Melissa O’Neil MSc, MRT(T) , Vivian S. Tan MD , Thilo Schuler MD , Christopher D. Abraham MD , Simon Boeke MD , Elizabeth Huynh PhD , Brian D. Kavanagh MD, MPH , Koen J. Nelissen MSc , Stephanie Roderick MMedPhys , David Sher MD, MPH , Ashwin Shinde MD , Eva Versteijne MD, PhD , Shelley Wong MARTP , David A. Palma MD, PhD
{"title":"Clinical Implementation of Simulation-Free Palliative Radiation Therapy: Consensus Recommendations From a Modified Delphi Study","authors":"Melissa O’Neil MSc, MRT(T) , Vivian S. Tan MD , Thilo Schuler MD , Christopher D. Abraham MD , Simon Boeke MD , Elizabeth Huynh PhD , Brian D. Kavanagh MD, MPH , Koen J. Nelissen MSc , Stephanie Roderick MMedPhys , David Sher MD, MPH , Ashwin Shinde MD , Eva Versteijne MD, PhD , Shelley Wong MARTP , David A. Palma MD, PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.adro.2025.101993","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.adro.2025.101993","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Simulation-free radiation therapy (sim-free RT) uses diagnostic computed tomography scans in place of dedicated computed tomography simulations for treatment planning, potentially expediting palliative radiation therapy (PRT) while optimizing resource utilization. Broader adoption has been limited by the absence of standardized implementation guidance. This study aimed to establish expert consensus on key clinical, technical, and educational considerations for sim-free RT in PRT practice.</div></div><div><h3>Methods and Materials</h3><div>A modified Delphi process was conducted with international experts in sim-free RT, including radiation oncologists (n = 7), medical physicists (n = 2), a radiation therapist, and a PhD candidate specializing in PRT. The process included an open-ended first round followed by 3 Likert-scale survey rounds across 12 domains. Consensus was defined as ≥75% agreement; ≥90% agreement indicated strong support. “Trend toward agreement” was defined as 67% to 74%.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Nine respondents, representing 11 individual experts from 8 institutions in 5 countries, completed all study rounds. Experts from the same institution responding as a group were considered as 1 participant. Consensus was achieved for 95% of statements. Strong support was observed for sim-free RT in palliative-intent treatments at low-risk sites (eg, thoracic/lumbar spine, pelvis) using conventional dose-fractionation. Recommended prerequisites included recent high-quality diagnostic scans (≤3 mm slice thickness, 100-140 kVp), robust image quality assurance, and multidisciplinary oversight. Areas of limited agreement included the use of older scans, application to cervical spine targets, and integration with intensity modulated radiotherapy/volumetric modulated arc therapy planning.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This Delphi study provides expert-driven recommendations to support safe implementation of sim-free RT in palliative practice. Findings highlight suitable indications, workflow safeguards, and training needs while underscoring the need for further dosimetric validation and broader evaluation across diverse practice settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7390,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Radiation Oncology","volume":"11 4","pages":"Article 101993"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146170197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Setting Up a Pediatric Radiation Oncology Program in Sub-Saharan Africa: Report From Nigeria","authors":"Adedayo Joseph MBBS, FWACS , Aishat Oladipo MBBS , Chidiebere I. Agbakwuru MBBS, FWACS , Oluwafunmilayo Fagbemide MBBS , Chiedozie Obianyor MBBS , Abdallah Kotkat BSc , Nusirat Adedewe MSc , Bilonda Michou Mangongolo BSc , Kehinde Badejoko BSc , Bolaji Saba BSc , Adeseye Akinsete MBBS, FWACP , Muhammad Habeebu MBBS, FWACS","doi":"10.1016/j.adro.2025.101990","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.adro.2025.101990","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This report summarizes the establishment and implementation of the first dedicated pediatric radiation oncology program in Nigeria. The program was developed to improve clinical outcomes, increase professional capacity, and advance regional research and protocol development.</div></div><div><h3>Methods and Materials</h3><div>Key considerations included professional development and capacity building, promoting multidisciplinary communication and practice, and incorporating technology for improved communication and data management. Regional and international collaborations were instrumental in addressing these considerations and ensuring the program's success. The program encountered challenges, including difficulties in recruiting team members, high rates of treatment abandonment, gaps in clinical and pathological information, as well as inadequacies in diagnostic testing capabilities.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This pioneering pediatric radiation oncology unit in Nigeria was established with a multidisciplinary team comprising radiation oncologists, medical physicists, radiation therapy technologists, nurses, trainee medical doctors, and a dedicated research associate. The facility is equipped with 3 linear accelerators capable of delivering advanced conformal 3-dimensional radiation therapy such as intensity modulated (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc radiation therpay (VMAT). Within a 4-year duration, the program received 210 pediatric referrals, of which 55.7% proceeded to undergo radiation treatment. Innovative, context-specific, feasible, and sustainable solutions were necessary to address the unique challenges of the region.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This report details the establishment process, achievements, and strategies employed to overcome common barriers in commencing a pediatric radiation program in sub-Saharan Africa, in order to serve as a replicable model for advancing pediatric radiation oncology practice in regions with similar health care and socioeconomic contexts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7390,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Radiation Oncology","volume":"11 4","pages":"Article 101990"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147376055","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dante P.I. Capaldi PhD , Emily Hirata PhD , Alon Witztum PhD , Evan Porter PhD , Amy S. Yu PhD , Lawrie B. Skinner PhD , Steve E. Braunstein MD, PhD , Olivier Morin PhD , Nicolas D. Prionas MD, PhD
{"title":"A Smartphone-Based Motion Monitoring System for Surface Guided Radiation Therapy","authors":"Dante P.I. Capaldi PhD , Emily Hirata PhD , Alon Witztum PhD , Evan Porter PhD , Amy S. Yu PhD , Lawrie B. Skinner PhD , Steve E. Braunstein MD, PhD , Olivier Morin PhD , Nicolas D. Prionas MD, PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.adro.2025.101970","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.adro.2025.101970","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Surface guided radiation therapy (SGRT) improves patient setup and motion monitoring, particularly for deep-inspiratory breath-hold (DIBH) maneuvers in left-sided breast cancer treatment. However, high costs and complexity limit widespread adoption, especially in low-resource settings. In this study, the purpose is to develop and validate a smartphone-based iOS SGRT application (iSGRT) leveraging Light-Detection-and-Ranging (LiDAR) sensors on smartphone-devices for accurate, low-cost surface tracking for radiation therapy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods and Materials</h3><div>iSGRT was developed in Xcode using Swift and Open3D, and captures 6-degrees-of-freedom (6DoF) motion for patient positioning and respiratory monitoring. Application was tested using the LiDAR camera on an Apple iPhone 15 Pro, with an Apple iPad Pro for remote monitoring. The system achieved a temporal resolution of ∼200 to 250 ms (4-5 Hz), comparable to clinical SGRT systems. Static accuracy was evaluated by comparing LiDAR-derived displacements with programmed couch movements on a Varian TrueBeam with a PerfectPitch 6DoF couch. Dynamic accuracy was assessed using a QUASAR respiratory motion phantom programmed with sinusoidal and patient-derived breathing waveforms. Motion tracking performance was analyzed using Pearson correlations and Bland–Altman agreement using GraphPad Prism. iSGRT was compared with SDX spirometry system in a healthy volunteer performing DIBH within the bore of a Varian Halcyon.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>iSGRT demonstrated strong correlations with couch displacements across all translational (<em>r²</em>≥ 0.995) and rotational (<em>r²</em> ≥ 0.975) axes, with minimal biases (≤0.9 mm, ≤0.4°). Dynamic motion evaluation showed high agreement between the application and ground-truth phantom motion (<em>r²</em> ≥ 0.963), with minimal angular dependence on displacement accuracy (<em>r²</em> ≥ 0.950). Breath-hold duration was comparable in the healthy volunteer between systems (ΔDIBH = DIBH<sub>SDX</sub> − DIBH<sub>iSGRT</sub> = 33.34seconds − 33.31 seconds = 0.03 seconds).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Feasibility of an iOS smartphone-based SGRT application to provide real-time respiratory motion is demonstrated in this study as a viable alternative motion monitoring system. The iSGRT application’s accuracy aligns with existing clinical SGRT systems while significantly reducing cost and complexity. This technology has the potential to expand SGRT accessibility, particularly in resource-limited settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7390,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Radiation Oncology","volume":"11 3","pages":"Article 101970"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973851","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Beck O. Gold BS , Angie Arzola PA-C , Benjamin R. Schrank MD, PhD , Van K. Morris MD , Christophe Marques MD, PhD , Jaime Gilliland MA , Thomas M. Atkinson PhD , Emma B. Holliday MD
{"title":"Sexual Toxicity After Chemoradiation for Anal Cancer Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Mixed-Methods Analysis","authors":"Beck O. Gold BS , Angie Arzola PA-C , Benjamin R. Schrank MD, PhD , Van K. Morris MD , Christophe Marques MD, PhD , Jaime Gilliland MA , Thomas M. Atkinson PhD , Emma B. Holliday MD","doi":"10.1016/j.adro.2025.101983","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.adro.2025.101983","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Chemoradiation (CRT) is the standard of treatment for localized anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA). Although cure rates are high, acute and late toxicities are common. There are increasing published data regarding vaginal stenosis and erectile dysfunction; however, the nature and impact of holistic sexual dysfunction after pelvic radiation, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM), remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to: (1) explore patient-reported sexual health outcomes among MSM as measured by existing patient-reported outcome tools, and (2) assess the applicability of these existing tools for this population.</div></div><div><h3>Methods and Materials</h3><div>MSM who are at least 6 months out from completion of CRT for SCCA were recruited via fliers and online platforms. Participants completed a sexual patient-reported outcome questionnaire that included previously validated instruments assessing symptom burden, sexual function and satisfaction, erectile function, and pain with receptive anal intercourse. This was followed by a semistructured interview. Descriptive statistics were used to report demographics and survey data. McNemar’s test compared sexual activities pre- and post-CRT. Interview data were thematically analyzed using inductive coding.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of the 23 participants who completed the questionnaire, 19 completed an interview. The median (IQR) time since completing CRT was 3.1 (1.2-4.8) years. Approximately half (N = 11) had moderate to severe erectile dysfunction (median International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF-5] = 12; IQR, 6-20). Since completing treatment, 9 (39.1%) had attempted receptive anal penetration. Of those who had attempted receptive anal penetration, 66.7% experienced pain, and an equal percentage reported moderate-severe distress and interpersonal/relationship difficulty as a result. In general, patients reported participating in fewer sexual activities after CRT. Emergent themes from interviews included the need for patient education, the interplay between other radiation side effects and sexual side effects, and positive reactions to the survey measures.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Sexual dysfunction is common among MSM following CRT for SCCA. Erectile dysfunction and/or pain with receptive anal intercourse often lead to distress and interpersonal relationship challenges. Improved patient education and targeted interventions are needed to support sexual function and quality of life in this population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7390,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Radiation Oncology","volume":"11 3","pages":"Article 101983"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146034282","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yue Jin MD, Liwen Qian MD, Yanjun Gu MD, Benxing Gu MD, Chong Shen MD, Xiaonan Sun PhD
{"title":"The Use of Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy Combined With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibitor in the Treatment of Giant Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Case Report","authors":"Yue Jin MD, Liwen Qian MD, Yanjun Gu MD, Benxing Gu MD, Chong Shen MD, Xiaonan Sun PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.adro.2025.101973","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.adro.2025.101973","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7390,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Radiation Oncology","volume":"11 3","pages":"Article 101973"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chang W. Song PhD , Lindsey Sloan MD, PhD , Stephanie Terezakis MD , Kyungmi Yang MD , Robert J. Griffin PhD
{"title":"Historical Review of the Role of Indirect Cell Death in High-Dose Per Fraction Radiation Therapy","authors":"Chang W. Song PhD , Lindsey Sloan MD, PhD , Stephanie Terezakis MD , Kyungmi Yang MD , Robert J. Griffin PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.adro.2025.101971","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.adro.2025.101971","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study aims to elaborate and further establish that indirect cell death secondary to vascular injury and stimulation of antitumor immunity plays a role in the tumor response to high-dose per fraction radiation therapy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods and Materials</h3><div>We reviewed literature available from the National Library of Medicine on the indirect death of tumor cells caused by high-dose per fraction irradiation in experimental tumors and human tumors. We then examined the implications of indirect/additional cell death in applying the LQ (Linear Quadratic) model for high-dose per fraction radiation therapy of human tumors.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We found that numerous preclinical and clinical studies reported over the last 100 years clearly indicated that high-dose per fraction radiation therapy induces indirect tumor cell death by causing vascular damage and stimulating the immune system to varying degrees. On the other hand, a handful of studies have been reported that failed to observe significant indirect tumor cell death after high-dose per fraction irradiation. The LQ and associated models may be applicable to certain clinical situations, yet the inherent flaw of the LQ model overestimating cell death as the fraction dose increases is likely accommodated by the additional amount of indirect tumor cell death that occurs at these higher doses. Furthermore, the indirect effects of immune system stimulation are not accounted for by the LQ or other models.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Indirect tumor cell death due to tumor vascular injury from radiation exposure has been observed over the last ∼100 years. Vascular damage as well as stimulation of antitumor immunity contribute significantly to the response of tumors to many, if not all, high-dose per fraction radiation therapy regimens.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7390,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Radiation Oncology","volume":"11 3","pages":"Article 101971"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973959","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Karishma George MD , Demetra Yannitsos MSc , Ashok Natarajan BSc , Siwei Qi MSc , Jackson Wu MD , Lisa Barbera BSc, MD, MPA, FRCPC
{"title":"Predictors of Successful First-Attempt Prostate Cancer Computed Tomography Simulation: A Prospective Cohort Study","authors":"Karishma George MD , Demetra Yannitsos MSc , Ashok Natarajan BSc , Siwei Qi MSc , Jackson Wu MD , Lisa Barbera BSc, MD, MPA, FRCPC","doi":"10.1016/j.adro.2025.101967","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.adro.2025.101967","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Successful computed tomography (CT) simulation in prostate cancer radiation therapy relies on consistent bowel and bladder preparation. This study aimed to determine the first-attempt CT simulation success rate and identify factors associated with a successful simulation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods and Materials</h3><div>This single-institution, prospective cohort study recruited patients with prostate cancer undergoing CT simulation for pelvic radiation. We abstracted the success of CT simulation on the first attempt, the number of scan attempts in a single visit, the reason for failed attempt(s), and the frequency of rescheduled appointments. Patients completed a survey regarding their preparation experiences, demographic data, and patient-reported outcomes. The primary outcome was a successful first-attempt CT scan. A generalized estimating equation model evaluated factors associated with successful first scan, including age, CT appointment time, American Urological Association urinary symptom scores, constipation, diarrhea, and instruction format. Additionally, qualitative analysis of open-text patient feedback explored barriers to effective preparation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 247 patients, 31.2% had a successful first-attempt CT simulation, while 52.2% required multiple attempts on the same day, and 16.6% needed rescheduling. Bladder and bowel issues contributed to 30.8% and 22.7% of failed attempts, respectively. Patients who received both verbal and written instructions were significantly more likely to succeed (adjusted odds ratio 1.82, <em>P</em> = .01) compared to verbal instructions alone. Qualitative analysis of 118 patient comments revealed common barriers, including unclear preparation instructions (23.7%), difficulty timing bowel movements (10.2%), and confusion about expectations (14.4%).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Low CT simulation success rates emphasize the need for improved patient preparation strategies. Multimodal education significantly enhanced success rates. Addressing communication methods and, refining preparation protocols should reduce rescans, and optimize workflows.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7390,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Radiation Oncology","volume":"11 3","pages":"Article 101967"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146034283","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}