Implementation of an image-guided radiation therapy program: Lessons learnt and future challenges

The aim of this paper is to detail the experience obtained in implementing an image-guided radiation therapy program at the Northern Sydney Cancer Centre. This required retrofitting a Varian Clinac 21EX with an on-board imager. The commissioning and quality assurance procedures, organisation of a multidisciplinary image guided radiation therapy group, and the development of clinical protocols for orthogonal kV and cone beam computed tomography implementation are described. Reassessment of the image-guided radiation therapy program has continued as new equipment and software versions were made available in the department.     

Western Australian cigarette smokers have fewer small lung nodules than North Americans on CT screening for lung cancer

To determine the prevalence of small lung nodules on low‐dose helical computed tomography (CT) in a Western Australian cohort of asymptomatic long‐term cigarette smokers and to compare this with a large, similarly derived cohort of North Americans from the Mayo Clinic Lung Cancer Screening Trial. Forty‐nine asymptomatic long‐term cigarette smokers of minimum age 50 years underwent a low‐dose 64‐slice helical CT of the lungs. Images were viewed on a soft copy reporting station with thin section axial and coronal images, maximum intensity projection images, and advanced image manipulation tools. The prevalence of all nodules was 39%, significantly lower than the Mayo Clinic cohort prevalence of 51% (P < 0.01, Fisher's exact test), despite the use of more advanced imaging technology and image manipulation designed to increase the sensitivity for nodules. The prevalence of small nodules in asymptomatic long‐term cigarette smokers in Western Australia is high, though significantly less than that found in a large study in North America. The authors postulate this is due to the relatively low rates of mycobacterium tuberculosis and soil‐derived fungal pulmonary infections in Western Australia, as well as a lower degree of urban air pollution.     

Prostatic evaluation by transrectal endosonography: detection of carcinoma

Transrectal endosonography is one of the most sensitive techniques to evaluate prostatic disease and is far more accurate than conventional sonography. A retrospective review of sonographic characteristics of the prostate was made in an attempt to define the ability of the technique to distinguish benign from malignant disease. Analysis included evaluation of the capsule (smoothness, regularity, and/or invasion), abnormal foci (echogenicity, margination, brightness, thickness, and symmetry), and presence of acoustic shadowing and/or enhancement from the abnormal foci. Evaluation of 443 pathologically proved cases (the majority being large lesions) showed that differentiation between benign and large and/or invasive malignant disease may be suggested by results of transrectal endosonography. However, there is still great overlap of the sonographic appearances.     

Intraoperative arteriography: comparison of conventional screen-film with photostimulable imaging plate radiographs

This prospective study compared images obtained with a photostimulable imaging plate with matched images obtained with a conventional screen-film combination in 26 patients undergoing intraoperative arteriography. Diagnostic accuracy of the two techniques was assessed objectively, and image quality was assessed subjectively. In 16 patients (62%), the radiation exposure was reduced by 50% for the imaging plate technique by decreasing the mAs level generally used for the screen-film combination. Because of the dynamic range of the imaging plate system, no repeat examinations were necessary, while 12% of the screen-film studies had to be repeated because of over- or under-penetration. Imaging plate studies required 6% more time for processing than screen-film studies. Receiver-operating-characteristic analysis indicated no difference in diagnostic accuracy between the two imaging techniques. Subjective evaluation also revealed no difference in observer preference for imaging plate or screen-film studies. The imaging plate technique is an excellent alternative to screen-film studies in the operating room.     

In vitro and in vivo studies of the non-sedating antihistamine epinastine

Epinastine (3-amino-9,13b-dihydro-1H-dibenz [c,f]imidazo[1,5-a]azepine hydrochloride, WAL 801 CL) was tested in vitro and in vivo in comparison with other H1-receptor antagonists. In the guinea pig ileum and in receptor binding studies the test substance showed a high affinity to H1-receptors. The following rank order was determined: WAL 801 CL greater than astemizole greater than terfenadine. These results were confirmed in vivo. The studies were carried out with oral and intravenous administration of WAL 801 CL to assess the inhibition of histamine-induced reactions in the skin or the lung of rats, dogs and guinea pigs. 10- to 100fold antihistaminic doses of WAL 801 CL showed no effect on the sleeping-waking behaviour of cats. From this and other results it is suggested that the compound does not penetrate in the central nervous system. The action pattern of WAL 801 CL as a non-sedating antihistamine corresponds more to that of terfenadine than that of ketotifen.