Researchers and doctors from UCLA Health will present 23 studies covering lung cancer, pediatric cancer, survivorship, and healthcare equity, highlighting the latest advancements in radiation oncology.
One study, led by Dr. Joanne Weidhaas, discovered a genetic marker that can help predict which rectal cancer patients will respond well to combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This model could personalize treatment and avoid unnecessary surgeries. The findings will be presented at the ASTRO meeting.
A study comparing two methods of guiding prostate cancer radiotherapy found that patients treated with MRI-guided therapy had fewer long-term side effects and a better quality of life, especially for bowel and sexual health, than those treated with CT-guided therapy.
The study showed that MRI guidance reduced urinary and bowel issues compared to CT guidance. These results were observed over two years after treatment.
In a study, researchers tested whether a mobile app, mPROS, could improve the quality of life for cancer patients receiving radiation therapy. Patients using the app reported symptoms weekly, which alerted their care team if issues worsened.
While there were no significant differences in health outcomes compared to usual care, patients using the app felt more engaged and satisfied with tracking their symptoms.
This research will present new findings on radiation therapies at the 66th annual American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) meeting, which will be held in Washington, D.C., from Sept. 29 to Oct. 2.
