's usability and utility as a screening tool. The PD self-assessment app features a questionnaire that addresses penile curvature, challenges with penetration, partner distress, and the …

Cardiac Arrest Following Svc Intravascular Stenting: A Case Report, Afrah Ali, Shahtaj Shah, Varun Mehta, Lubna Ziauddin, Asma Khan, Sameen Khurshid, Fawaz Ali

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is a known collection of symptoms caused by obstruction of blood flow through the superior vena cava. Symptoms notably seen include difficulty breathing, coughing, hoarse voice, and swelling of the head, neck, and arm. It is most commonly seen secondary to malignancy from tumor infiltration of the vessel wall and is frequently associated with lung cancer due to anatomic location.

Treatment of SVC syndrome largely depends on severity of symptoms. While treatment of underlying cause is considered first line, intravascular stenting is also commonly considered in life threatening cases and for symptomatic relief.

We report …

Assessing Radiology And Radiation Therapy Needs For Cancer Care In Low-And-Middle-Income Countries: Insight From A Global Survey Of Departmental And Institutional Leaders., Stephanie A Parker, Joseph Weygand, Beata Gontova Bernat, Amanda M Jackson, Osama Mawlawi, Izabella Barreto, Yao Hao, Rao Khan, Afua A Yorke, William Swanson, Mohammed Saiful Huq, Eugene Lief, Cesar Della Biancia, Christopher F Njeh, Ahmad Al-Basheer, Oi Wai Chau, Stephen Avery, Wilfred Ngwa, Peter A Sandwall

Oncology Articles

PURPOSE: The global cancer burden and mortality rates are increasing, with significant disparities in access to care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to identify radiology and radiation therapy needs in LMICs from the perspective of departmental and institutional leaders.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: A survey was developed and conducted by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Global Needs Assessment Committee and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine International Council. The survey, organized into 5 sections (Introduction, Infrastructure Needs, Education Needs, Research Needs, and General Information), was open to respondents from March 1, to August 16, …

National Liver Cancer Screening Trial (Tracer) Study Protocol, Amit G Singal, Neehar D Parikh, Fasiha Kanwal, Jorge A Marrero, Sneha Deodhar, Stephanie Page-Lester, Camden Lopez, Ziding Feng, Nabihah Tayob

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: Professional guidelines recommend HCC screening in at-risk patients using semi-annual ultrasound with or without alpha-fetoprotein (AFP); however, this strategy has limited effectiveness due to low adherence and sensitivity. Increasing data support the potential role of blood-based biomarker panels, which could improve both aspects. The biomarker panel GALAD, comprised of sex, age, and 3 blood biomarkers (AFP, AFP-L3, and des-carboxy prothrombin des-carboxy prothrombin), has shown high sensitivity and specificity in biomarker phase II (case-control) and phase III (retrospective cohort) validation studies. However, prospective validation in a large phase IV biomarker clinical utility trial is necessary before its adoption in practice. …

The Role Of Computed Tomography And Esophageal Ultrasonography In The Preoperative Evaluation Of Esophageal Cancer Resection, Vasile Cosmin Obleaga, Dan Ionuț Gheonea, Ioana Andreea Gheonea, Cecil Sorin Mirea, Emil Moraru, Mihai Călin Ciorbagiu, Ionică Daniel Vîlcea, Tiberiu Ștefăniță Cojan-Țenea

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Objectives. Esophageal cancer is one of the most aggressive types of cancer, with a 5-year relative survival rate of only 18%-20.5%. Survival is highly dependent on accurate positive diagnosis and staging, in which the imaging modalities available have a primary role. The study is focused on the analysis of the preoperative T and M staging strategy and the reliability of computed tomography and endoscopic esophageal ultrasound in predicting resectability. A second objective was to evaluate the influence of preoperative imaging modalities on decreasing the number of unnecessary thoracotomies and laparotomies. Material and Methods. This study was conducted on a lot …

Personalized Brachytherapy: Applications And Future Directions, Piyush Pathak, Justin J Thomas, Arjit Baghwala, Chengfeng Li, Bin S Teh, Edward B Butler, Andrew M Farach

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Brachytherapy offers a highly conformal and adaptive approach to radiation therapy for various oncologic conditions. This review explores the rationale, applications, technological advances, and future directions of personalized brachytherapy. Integration of advanced imaging techniques, 3D-printed applicators, and artificial intelligence are rapidly enhancing brachytherapy delivery and efficiency, while genomic tests and molecular biomarkers are refining patient and dose selection. Emerging research on combining brachytherapy with immunotherapy offers unique synergistic potential, and technologies such as intensity-modulated and shielded brachytherapy applicators present novel opportunities to further optimize dose distributions. Despite these promising advances, the field faces challenges including a need to train more …

Precision Imaging For Prostate Cancer Localization: How Multiparametric Ultrasound Stands Against Multiparametric Mri, Amr Mohammed, Priscilla Machado, Tania Siu Xiao, Aylin Tahmasebi, Mostafa Alnoury, Edouard Trabulsi, Ethan J. Halpern, John R. Eisenbrey, Flemming Forsberg

Department of Radiology Faculty Papers

Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) is currently the standard imaging modality for the diagnosis of prostate cancer; however, studies have reported that targeted biopsy based on mpMRI may miss approximately 30% of clinically significant cases. Recent advances in ultrasound imaging have improved its accuracy for detection of prostate cancer. Newer techniques such as MicroUS, elastography, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), and contrast ultrasound dispersion imaging (CUDI) have enabled a comprehensive, real-time, and relatively inexpensive approach to evaluate the prostate gland. Multiparametric ultrasound (mpUS) integrates multiple parameters from these techniques to generate multiparametric maps akin to those produced by mpMRI, to localize prostate cancer. This …

Evaluating The Impact Of Spot Position Errors On Dose Distribution: A Comparison Between Spot-Scanning Arc Therapy (Sparc) And Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy (Impt), Peilin Liu, Lewei Zhao, Gang Liu, Xiaoda Cong, Xiaoqiang Li, Xuanfeng Ding

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Purpose: To quantitatively investigate the impact of spot position error (PE) on the dose distribution in (Spot-scanning arc therapy) SPArc plans versus Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT).

Methods:

Four representative disease sites, including brain, lung, liver, and prostate cancers, were retrospectively selected. Spot position errors were simulated during dynamic SPArc treatment delivery. Two types of errors were generated, including randomized error and systematic error. For each random error scenario, they were further examined across four sub-scenarios (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of spots affected) at 1 mm and 2 mm deviations.The randomized errors used two categories with and without Gaussian distribution …

Safety And Efficacy Of Enclomiphene And Clomiphene For Hypogonadal Men, Gal Saffati, Jordan Kassab, Daniela Orozco Rendon, David E Hinojosa-Gonzalez, Shane Kronstedt, Larry I Lipshultz, Mohit Khera

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: Both clomiphene citrate and its isomer, enclomiphene, have become widespread within urologic practice; thus, understanding these medications' comparative benefits and risks is crucial for optimizing treatment and providing improved therapeutic options. We sought to investigate the longitudinal benefits and risks associated with enclomiphene, compared to clomiphene, and to provide valuable insights for clinicians when making treatment decisions in the management of hypogonadism.

METHODS: We retrospectively studied patients at our academic center who had been prescribed clomiphene and, later, enclomiphene for hypogonadism. Baseline laboratory values were documented for each patient before being prescribed clomiphene, followed by subsequent values for each …

A Dosimetric Comparison Of Treatment Techniques For Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy For Pancreatic Patients, Kameron Lemley

Masters Projects

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is utilized in radiation therapy to deliver ablative radiation doses to tumor volumes while achieving high conformity and minimal dose to surrounding critical structures. This treatment technique allows for faster dose fall-off which allows tighter treatment margins. SBRT for pancreatic cancer has been investigated for its efficacy and has proven to be an effective treatment choice for neoadjuvant radiation therapy. Since pancreatic cancer is extremely aggressive with a high mortality rate, it is important to have a treatment option that can reduce cost and increase convenience for the patient while simultaneously providing a conformal treatment plan. …

Financial Toxicity In Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Regional Nodal Irradiation: Variation By Cancer Subtype, Grace L Smith, Benjamin D Smith, Chi-Fang Wu, Simona F Shaitelman, Mariana Chavez-Macgregor, Rashmi Murthy, Kelsey Kaiser, Kimberly S Ku, Julia J Shi, Sanjay S Shete, Ying-Shiuan Chen, Robert J Volk, Sharon H Giordano, Ya-Chen T Shih, Karen E Hoffman

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: We evaluated sociodemographic and clinical predictors of financial toxicity (FT) among patients with breast cancer with higher risk clinical factors warranting regional nodal irradiation (RNI).

METHODS: Among 183 participants in a clinical trial of conventional vs. hypofractionated treatment with RNI, 125 (68 %) completed a pilot survey of FT measured using the validated Economic Strain and Resilience in Cancer (ENRICh) instrument, scored from 0 (minimal) to 10 (severe) FT. Associations with predictors were evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficients and Kruskal Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests. Predictors of severe FT (ENRICh≥5) were tested using multivariable logistic regression with odds …

Calibration Of A Novel Microdosimetry System For In Vitro Applications Of Actinide Radiopharmaceuticals, Lydia J. Wilson, Brian Miller, George Tabatadze, Firas Mourtada

Department of Radiation Oncology Posters

Background

• Alpha-emitting radionuclides show promise for targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy (TRT).
• High linear energy transfer and short range cause highly localized DNA damage for effective cancer cell eradication.
• However, distributions of radioactivity and absorbed dose on the cellular scale remain elusive.
• Progress toward understanding α-TRT radiobiologic response, evaluating novel α-TRT drug efficacy, and optimizing administration for personalized treatments will require knowledge of radioactivity and absorbed dose distributions.
• A novel real-time α camera, the ionizing radiation quantum imaging detector (iQID), has successfully mapped the microdistribution of α-emitting radionuclides in mouse and human tissues [1].

Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis In A Young Patient With Colorectal Cancer: A Case Report, Zamanali Khakhar, Soraiya Manji, Rajiv Patel, Karishma Sharma, Sheila Waa, Sayed Karar

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LMC) is a rare and fatal complication associated with various solid tumors and hematological malignancies. It presents significant diagnostic challenges due to its nonspecific symptoms and complex clinical course. This case report details the presentation, diagnosis, and implications of LMC in a 33-year-old male with a history of colorectal cancer (CRC) and hemicolectomy. The patient presented with nonspecific symptoms of headache and dizziness. Cerebrospinal fluid cytology revealed the presence of malignant cells, leading to the diagnosis of LMC secondary to CRC. The elusive and multifaceted nature of this condition highlights the necessity for increased clinical awareness and extensive …

Against: Adoption Of New Technologies In Radiation Oncology Must Be Evidence-Based, Xuanfeng Ding

Conference Presentation Abstracts

No abstract provided.

Exploit The Potential Clinical Benefit Of Using Proton Arc Therapy For Esophageal Cancer, Peilin Liu, Xiaoda Cong, Raymond Dalfsen, Martin Soukup, James E. Dolan, Shupeng Chen, Craig Stevens, Rohan Deroniyagala, Xiaoqiang Li, Xuanfeng Ding

Conference Presentation Abstracts

No abstract provided.

Quantitative Evaluation Of Gantry Rotation Perturbation Effects On Spot-Scanning Arc Therapy (Sparc), Peilin Liu, Lewei Zhao, Gang Liu, Xiaoda Cong, Xiaoqiang Li, Xuanfeng Ding

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Purpose: To quantitatively assess the impact of random gantry rotation perturbations on spot-scanning arc (SPArc) therapy.

Methods:

To simulate random gantry rotation perturbations, the initial gantry angle of SPArc treatment plans was modified using an in-house script. Four cases from different disease sites include brain, lung, liver and prostate were selected to evaluate. Original SPArc plans (SPArc_org) were developed through iterative processes, including control point re-sampling, redistribution of control points & energy layers, energy layer filtration, and re-sampling. Considering potential limitations, rotation perturbations of 1mm and 2mm were applied to al SPArc_org plans to generate perturbed SPArc …

Proton Therapy Toxicity Outcomes For Localized Prostate Cancer: Long-Term Results At A Comprehensive Cancer Center, Alan J Sosa, Michael K Rooney, Howard D Thames, Jeremiah W Sanders, David M Swanson, Seungtaek L Choi, Quynh-Nhu Nguyen, Henry Mok, Deborah A Kuban, X Ron Zhu, Shalin Shah, Lauren L Mayo, Karen E Hoffman, Chad Tang, Sean E Mcguire, Narayan Sahoo, Xiaodong Zhang, Andrew K Lee, Thomas J Pugh, Usama Mahmood, John W Davis, Brian F Chapin, Paul Corn, Reena Kudchadker, Noveen Ausat, Steven J Frank

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Proton therapy (PT) has unique biologic properties with excellent clinical outcomes for the management of localized prostate cancer. Here, we aim to characterize the toxicity of PT for patients with localized prostate cancer and propose mitigation strategies using a large institutional database.

METHODS: We reviewed medical records of 2772 patients with localized prostate cancer treated with definitive PT between May 2006 through January 2020. Disease risk was stratified according to National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines as low [LR, n = 640]; favorable-intermediate [F-IR, n = 849]; unfavorable-intermediate [U-IR, n = 851]; high [HR, n = 315]; or very high …

Highly Reusable Electrochemical Immunosensor For Ultrasensitive Protein Detection, Kavya L Singampalli, Camille Neal-Harris, Cassian Yee, Jamie S Lin, Peter B Lillehoj

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The detection and quantification of protein biomarkers in bodily fluids is important for many clinical applications, including disease diagnosis and health monitoring. Current techniques for ultrasensitive protein detection, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and electrochemical sensing, involve long incubation times (1.5-3 hr) and rely on single-use sensing electrodes which can be costly and generate excessive waste. This work demonstrates a reusable electrochemical immunosensor employing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and dually labeled gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for ultrasensitive measurements of protein biomarkers. As proof of concept, this platform was used to detect C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 9 (CXCL9), a biomarker associated with …

Recurrent High Grade Serous Endometrial Cancer With Brain Metastases: Immunotherapy Confers Improved Quality Of Life And Survival, Kierany B. Shelvin, Jill Vincent, Shawna Morron, Michael Morin, Aaron Mammoser, Navya Nair

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Estimation Of The Optimal Radiotherapy Utilization Rate For Childhood Neuroblastoma, Azumi Fukushima, Varsha Hande, Katherine Wakeham, Michael Barton, Mohamed Zaghloul, Daniel Moreira, Nickhill Bhakta, Kathy Pritchard-Jones, Bilal Mazhar Qureshi, Michael Sullivan

Haematology and Oncology, East Africa

Background and purpose: The optimal utilization rate of radiotherapy (oRUR) serves as a benchmark for assessing service demand and improving access to cancer care. While it is estimated that approximately 50 % of adult cancer patients require external beam radiotherapy during their treatment, there is a scarcity of data regarding the optimal use of radiotherapy in pediatric cancer. In this study, we adopted an established method and developed a model to estimate the oRUR in childhood neuroblastoma.

Materials and methods: We developed a decision tree model to calculate the oRUR using indications for radiotherapy and corresponding epidemiological data collected through …

Analyzing The Relationship Between Dose And Geometric Agreement Metrics For Auto-Contouring In Head And Neck Normal Tissues, Barbara Marquez, Zachary T Wooten, Ramon M Salazar, Christine B Peterson, David T Fuentes, T J Whitaker, Anuja Jhingran, Julianne Pollard-Larkin, Surendra Prajapati, Beth Beadle, Carlos E Cardenas, Tucker J Netherton, Laurence E Court

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

This study aimed to determine the relationship between geometric and dosimetric agreement metrics in head and neck (H&N) cancer radiotherapy plans. A total 287 plans were retrospectively analyzed, comparing auto-contoured and clinically used contours using a Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), surface DSC (sDSC), and Hausdorff distance (HD). Organs-at-risk (OARs) with ≥200 cGy dose differences from the clinical contour in terms of Dmax (D0.01cc) and Dmean were further examined against proximity to the planning target volume (PTV). A secondary set of 91 plans from multiple institutions validated these findings. For 4995 contour pairs across 19 OARs, 90% had a DSC, sDSC, …