Novel time-synchronized immune-guided partial tumor irradiation: Proof of principle trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Radiotherapy for bulky tumors often results in palliation with suboptimal outcomes. The prognosis is worsened by immunosuppression caused by radio-chemotherapy, negatively impacting on survival. Novel Partial Tumor Irradiation (PTI) was designed to spare the Peritumoral Immune Microenvironment (PIM) and to be delivered synchronously with immune activity peaks, thus enhancing both local and distant tumor control through immunostimulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Present proof-of-principle trial enrolled 26 patients with bulky tumors, comparing outcomes between treatments administered at immune activity peaks versus troughs. The primary endpoint was local-bystander and distal-abscopal response-rate. Secondary endpoints included overall-, progression-free-, cancer-specific survival, neoadjuvant and immunomodulatory potential. RESULTS: All measured outcomes were significantly influenced by treatment-timing. The bystander and abscopal response rates were 77% and 41%, respectively. PTI significantly upregulated pro-inflammatory and cell-death-inducing pathways improving the efficacy of radiotherapy by highly complex tumors. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the profound impact PTI can have on a highly palliative patient cohort previously deemed beyond therapeutic hope. With 41 % of these patients still alive after a median follow-up of 50 months, PTI offers a potential lifeline for those facing advanced, treatment-resistant cancers. This approach generated also distant immunogenic anti-tumor responses, offering a promising new avenue for the treatment of advanced cancers.

Novel unconventional radiotherapy techniques: Current status and future perspectives - Report from the 2nd international radiation oncology online seminar.

•Improvement of therapeutic ratio by novel unconventional radiotherapy approaches.•Immunomodulation using high-dose spatially fractionated radiotherapy.•Boosting radiation anti-tumor effects by adding an immune-mediated cell killing.

Traumatic dislocations of the lesser toes.

Traumatic dislocations of lesser metatarsophalangeal joints (DLMTPJ) and lesser interphalangeal joints (DLIPJ) are very uncommon. A retrospective analysis of 31 cases and of the 16 reported cases was conducted to clarify our understanding of the pathomechanics, the role of associated injuries, recommended treatment, and outcome. Hyperextension with axial loading produces the injuries. Ipsilateral foot fractures or dislocations often occur and thus may compromise the outcome. Thirty percent of DLMTPJ and virtually all DLIPJ require open reduction; most often, the plantar plate prevents closed treatment of either DLMTPJ or DLIPJ. At follow-up, treated isolated DLMTPJ have few or no complaints; disability persists in patients who suffered concomitant displaced ipsilateral midfoot or forefoot fractures or dislocations. Neglected DLMTPJ remain symptomatic. All reduced DLIPJ are pain free.

Enhancing social interactions and activity among the elderly through stimulus control.

The present study investigated the effectiveness of a stimulus control procedure (access to free coffee and cookies) in increasing attendance and interactions among elderly in a lounge area of a nursing home. Following a baseline period, residents were provided access to coffee and cookies. The results showed that the refreshments were effective in increasing attendance and interactions and in decreasing television watching. In addition, attendance and participation during a subsequent activity session increased. Attendance, interactions, and participation decreased during a return to baseline period, and increased again with reimplementation of treatment.