Fabrication and Therapeutic Process of a Green Silver-Nanoparticle-Embedded Mucilage Microsphere for Pathogenic-Bacteria-Infected Second-Degree Burn and Excision Wounds.

Multidrug-resistant bacteria are a serious problem in biomedical applications that decrease the wound healing process and increase the mortality rate. Therefore, in this study, we have prepared a green-synthesized silver-nanoparticle-encapsulated mucilage microsphere (HMMS@GSNP) from Hibiscus rosa sinensis leaves and applied it to pathogen-infected burn and excision wounds. Biophysical properties like size, polydispersity index, absorbance capacity, and drug release were measured by different techniques like field-emission scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, swelling ratio, etc. The strong antibacterial activity of a HMMS@GSNP microsphere was measured by minimum inhibitory concentration assay, minimum bactericidal concentration assay, and agar well diffusion methods. The HMMS@GSNP microsphere enhanced the cell viability, cell proliferation, migration, antioxidant, and antiinflammation activity compared to untreated GSNP and HMMS, as quantified by MTT assay, BrdU assay, scratch wound assay, reactive oxygen species scavenging assay, and Western blot analysis, respectively. In the in vivo experiment, we used a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria-infected, burn-and-excision-wound-created male BALB/c mice model. The HMMS@GSNP-treated burn-and-excision-wound-infected mice showed significant results compared to other groups (untreated, Silverex Ionic Gel, AgNO3, HMMS, and GSNP), and the mice tissues were utilized for bacteria count, immunoblot analysis, histological studies, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Thus, the HMM@GSNP microsphere is an excellent therapeutic material that can be used as a topical agent for the management of chronic wound therapy.

A comparative study in left-sided breast cancer treated with moderate deep inspiratory breath hold versus free breathing.

BACKGROUND: The moderate deep inspiratory breath hold (mDIBH) is a modality famed for cardiac sparing. Prospective studies based on this are few from the eastern part of the world and India. We intend to compare the dosimetry between mDIBH and free-breathing (FB) plans. METHODS: Thirty-two locally advanced left breast cancer patients were taken up for the study. All patients received a dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions to the chest wall/intact breast, followed by a 10-Gy boost to the lumpectomy cavity in the case of breast conservation surgery. All the patients were treated in mDIBH using active breath coordinator (ABC). The data from the two dose volume histograms were compared regarding plan quality and the doses received by the organs at risk. Paired t-test was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The dose received by the heart in terms of V5, V10, and V30 (4.55% vs 8.39%) and mean dose (4.73 Gy vs 6.74 Gy) were statistically significant in the ABC group than that in the FB group (all p-values < 0.001). Also, the dose received by the LADA in terms of V30 (19.32% vs 24.87%) and mean dose (32.99 Gy vs 46.65 Gy) were significantly less in the ABC group. The mean treatment time for the ABC group was 20 min, while that for the free-breathing group was 10 min. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating ABC-mDIBH for left-sided breast cancer radiotherapy significantly reduces the doses received by the heart, LADA, and left and right lung, with no compromise in plan quality but with an increase in treatment time.

Correction to 1,2,3-Triazole Tethered Hybrid Capsaicinoids as Antiproliferative Agents Active against Lung Cancer Cells (A549).

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c03325.].

A sucrose non-fermenting-1-related protein kinase 1 gene from wheat, TaSnRK1α regulates starch biosynthesis by modulating AGPase activity.

Major portion of wheat grain consist of carbohydrate, mainly starch. The proportion of amylose and amylopectin in starch greatly influence the end product quality. Advancement in understanding starch biosynthesis pathway and modulating key genes has enabled the genetic modification of crops resulting in enhanced starch quality. However, the regulation of starch biosynthesis genes still remains unexplored. So, to expand the limited knowledge, here, we characterized a Ser/Thr kinase, SnRK1α in wheat and determined its role in regulating starch biosynthesis. SnRK1 is an evolutionary conserved protein kinase and share homology to yeast SNF1. Yeast complementation assay suggests TaSnRK1α restores growth defect and promotes glycogen accumulation. Domain analysis and complementation assay with truncated domain proteins suggest the importance of ATP-binding and UBA domain in TaSnRK1α activity. Sub-cellular localization identified nuclear and cytoplasmic localization of TaSnRK1α in tobacco leaves. Further, heterologous over-expression (O/E) of TaSnRK1α in Arabidopsis not only led to increase in starch content but also enlarges the starch granules. TaSnRK1α was found to restore starch accumulation in Arabidopsis kin10. Remarkably, TaSnRK1α O/E increases the AGPase activity suggesting the direct regulation of rate limiting enzyme AGPase involved in starch biosynthesis. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo interaction assay reveal that TaSnRK1α interacts with AGPase large sub-unit. Overall, our findings indicate that TaSnRK1α plays a role in starch biosynthesis by regulating AGPase activity.

Role of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4/6 in Metastatic Breast Cancer: Real-World Data From a Tertiary Care Institute in Eastern India.

Introduction CDK4/6 inhibitors currently approved for patients with hormone-receptor-positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) metastatic breast cancer include palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib. This study aims to report on the treatment outcomes and real-world data regarding the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors in the treatment of ER+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer at a tertiary care institute in Eastern India. Materials and methods The present study is a retrospective analysis of data from patients with metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancer who were treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors at a tertiary care institute in Eastern India between 2015 and 2022. The data were collected from online records in the departmental files and analyzed for the primary baseline characteristics of the patients, tumors, and response rates, including partial response (PR), complete response (CR), progressive disease (PD), and stable disease (SD), as defined by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria version 1.1. The treatment administered, progression-free survival (PFS), and toxicity were also evaluated. Results From 2015 to 2022, 24 eligible patients were treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors for metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancer. The average duration of follow-up was 25 months. Out of the 24 patients, 15 (62.5%) were taking Tab. ribociclib, six (25%) were taking Tab. palbociclib, and three (12.5%) were taking Tab. abemaciclib. CDK4/6 was used as a first-line therapy for 16 patients, while eight patients received it as a second-line treatment. Out of the total number of patients, six (25%) had stable disease, 13 (54.2%) had a partial response, and four (16.7%) had progressive disease. In total, of the eligible patients, five (20.8%) had grade I neutropenia, seven (29.2%) had grade II neutropenia, and four (16.7%) had grade III neutropenia. At five years, the PFS rate estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method was 50% (95% CI: 47.89-69.31). Conclusion Ribociclib and palbociclib have improved PFS in patients with metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancer. Both drugs have well-tolerated toxicity, allowing patients to continue taking them for an extended period of time. CDK4/6 inhibitors have a higher response rate than the other agents.

Mono iso-centric VMAT planning for SBRT of multiple liver metastasis- A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The risk factors associated with the development of HCC are chronic Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and alcoholic cirrhosis. The standard care for HCC is surgical resection but the scope is limited for some patients. Continuous advancement of radiation therapy enabled the technique of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) as an option for the treatment of those cases for which surgery cannot be done. According to recent literature and meta-analysis, SBRT is an optimum treatment method with high local control with low toxicity. In SBRT, radiation is delivered with a smaller number of fractions than conventional radiation and employs high-precision delivery and accuracy with the help of image guidance. From a series of retrospective and prospective studies, it has been confirmed that SBRT achieves excellent local control in patients with early-stage inoperable, intermediate-stage, and advanced diseases. BACKGROUND: A 42-year-old male patient related to HBeAg infection and high AFP levels developed HCC BCLC Stage A was admitted to our department. There were two lesions with PTV volumes of 41.07 cc and 9.573 cc with a distance between them of 3.51 cm. These two lesions were treated with a mono-isocentric VMAT planning with SBRT technique. In this case, we present an unusual clinical practice of mono-isocentric treatment planning for treating multiple liver lesions. Since radiation therapy was viewed as the primary form of treatment because the patient wasn't an ideal candidate for surgery, SBRT was selected as the patient's primary modality of treatment because of the tiny volume of the two lesions and the normal liver volume (>700cc). Triple-phase 4DCT was performed for simulation to account for the motion of target volume and normal structures. After delineating the target volume and other normal structures, treatment planning was done with a dose of 45 Gray which was to be delivered in 5 fractions. Two PTVs were created with a margin of 3.0 mm to IGTV. Considering the positions of the lesions, a single isocentre plan was created using a 6MV FFF photon beam for both the PTVs with the VMAT technique. The treatment was carried through with 3 arcs, one coplanar, and the other 2 non-coplanar. At the time of treatment, after the proper positioning of the patient, one CBCT image was taken to match with the planned CT image acquired at the time of the simulation. After applying the translational and rotational errors, the patient was treated. RESULTS: The patient was treated successfully. After treatment, the condition of the patient was normal, and no toxicities have been observed in follow-up. CONCLUSION: Mono isocentric VMAT planning can be used for closely spaced lesions considering the position of lesions and other normal structures in the vicinity.

Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Masquerading as a Laryngeal Tumor: A Case Report.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) commonly metastasizes to various organs such as the lungs, liver, bones, and brain. However, isolated metastases to the head and neck region, especially the larynx, are very rare. This report presents a case of laryngeal growth that was eventually confirmed to be a metastatic deposit from an undiagnosed RCC. We report a case of a 66-year-old male who presented to the clinic with painless neck swelling and a change in voice. The scan showed a soft tissue mass in the thyroid cartilage. Histopathology of the resected laryngeal tumor confirmed metastatic clear cell carcinoma. A metastatic workup revealed a renal mass, and the patient underwent laparoscopic adrenal-sparing left cytoreductive nephrectomy. The histopathological examination established the diagnosis of clear cell RCC. Subsequently, the patient was treated with pembrolizumab and lenvatinib. Follow-up imaging showed no residual or recurrent lesions. This case highlights the rarity of laryngeal metastasis from RCC and the importance of an accurate diagnosis through advanced imaging and histopathological examination.

Topical effect of polyherbal flowers extract on xanthan gum hydrogel patch-induced wound healing activity in human cell lines and male BALB/c mice.

Wound or injury is a breakdown in the skin's protective function as well as damage to the normal tissues. Wound healing is a dynamic and complex phenomenon of replacing injured skin or body tissues. In ancient times theCalendula officinalisandHibiscus rosa-sinensisflowers were extensively used by the tribal communities as herbal medicine for various complications including wound healing. But loading and delivery of such herbal medicines are challenging because it maintains their molecular structure against temperature, moisture, and other ambient factors. This study has fabricated xanthan gum (XG) hydrogel through a facile process and encapsulatedC. officinalisandH. rosa-sinensisflower extract. The resulting hydrogel was characterized by different physical methods like x-ray diffractometer, UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, SEM, dynamic light scattering, electronkinetic potential in colloidal systems (ZETA) potential, thermogravimetric differential thermal analysis (TGA-DTA), etc. The polyherbal extract was phytochemically screened and observed that flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, anthraquinones, glycosides, amino acids, and a few percentages of reducing sugar were present in the polyherbal extract. Polyherbal extract encapsulated XG hydrogel (X@C-H) significantly enhanced the proliferation of fibroblast and keratinocyte cell lines in comparison to the bare excipient treated cells as determined by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Also, the proliferation of these cells was confirmed by BrdU assay and enhanced expression of pAkt. In anin-vivostudy, wound healing activity of BALB/c mice was carried out and we observed that X@C-H hydrogel showed significant result compared to the other groups (untreated, X, X@C, X@H). Henceforth, we conclude that this synthesized biocompatible hydrogel could emerge as a promising carrier of more than one herbal excipients.

Impact of age on outcomes in young women with breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we compared outcomes in young and very young patients with breast cancer (BC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1990 to December 2010, 414 young women (age ≤35 years) with BC were registered in the radiotherapy (RT) outpatient department. Patients were divided into young (31-35 years) and very young (18-30 years). They were compared for clinical, pathological characteristics, and treatment-related factors such as RT and systemic therapy. Outcomes compared between the two groups were locoregional recurrence rate (LRR), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicities. LRFS, DFS, and OS were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Out of 414 patients, 138 and 276 were very young and young, respectively. Clinical, pathological, and treatment characteristics were balanced between the two groups except for more patients in the young group who had pN3 disease and received hormonal therapy; 41 (15%) versus seven (5%) and 171 (62%) versus 62 (45%) in the very young group, respectively. Median follow-up was 84 months (range 12-363 months). LR was seen in 16 (11.6%) and 25 (9%) patients in the very young and young groups, respectively (p = 0.28). The hazard ratios for LR, disease recurrence, and death in the very young group relative to the young group were 1.11 (p = 0.25), 1.0 (p = 1.0), and 1.05 (p = 0.79), respectively. Estimated 10-year LRFS, DFS and OS were 80% versus 86%, 63% versus 61%, and 66% versus 64% in the very young and young groups, respectively. Lymphedema, cardiac toxicity, and second malignancy developed in seven (5%) versus 23 (8%), one (1%) versus three (1%), and seven (5%) versus 18 (7%) patients in the very young and young groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: In very young and young patients with BC, there was no significant difference in LRR, LRFS, DFS, or OS. Toxicities were also comparable between the two groups.

Hypofractionated radiotherapy in young versus older women with breast cancer: a retrospective study from India.

Background: Young women with breast cancer (BC) are not represented in the trials on hypofractionation. In this study we compared outcomes in young patients with BC to their older counterparts treated with hypofractionated radiotherapy (RT) in a regional cancer centre in India. Materials and methods: Between January 1990 to December 2010, women with BC, treated with hypofractionated RT dose of 35-40 Gy/15#/3 weeks were divided into two groups, ≤ 35 years and > 35 years. Outcomes compared were locoregional recurrence rate (LRR), locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS), disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS) and toxicities. LRRFS, DFS and OS were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Of total 2244 patients, 359 were ≤ 35 years of age and 1885 were > 35 years. Patient and disease characteristics were comparable between the two groups, except that comorbidities were significantly higher in the > 35 years age group, more patients aged ≤ 35 years had nodal N3 disease, received chemotherapy and RT to internal mammary nodes and more patients in the > 35 years group received hormonal therapy. Median follow up was 10 years (range 1-30 years). LRR and distant metastases were comparable between the two groups. However, synchronous LRR and distant metastases were significantly higher in the ≤ 35 years group 18 (5.1%) as compared to the > 35 years group 39 (2.1%) with p = 0.018. Estimated 10-year LRRFS, DFS and OS were 92% vs. 94% (p = 0.95), 68% vs. 73%(p = 0.058) and 78% vs. 76% (p = 0.10) in ≤ 35 years and > 35 years, respectively. OS for stage 1 was comparable between the two groups. However, for stage 2 and 3 it was 77% vs. 82% (p = 0.048) and 53% vs. 62% (p = 0.045) in the ≤ 35 years and > 35 years group, respectively. Acute and late toxicity were similar in the two groups. Conclusion: Young BC patients had higher LRR and distant metastases. LRRFS, DFS and toxicities were comparable between the two groups. However, OS was poorer in young BC patients with stage 2 and 3 disease.

1,2,3-Triazole Tethered Hybrid Capsaicinoids as Antiproliferative Agents Active against Lung Cancer Cells (A549).

A series of novel 1,2,3-triazole derivatives of capsaicin and its structural isomer (new natural product hybrid capsaicinoid) were synthesized by exploiting one-/two-point modification of capsaicin without altering the amide linkage (neck). The newly synthesized compounds were screened for their antiproliferative activity against an NCI panel of 60 cancer cell lines at a single dose of 10 µM. Most of the compounds have demonstrated reduced growth between 55 and 95%, whereas capsaicin (10) has shown reduced growth between 0 and 24%. Compounds showing more than 50% growth inhibition were further evaluated for the IC50 value. Among the cell lines tested, lung cancer cell lines (A549, NCI-H460) were found to be more susceptible toward most of the synthesized compounds. Compounds 14g and 14j demonstrated good antiproliferative activity in NCI-H460 with IC50 values of 6.65 and 5.55 µM, respectively, while compounds 18b, 18c, 18f, and 18m demonstrated potential antiproliferative activity in A549 cell lines with IC50 values ranging between 2.9 and 10.5 µM. Among the compounds, compound 18f was found to demonstrate the best activity with an IC50 value of 2.91 µM against A549. Furthermore, 18f induces cell cycle arrest at the S-phase and disrupts the mitochondrial membrane potential, reducing cell migration potential by inducing cellular apoptosis and higher ROS generation along with a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential in addition to surface and nuclear morphological alterations such as a reduction in the number and shrinkage of cells coupled with nuclear blabbing indicating the sign of apoptosis of A549 non-small cell lung cancer cell lines. Compound 18f has emerged as a lead molecule and may serve as a template for further discovery of capsaicinoid scaffolds.

Divided target optimization with volumetric modulated arc therapy planning to improve target coverage and homogeneity in lung radiation therapy.

PURPOSE: To investigate and evaluate the feasibility of a simple modified Divided Planning Target Volume (DPTV) optimization method in radiation therapy planning of lung cancer patients. METHODS: A cohort of 15 patients of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (13 patients stage III and two patients of stage II) who were previously treated with Concurrent Chemo Radiation Therapy were included in the study. The planning modality was Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy, and the dose prescription was 60 Gray in 30 fractions. In this study, we attempted to replan by dividing the previous Single Planning Target Volume (SPTV) into a DPTV. All the treatment plans were revised and again optimized for DPTV with required dose constraints as in SPTV. The dosimetric parameters that were achieved for target and normal structures were recorded in both the optimization methods. RESULTS: Dosimetric target coverage (D95%) (p-value = 0.0001), dose homogeneity (p-value =0.0001) and conformity (p-value = 0.044) were improved by the DPTV optimization. The volume of the oesophagus receiving 35 Gy was found to be higher in the DPTV arm (p-value = 0.02) compared to the SPTV arm, but the volume of the oesophagus receiving 50 Gy was found to be similar (p-value = 0.122). CONCLUSION: In radiation therapy planning of lung cancer, the DPTV optimization method has better dose coverage to the target volume, homogeneity, as well as conformity than the stsndsrd SPTV method. Therefore, the DPTV optimization method can be a simple and efficient alternative to the SPTV method in lung cancer.

Experts' Consensus on Use of Long-Acting Nitroglycerine in the Management of Angina and Chronic Coronary Syndrome in India.

AIM: To address the existing gaps in knowledge about long-acting nitroglycerine (LA-NTG) and provide recommendations to address these issues. METHODOLOGY: Approved LA-NTG questionnaire that included 17 questions related to the role of LA-NTG in the management of angina and chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) was shared with 150 expert cardiologists from different regions from India. Results of these survey questionnaires were further discussed in 12 regional level meetings. The opinions and suggestions from all the meetings were compiled and analyzed. Further, recommendations were made with the help of attending national cardiology experts and a consensus statement was derived. RESULTS: This is the first consensus on LA-NTG, summarizing the clinical evidence from India and suggesting recommendations based on these data. The experts recommended early use of LA-NTG as a first-line antianginal therapy in combination with beta-blocker since it improves exercise tolerance in patients with CCS. A strong consensus was observed for using LA-NTG in patients with co-morbid hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and post-percutaneous coronary intervention angina. As a part of cardiac rehabilitation, LA-NTG allows patients with angina to exercise to a greater functional capacity. CONCLUSIONS: A national consensus was observed for several aspects of LA-NTG in the management of angina and CCS. The clinical experience of the experts confirmed an extremely satisfied patient perception about the efficacy of LA-NTG.

Surgical and Hardware Complications of Deep Brain Stimulation-A Single Surgeon Experience of 519 Cases Over 20 Years.

OBJECTIVE: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery has its own set of risks and complications. This study from a single center and a single surgeon analyzes various risk factors for complications and tries to establish if there is a learning curve effect in minimizing the complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 519 patients (1024 leads) who underwent DBS surgery and 232 patients who underwent implantable pulse generator replacement (IPG), by a single surgeon, between the years 1999 and 2019 was performed. Perioperative and hardware related complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The follow-up period ranged from six months to 20 years. Surgery-related complications occurred in 46 (8.9%) cases which included confusion in 31 (5.98%), intracerebral hemorrhage in 7 (1.3%), vasovagal attack in 3 (0.58%), respiratory distress in 2 (0.38%), postoperative aggressiveness in 1 (0.19%), and blepharospasm in 2 (0.38%) patients. Complications related to the DBS hardware were found in 35 cases, including erosion and infection in 22 (2.95%), inaccurate lead placement or migration in 6 (0.6%) lead fracture/extension wire failure in 2 (0.26%), IPG malfunction in 2 (0.26%), and hardware discomfort in 3 (0.4%) cases. In three patients, one lead was repositioned. In cases of infection, 87% of patients had either partial or complete removal of hardware. There was no mortality. The complications were analyzed for every 100 DBS procedures. There was a significant drop in the percentage of complications in from 23% in the first 100 cases to 7% in the last 100 cases (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Confusion remains the most frequent operative and perioperative complication. Erosion and infection of the surgical site represents the most frequent hardware complication. DBS surgery is safe and the complication rates are acceptably low. The complication rate also decreases with cumulative years of experience, demonstrating a learning curve effect.

Evaluation of Clinicopathological and Prognostic Factors of Male Breast Cancer: A Single-Centre Experience.

Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare malignancy with an overall incidence of less than 1%. The epidemiological data of MBC is very limited owing to its rarity, particularly data from India. Hence, it is important to study different aspects of this rare malignancy. This paper reports a single-center experience from India that evaluated the clinicopathological behavior of MBC, their management, and outcomes. This was a retrospective review, which included 18 patients managed between 2013 to 2021. Seventeen out of the 18 patients were aged ≥50 years; the median age was 60 years. Left sides were affected more than right (left: 11, right: seven), and the most commonly affected quadrant was central (n=15/17, 88.2%). The most common (n=14) surgery was modified radical mastectomy (MRM), and the invasive ductal carcinoma was the most common (n=14) histological finding. Most cases were estrogen-receptor (ER) and progesterone-receptor-positive (n=15/18, 83.3%). The present study, though with a small sample size, adds valuable information to the literature about this rare occurrence in men.

Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease: Currents Status and Emerging Concepts.

The clinical application of DBS has become manifold and there has been a tremendous growth in DBS technology in the last few decades making it safer and user friendly. The earlier concept of its delayed application in motor fluctuations of Parkinson's disease has been replaced by Class-I evidence of EARLY-STIM trial in 2013, leading to its FDA approval to be used in early-stage despite criticism. Various studies have provided evidence of beneficial effects of bilateral STN-DBS on both motor as well as nonmotor symptoms and different new targets such as the pedunculopontine nucleus, posterior subthalamic area or caudal zona incerta, centromedian-parafascicular complex, and substantia nigra pars reticulata have now become a new area of interest in addition to the subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus internus for the alleviation of both motor and nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. New data has confirmed that the DBS is clinically as effective and safe in elderly patients as it is in younger ones. Technological advances like current steering, directional leads, and closed-loop DBS are directed towards reducing the stimulation-induced adverse effects and preservation of the battery life for a longer period. Results of the long-term efficacy of DBS on Parkinson's disease are now available. These have shown that as the motor benefit continues, the clinical progression of Parkinson's disease also continues. We plan to discuss all these in this paper.

Late-term effects of hypofractionated chest wall and regional nodal radiotherapy with two-dimensional technique in patients with breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Hypofractionated radiotherapy (RT) is becoming a new standard in postoperative treatment of patients with early stage breast cancer after breast conservation surgery. However, data on hypofractionation in patients with advanced stage disease who undergo mastectomy followed by local and regional nodal irradiation (RNI) is lacking. In this retrospective study, we report late-term effects of 3 weeks post-mastectomy hypofractionated local and RNI with two-dimensional (2D) technique in patients with stage II and III breast cancer. METHODS: Between January 1990 and December 2007, 1,770 women with breast cancer who were given radical treatment with mastectomy, systemic therapy and RT at least 10 years ago were included. RT dose was 35 Gy/15 fractions/3 weeks to chest wall by two tangential fields and 40 Gy in same fractions to supraclavicular fossa (SCF) and internal mammary nodes (IMNs). SCF and IMNs dose was prescribed at dmax and 3 cm depth, respectively. Chemotherapy and hormonal therapy was given in 64% and 74% patients, respectively. Late-term toxicities were assessed with the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) scores and LENT-SOMA scales (the Late Effects Normal Tissue Task Force-Subjective, Objective, Management, Analytic scales). RESULTS: Mean age was 48 years (range, 19 to 75 years). Median follow-up was 12 years (range, 10 to 27 years). Moderate/marked arm/shoulder pain was reported by 254 (14.3%) patients. Moderate/marked shoulder stiffness was reported by 219 (12.3%) patients. Moderate/marked arm edema was seen in 131 (7.4%) patients. Brachial plexopathy was not seen in any patient. Rib fractures were noted in 6 (0.3%) patients. Late cardiac and lung toxicity was seen in 29 (1.6%) and 23 (1.3%) patients, respectively. Second malignancy developed in 105 (5.9%) patients. CONCLUSION: RNI with 40 Gy/15 fractions/3 weeks hypofractionation with 2D technique seems safe and comparable to historical data of conventional fractionation (ClinicalTrial.gov Registration No. XXXX).