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Natural killer (NK) cells from the innate immune system are integral to overall immunity and also in managing the tumor burden during cancer. Breast (BCa) and prostate cancer (PCa) are the most common tumors in U.S. adults. Both BCa and PCa are frequently treated with hormone suppression therapies that are associated with numerous adverse effects including direct effects on the immune system. Regular exercise is recommended for cancer survivors to reduce side effects and improve quality of life. Acute exercise is a potent stimulus for NK cells in healthy individuals with current evidence indicating that NK mobilization in individuals with BCa and PCa is comparable. NK cell mobilization results from elevations in shear stress and catecholamine levels. Despite a normal NK cell response to exercise, increases in epinephrine are attenuated in BCa and PCa. The significance of this potential discrepancy still needs to be determined. However, alterations in adrenal hormone signaling are hypothesized to be due to chronic stress during cancer treatment. Additional compensatory factors induced by exercise are reviewed along with recommendations on standardized approaches to be used in exercise immunology studies involving oncology populations.

Objectives: Balance in breast cancer survivors is understudied. Increased understanding of how postural control is affected when the body is stationary, moving, or engaged in a concurrent cognitive...

Carbohydrate (CHO) mouth rinsing (MR) prior to exercise has been shown to elicit enhanced performance and energy availability in some studies. Previous literature has concentrated on examining CHO MR strategies for improving aerobic endurance performance in younger athletic adults. Knowledge of the impact of CHO MR on functional performance in older adults is scarce. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if CHO MR would improve 6-min walk test (6MWT) performance, perceived exertion, and blood glucose responses in older adults.Thirty-three individuals (16 males, 17 females), age ≥ 70 years performed two 6MWT trials, one of which utilized a 6.4% maltodextrin CHO MR and one of which utilized a placebo MR. Participants held the MR in their mouth for 20 s prior to the 6MWT, and trials occurred in a counterbalanced fashion. Total distance walked and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded upon completion of each 6MWT. Heart rate (HR), peripheral blood oxygen saturation (SpOCHO MR did not alter the response of any study parameter compared to the placebo MR (p = 0.13-0.94). HR, systolic BP, and blood lactate increased and SpOA 6.4% maltodextrin CHO MR did not alter total distance walked, perceived exertion, or other physiological responses elicited by the 6MWT in older adults.

Aerobic exercise impacts multiple cellular immune system components, hormones, and pro- and anti-inflammatory soluble factors. The purpose of this chapter is to (1) briefly describe the role of aerobic exercise as an intervention for improving function in cancer survivors; (2) provide a comprehensive review of the impact of aerobic exercise on cellular immune system function in cancer survivors; and (3) discuss underlying endocrine and soluble factor mechanisms that may be associated with these cellular immune responses. In general, individuals with and without a history of cancer respond similarly to acute aerobic exercise, with changes in adrenal hormones and some cytokines potentially underlying exercise and recovery patterns of cellular immune parameters. The effects of aerobic exercise training on resting immune function, as well as relationships between exercise intervention-induced alterations in cellular immune parameters, hormones, and soluble factors, are less clear. Aerobic exercise continues to be a valuable clinical tool for improving quality of life in cancer survivors. Additional understanding of exercise-induced immune, endocrine, and soluble factor responses is necessary for creating more individualized exercise prescriptions that aim to improve anticancer defense, decrease cancer treatment-related side effects, and prolong disease-free survival.

Yoga practice is known to improve well-being and decrease stress. However, acute yoga is understudied. This study investigated the effects of two different types of yoga on affect and salivary cortisol levels in college women. Thirty-three women aged 18–30 years each completed 1-hour sessions of power yoga and stretch yoga. Measures of affect and salivary cortisol were assessed before, during, and after each session. Participants perceived power yoga to be more pleasurable and energizing. Salivary cortisol significantly decreased after both yoga sessions. Thus, even one session of yoga may be effective in improving affect and decreasing stress in college women.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of one 30-minute bout of moderate intensity aerobic exercise on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hormone responses in women with...

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of one bout of aerobic exercise on epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol, glucose, lactate, and free fatty acid (FFA) responses in breast cancer survivors and healthy controls. 9 female breast cancer survivors and 9 women without a history of cancer completed 30 min of cycle ergometry exercise at 60 % of VO2peak. Blood samples were taken pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and 2 h post-exercise from which plasma concentrations of study variables were measured. Immediately and 2 h post-exercise, increases were observed in epinephrine (control group only) norepinephrine (both groups), lactate (both groups), and FFA (both groups immediately post-exercise; breast cancer survivor group only at 2 h post-exercise) (p < 0.05). Cortisol decreased immediately and 2 h post-exercise in the control group while glucose decreased immediately post-exercise in the breast cancer survivor group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, breast cancer survivors appeared to display attenuated epinephrine, cortisol, and lactate responses while displaying larger magnitude changes in glucose and FFA responses compared to controls. These preliminary findings may have implications for the regulation of metabolism during exercise in breast cancer survivors.

Cortisol is a corticosteroid hormone produced by the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex in the adrenal gland. It plays vital roles in the body’s defense mechanisms when dealing with stress, as well as being important in blood glucose regulation. Regrettably, misconceptions regarding the actions of this hormone have been created around the sports and exercise arena. For example, cortisol most often is viewed as having a counter-productive role in exercise that can lead to a mal-adaptation to the exercise training process, due to the catabolic nature of this hormone with respect to protein turnover. Therefore, the intent of this article is to present an overview and to offer commentary on the necessary and critically important functions of cortisol during exercise, and in the adaptation process associated with exercise training. This is being done to specifically correct several of the misconceptions and misunderstandings that are portrayed within some literature (in particular on the Internet) regarding endocrine responses to exercise and exercise training.Keywords: Endocrine, hormones, glucocorticoids, sports.

The aim of this study was to compare select aspects of exercise energy metabolism in patients with breast cancer with that of healthy controls across a variety of exercise intensities. Posttreated patients with breast cancer were matched with healthy women based on age, physical fitness level, and menopausal status. Subjects participated in low-, moderate-, and high-intensity submaximal exercise sessions that corresponded with 40% of maximal oxygen consumption ( Vo2max), 60% Vo2max, and 70% Vo2max. Oxygen consumption and respiratory exchange ratio were taken during submaximal exercise sessions to determine substrate oxidation rates for carbohydrate (CHO) and fat. Blood lactate and blood glucose were also measured before and after each of the submaximal exercise sessions as indices of CHO metabolism. Results indicate that the patients with breast cancer had a significantly ( P ≤ .05) lower CHO oxidation rate and higher fat oxidation rate at all exercise intensities compared with healthy women. The patients with breast cancer had a significantly ( P ≤ .05) lower blood lactate response to exercise across all intensities compared with the healthy women. Glucose responses tended ( P < .08) to be more elevated in patients with cancer both before and after the exercise sessions. The findings indicate that posttreated patients with breast cancer have augmented fat metabolism and a reduced CHO-based energy metabolism during submaximal exercise. It is unclear whether these changes are the result of the patient’s cancer or their treatment regimen for the cancer.

Purpose. To examine the feasibility of administering an in-hospital exercise program to acute leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy. A secondary purpose explored the impact of exercise on selected physiological, psychological, and inflammatory markers. Methods. Ten patients, aged 18 to 50 years, diagnosed with acute leukemia or newly relapsed were assessed for body weight, height, body composition (skinfolds), cardiorespiratory endurance (total minutes on bicycle ergometer at 60% heart rate reserve), dynamic muscular endurance (Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute protocol), fatigue (Revised Piper Fatigue Scale), depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale, National Institute of Mental Health questionnaire), and quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—General) at baseline (within 3 days of diagnosis) and at the end of induction phase of treatment. Blood draws were taken at baseline, midpoint, and at the end of induction for analyses of inflammatory markers (Linco Luminex assay). Combined aerobic and strength training exercises were administered 3 times per week, twice daily, for 30 minutes. Paired-samples t-tests were used for the analyses of physiological and psychological parameters. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used for the analyses of inflammatory markers. Results. Significant improvements in cardiorespiratory endurance ( P = .009, baseline 8.9 ± 8.8 minutes, postexercise intervention 17 ± 14.3 minutes) with significant reductions in total fatigue scores ( P = .009, baseline 4.6 ± 1.7, postexercise intervention 1.8 ± 1.6) and depression scores ( P = .023, baseline 19 ± 11.5, postexercise intervention 12 ± 8.2) were observed. Marginally significant decrease in interleukin-6 (IL-6; P = .059) with no significant changes in IL-10 ( P = .223) or interferon-γ ( P = .882) were observed. Conclusion. Administration of exercise to acute leukemia patients undergoing treatment is feasible. The exercise protocol used increased cardiovascular endurance, reduced fatigue and depression scores, and maintained quality of life. Although no significant change in inflammation was observed, a trend demonstrating a reduction in IL-6 and an increase in IL-10 warrants further investigation.

Purpose: This study compared the heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and blood lactate (BL) responses to aerobic exercise between posttreated breast cancer patients and apparently healthy, age-matched controls. Methods: Seven patients and 7 control subjects underwent a submaximal treadmill test for the estimation of Vo2max. Exercise intensities of 40%, 60%, and 70% of Vo2max were calculated from the treadmill test and randomly examined between groups during three 9-minute exercise bouts on 3 different days. Independent samples t tests were used to examine the HR, RPE, and BL responses at each intensity between groups. Results: No significant differences were observed between the control and patient groups for HR, RPE, and BL at 40% (101 ± 9 vs 101 ± 11 bpm, P = .979; 8 ± 1 vs 9 ± 3, P = .237; and 1.11 ± 0.73 vs 1.26 ± 0.64 mmol/L, P = .188, respectively) and 60% (127 ± 17 vs 117 ± 13 bpm, P = .523; 12 ± 2 vs 11 ± 3, P = .267, and 3.83 ± 2.48 vs 2.23 ± 1.65 mmol/L, P = .237, respectively) of Vo2max . At 70% of Vo2max, no significant differences were found for HR (151 ± 27 vs 135 ± 13 bpm, P = .704) and RPE (14 ± 1 vs 13 ± 3, P = .181), but lower BL responses were observed in the patient group (7.70 ± 1.62 vs 3.29 ± 1.08 mmol/L, P < .0005). Conclusions: The results suggest similar HR, RPE, and BL responses between patients and control subjects at 40%, 60%, and 70% of Vo2max , except for BL at 70% of Vo2max. The lower BL response in the patient group at 70% of Vo2max was somewhat unexpected. Further research is needed to confirm or refute the results of this study to allow for a clearer understanding of the physiological responses of breast cancer patients to aerobic exercise at moderate or higher intensities so that safer aerobic exercise prescriptions can be developed for this population.

Normal tissue injury after radiation therapy (RT) can be defined based on either clinical symptoms or laboratory/radiologic tests. In the research setting, functional imaging (eg, single-photon emission computed tomography [SPECT], positron-emission tomography [PET], and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) is useful because it provides objective quantitative data such as metabolic activity, perfusion, and soft-tissue contrast within tissues and organs. For RT-induced lung, heart, and parotid gland injury, pre- and post-RT SPECT images can be compared with the dose- and volume-dependent nature of regional injury. In the brain, SPECT can detect changes in perfusion and blood flow post-RT, and PET can detect metabolic changes, particularly to regions of the brain that have received doses above 40 to 50 Gy. On MRI, changes in contrast-enhanced images, T(1) and T(2) relaxation times, and pulmonary vascular resistance at different intervals pre- and post-RT show its ability to detect and distinguish different phases of radiation pneumonitis. Similarly, conventional and diffusion-weighted MRI can be used to differentiate between normal tissue edema, necrosis, and tumor in the irradiated brain, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy can measure changes in compounds, indicative of membrane and neuron disruption. The use of functional imaging is a powerful tool for early detection of RT-induced normal tissue injury, which may be related to long-term clinically significant injury.

Purpose: Clinical and 3D dosimetric parameters are associated with symptomatic radiation pneumonitis rates in retrospective studies. Such parameters include: mean lung dose (MLD), radiation (RT) dose to perfused lung (via SPECT), and pre-RT lung function. Based on prior publications, we defined pre-RT criteria hypothesized to be predictive for later development of pneumonitis. We herein prospectively test the predictive abilities of these dosimetric/functional parameters on 2 cohorts of patients from Duke and The Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI). Methods and Materials: For the Duke cohort, 55 eligible patients treated between 1999 and 2005 on a prospective IRB-approved study to monitor RT-induced lung injury were analyzed. A similar group of patients treated at the NKI between 1996 and 2002 were identified. Patients believed to be at high and low risk for pneumonitis were defined based on: ( 1 ) MLD; ( 2 ) OpRP (sum of predicted perfusion reduction based on regional dose-response curve); and ( 3 ) pre-RT DLCO. All doses reflected tissue density heterogeneity. The rates of grade ≥2 pneumonitis in the "presumed" high and low risk groups were compared using Fisher's exact test. Results: In the Duke group, pneumonitis rates in patients prospectively deemed to be at "high" vs. "low" risk are 7 of 20 and 9 of 35, respectively; p = 0.33 one-tailed Fisher's. Similarly, comparable rates for the NKI group are 4 of 21 and 6 of 44, respectively, p = 0.41 one-tailed Fisher's. Conclusion: The prospective model appears unable to accurately segregate patients into high vs. low risk groups. However, considered retrospectively, these data are consistent with prior studies suggesting that dosimetric ( e.g. , MLD) and functional ( e.g. , PFTs or SPECT) parameters are predictive for RT-induced pneumonitis. Additional work is needed to better identify, and prospectively assess, predictors of RT-induced lung injury.

Background. Current research examining the effect of exercise on immune responses in cancer survivors is limited. Objective. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the effect of 1 bout of intermittent exercise on natural killer (NK) cell numbers in breast cancer survivors. Methods. A total of 9 women with stage I to III invasive breast cancer who were 3 to 6 months posttreatment and 9 sedentary women without a history of cancer completed 10 three-minute intervals of aerobic exercise on the cycle ergometer at 60% of VO2peak (peak oxygen uptake). Whole blood samples were taken pre-exercise, immediately postexercise, and at 2 hours and 24 hours postexercise. NK cell counts were assessed using flow cytometry. Results. In both groups, NK cell counts significantly increased immediately postexercise compared with pre-exercise ( P = .004-.008) and returned to near pre-exercise levels during recovery ( P = .129-.547). Absolute NK cell counts were significantly lower in breast cancer survivors immediately postexercise when compared with controls ( P = .046). Conclusions. The breast cancer survivor group exhibited NK cell responses to 30 minutes of moderate-intensity intermittent aerobic exercise that were comparable with that in the group of physically similar women without a history of cancer. Immune changes related to cancer treatments may be related to the lower absolute NK cell counts observed in the breast cancer survivor group. Although the results of this study are preliminary in nature, they suggest that this type of exercise does not disrupt this aspect of innate immunity in recent breast cancer survivors, thereby supporting current exercise recommendations for this population.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of patient-specific factors, left ventricle (LV) volume, and treatment set-up errors on the rate of perfusion defects 6 to 60 months post–radiation therapy (RT) in patients receiving tangential RT for left-sided breast cancer. Methods and Materials: Between 1998 and 2005, a total of 153 patients were enrolled onto an institutional review board–approved prospective study and had pre- and serial post-RT (6–60 months) cardiac perfusion scans to assess for perfusion defects. Of the patients, 108 had normal pre-RT perfusion scans and available follow-up data. The impact of patient-specific factors on the rate of perfusion defects was assessed at various time points using univariate and multivariate analysis. The impact of set-up errors on the rate of perfusion defects was also analyzed using a one-tailed Fisher's Exact test. Results: Consistent with our prior results, the volume of LV in the RT field was the most significant predictor of perfusion defects on both univariate ( p = 0.0005 to 0.0058) and multivariate analysis ( p = 0.0026 to 0.0029). Body mass index (BMI) was the only significant patient-specific factor on both univariate ( p = 0.0005 to 0.022) and multivariate analysis ( p = 0.0091 to 0.05). In patients with very small volumes of LV in the planned RT fields, the rate of perfusion defects was significantly higher when the fields set-up "too deep" (83% vs. 30%, p = 0.059). The frequency of deep set-up errors was significantly higher among patients with BMI ≥25 kg/m 2 compared with patients of normal weight (47% vs. 28%, p = 0.068). Conclusions: BMI ≥25 kg/m 2 may be a significant risk factor for cardiac toxicity after RT for left-sided breast cancer, possibly because of more frequent deep set-up errors resulting in the inclusion of additional heart in the RT fields. Further study is necessary to better understand the impact of patient-specific factors and set-up errors on the development of RT-induced perfusion defects.

The purpose of the study was to reassess the utility of transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGF-beta1) together with dosimetric and tumor parameters as a predictor for radiation pneumonitis (RP). Of the 121 patients studied, 32 (26.4%) developed gradeor =1 RP, and 27 (22.3%) developed gradeor =2 RP. For the endpoint of gradeor =1 RP, those with V3030% and an end-RT/baseline TGF-beta1 ratioor =1 had a significantly higher incidence of RP than did those with V3030% and an end-RT/baseline TGF-beta1 ratio1. For most other patient groups, there were no clear associations between TGF-beta1 values and rates of RP. These findings suggest that TGF-beta1 is generally not predictive for RP except for the group of patients with a high V30.

UNLABELLED Tangential radiotherapy for left-sided breast cancer may be cardiotoxic. Shaping the field with a heart block reduces cardiac exposure but may under-dose the breast and/or chest wall. We compared the incidence and location of local recurrences in patients irradiated with and without a heart block. METHODS AND MATERIALS Between 1994 and 1998, 180 patients irradiated to the left breast and/or chest wall were retrospectively reviewed. The local recurrence rates in patients treated with and without a heart block were compared using a 2-tailed Fisher exact test. An in-depth dosimetric analysis was performed in 23 patients to assess the percentage of breast tissue under-dosed by inclusion of the heart block. RESULTS Overall, the local recurrence rates in patients with or without a heart block were similar. In postlumpectomy patients with inferiorly located tumors, the rates of local recurrence with and without a heart block were 2 of 6 patients versus 0 of 19 patients, respectively. In the dosimetric analysis, the average percentage of breast tissue under-dosed by the inclusion of a heart block was 2.8% (range, 0%-11%). DISCUSSION A heart block is a reasonable method to limit cardiac dose but should be used cautiously following a lumpectomy in patients with inferiorly located tumors. Additional study with larger numbers of patients is warranted.

Purpose: To assess the difficulty of assigning a definitive clinical diagnosis of radiation (RT)-induced lung injury in patients irradiated for lung cancer. Methods: Between 1991 and 2003, 318 patients were enrolled in a prospective study to evaluate RT-induced lung injury. Only patients with lung cancer who had a longer than 6-month follow-up (251 patients) were considered in the current analysis. Of these, 47 of 251 patients had Grade ≥2 (treated with steroids) increasing shortness of breath after RT, thought possibly consistent with pneumonitis/fibrosis. The treating physician, and one to three additional reviewing physicians, evaluated the patients or their medical records, or both. The presence or absence of confounding clinical factors that made the diagnosis of RT-induced uncertain lung injury were recorded. Results: Thirty-one of 47 patients (66%) with shortness of breath had “classic” pneumonitis, i.e., they responded to steroids and had a definitive diagnosis of pneumonitis. In 13 of 47 patients (28%), the diagnosis of RT-induced toxicity was confounded by possible infection; exacerbation of preexisting lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease); tumor regrowth/progression; and cardiac disease in 6, 8, 5, and 1 patients, respectively (some of the patients had multiple confounding factors and were counted more than once). An additional 3 patients (6%) had progressive shortness of breath and an overall clinical course more consistent with fibrosis. All 3 had evidence of bronchial stenosis by bronchoscopy. Conclusions: Scoring of radiation pneumonitis was challenging in 28% of patients treated for lung cancer owing to confounding medical conditions. Recognition of this uncertainty is needed and may limit our ability to understand RT-induced lung injury.

Aims : We have evaluated the potential for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to reduce dose to surrounding normal tissues in children with retinoblastoma confined to the globe of the eye. Materials and methods : Treatment planning computed tomography (CT) scans from five children were used for comparison of four radiotherapy techniques to treat the eye. IMRT, conformal, anterior-lateral photon and en face electron plans were generated using the Corvus (NOMOS) and PLUNC treatment planning systems. Doses to surrounding critical structures were compared after normalisation of target coverage. Results : The IMRT treatment technique allowed the greatest sparing of the surrounding bony orbit, with an average of 60% of the ipsilateral bony orbit treated above 20Gy and 48% treated above 24Gy when 45Gy is prescribed to the globe. IMRT techniques reduced dose to the surrounding bony orbit by more than one-third compared with anterior-lateral photon and electron techniques, and by 23 % compared with conformal techniques. The application of IMRT also reduced dose to other surrounding normal tissues, including the temporal lobe and contralateral orbit. Conclusion : IMRT shows potential for protecting normal tissues in patients requiring external beam radiation therapy for retinoblastoma.

Aerobic exercise has been shown to have many positive effects on physiological and psychological functioning in cancer patients and survivors. Additionally, aerobic exercise may impact several cellular components of the innate and adaptive immune systems, and it may also impact hormonal and pro- and anti-inflammatory soluble factor responses. Therefore, studies regarding the effect of aerobic exercise on the immune system and endocrine system in cancer patients and survivors have begun to appear in the literature. The purpose of this chapter is to (1) briefly describe the role of aerobic exercise as an intervention for improving functioning in oncology patients; (2) provide a comprehensive review of the impact of acute aerobic exercise and aerobic exercise training on cellular immune system function, endocrine, and soluble factor responses in oncology patients; and (3) outline several areas on which future research should focus. A comprehensive literature search up to early 2012 identified 28 original research articles that examined the effects of aerobic exercise on cellular immune system responses, hormonal responses, and/or soluble factor responses (i.e., cytokines and C-reactive protein [CRP]) in oncology patients during and after therapy. Results are mixed, in that studies either observed no change or significant improvements in immune function, hormonal, cytokine, and CRP levels pre- to postexercise. Aerobic exercise appears to be safe for oncology patients and does not seem to cause detrimental immune system or endocrine system effects, although oncology patients undergoing therapy may experience decreased immune function compared to healthy individuals even when participating in aerobic exercise. Additional research is needed to more fully understand all aspects of exercise-induced immune, endocrine, and soluble factor responses in this population, and to determine if aerobic exercise can influence anticancer defenses that could impact cancer recurrence, second malignancy, prognosis, and survival.

This study compared VO(2peak), treatment frequency and dosage, and QOL between 22 post-treated breast cancer survivors (CATotal) and 22 apparently healthy, age-matched women (CO). The CATotal group included 11 with no history of any other co-morbidities (CA) and 11 with controlled hypertension (CA + H). VO(2peak) was measured using the Bruce Protocol. QOL was measured using the SF-36 survey. Significant differences were observed in VO(2peak) between CATotal and CO (p = 0.014), CA and CA + H (p = 0.001), and CA + H and CO (p = 0.001). Physical, emotional, and mental health domains of the SF-36 were significantly different between CATotal and CO (p = 0.006, 0.001, and 0.05 respectively). These results suggest that breast cancer survivors with controlled hypertension can experience a significant reduction in VO(2peak) when compared to apparently healthy, age-matched controls. Also, treatment frequency and dosage affected QOL in this group of survivors.

Purpose To assess the time and regional dependence of radiation therapy (RT)-induced reductions in regional lung perfusion 0.1–12 years post-RT, as measured by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) lung perfusion. Materials/Methods Between 1991 and 2005, 123 evaluable patients receiving RT for tumors in/around the thorax underwent SPECT lung perfusion scans before and serially post-RT (0.1–12 years). Registration of pre- and post-RT SPECT images with the treatment planning computed tomography, and hence the three-dimensional RT dose distribution, allowed changes in regional SPECT-defined perfusion to be related to regional RT dose. Post-RT follow-up scans were evaluated at multiple time points to determine the time course of RT-induced regional perfusion changes. Population dose response curves (DRC) for all patients at different time points, different regions, and subvolumes ( e.g. , whole lungs, cranial/caudal, ipsilateral/contralateral) were generated by combining data from multiple patients at similar follow-up times. Each DRC was fit to a linear model, and differences statistically analyzed. Results In the overall groups, dose-dependent reductions in perfusion were seen at each time post-RT. The slope of the DRC increased over time up to 18 months post-RT, and plateaued thereafter. Regional differences in DRCs were only observed between the ipsilateral and contralateral lungs, and appeared due to tumor-associated changes in regional perfusion. Conclusions Thoracic RT causes dose-dependent reductions in regional lung perfusion that progress up to ∼18 months post-RT and persists thereafter. Tumor shrinkage appears to confound the observed dose-response relations. There appears to be similar dose response for healthy parts of the lungs at different locations.

Objectives This study hypothesized that several baseline client characteristics (i.e. age, symptoms, insight, social functioning) would significantly predict client-rated group alliance in out-patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Design Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) was used to evaluate the contributions of selected baseline individual client characteristics and group level characteristics to client-rated group alliance at the sixth session of group therapy. The effect of treatment type (CBT vs. ST) on group alliance and interaction with predictor variables were also analysed. Finally, correlations were computed to explore the relationship between group alliance, attendance, and treatment engagement. Methods Sixty-three out-patients who had treatment-resistant auditory hallucinations were randomly assigned to either group CBT, which targeted reduction of distress associated with hallucinations, or group ST, which focused on improving social integration. Results Results indicate that a stronger group alliance at the mid-point of treatment was associated with overall higher levels of group insight, and lower individual autistic preoccupation and social functioning at the baseline assessment. In addition, stronger group alliance was significantly correlated with higher attendance rates and therapists' ratings of treatment compliance. Conclusions These findings have implications for determining group composition and identifying clients low in therapeutic engagement. Suggestions for future research on group alliance are also discussed.

BACKGROUND. Radiation therapy (RT) to the left breast/chest wall has been linked with cardiac dysfunction. Previously, the authors identified cardiac perfusion defects in approximately 50% to 60% of patients 0.5 to 2 years post-RT. In the current study, they assessed the persistence of these defects 3 to 6 years post-RT. METHODS. From 1998 to 2006, 160 patients with left-sided breast cancer were enrolled onto an Institutional Review Board-approved, prospective study. All patients received tangential photons to the left breast/chest wall. Patients had pre-RT and serial post-RT single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans to assess changes in regional cardiac perfusion, wall motion, and ejection fraction (EF). Forty-four patients had SPECT scans 3 to 6 years post-RT and were evaluable for the current analysis. RESULTS. The overall incidence of perfusion defects at 3 years, 4 years, 5 years, and 6 years was 52% (11 of 21 patients), 71% (17 of 24 patients), 67% (12 of 18 patients), and 57% (4 of 7 patients), respectively. The rate of abnormal SPECT scans 3 to 6 years post-RT in patients who had scans at 0.5 to 2 years that were either all abnormal, intermittently abnormal, or all normal was 80%, 67%, and 63%, respectively. The incidence of wall motion abnormalities in patients with or without perfusion defects 3 to 6 years post-RT was low and did not differ statistically (17% vs 7.1%, respectively; P = .65), as was the incidence of reductions in EF of ≥5% (27% vs 36%, respectively; P = .72). CONCLUSIONS. The results from this study indicated that RT-induced perfusion defects may persist or initially may appear 3 to 6 years post-RT in a high percentage of patients. However, these defects were not associated with changes in regional wall motion or EF. Additional study will be needed to determine the clinical relevance of these defects. In the meantime, the authors believe that every effort should be made to minimize incidental irradiation of the heart while maintaining adequate coverage of target volumes. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.

Purpose: To assess the impact of induction chemotherapy, and associated tumor shrinkage, on the subsequent radiation-related changes in pulmonary function and tumor response. Methods and Materials: As part of a prospective institutional review board–approved study, 91 evaluable patients treated definitively with thoracic radiation therapy (RT) for unresectable lung cancer were analyzed. The rates of RT-associated pulmonary toxicity and tumor response were compared in the patients with and without pre-RT chemotherapy. In the patients receiving induction chemotherapy, the rates of RT-associated pulmonary toxicity and tumor response were compared in the patients with and without a response (modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor criteria) to the pre-RT chemotherapy. Comparisons of the rates of improvements in pulmonary function tests (PFTs) post-RT, dyspnea requiring steroids, and percent declines in PFTs post-RT were compared in patient subgroups using Fisher's exact test, analysis of variance, and linear or logistic regression. Results: The use of pre-RT chemotherapy appears to increase the rate of radiation-induced pneumonitis ( p = 0.009–0.07), but has no consistent impact on changes in PFTs. The degree of induction chemotherapy–associated tumor shrinkage is not associated with the rate of subsequent RT-associated pulmonary toxicity. The degree of tumor response to chemotherapy is not related to the degree of tumor response to RT. Conclusions: Additional study is needed to better clarify the impact of chemotherapy on radiation-associated disfunction.

Physical and psychological decline is common in the post-treatment breast cancer population, yet the efficacy of concurrent interventions to meet both physical- psychosocial needs in this population has not been extensively examined. PURPOSE: This study explores the effects of a combined exercise and psychosocial intervention model on selected physiological-psychological parameters in post-treated breast cancer. METHODS: Forty-one breast cancer survivors were randomly assigned to one of four groups for an 8-week intervention: exercise only [EX, n=13] (aerobic and resistance training), psychosocial therapy only [PS, n=11] (biofeedback), combined EX and PS [EX+PS, n=11], or to control conditions [CO, n=6]. Mean delta score (post-intervention - baseline) were calculated for each of the following: body weight, % body fat (skin folds), predicted VO2max (Modified Bruce Protocol), overall dynamic muscular endurance [OME] (RMCRI protocol), static balance (Single leg stance test), dynamic balance (360° turn and 4-square step test), fatigue (Revised Piper Scale), and quality of life (FACT-B). A one-way ANOVA was used to analyze the preliminary results of this on-going randomized trial. RESULTS: Overall, there were significant differences in the delta scores for predicted VO2max, OME, and dynamic balance among the 4 groups (p

Purpose: To assess whether body mass index (BMI) affects the rate of “deep” set‐up errors (i.e. those that increase the volume of heart irradiated), resulting in an increased risk of RT‐induced myocardial perfusion defects (PD) 6–60 months post‐RT. Materials and Methods: For 87 patients receiving RT for left‐sided breast cancer,treatment set‐up accuracy was determined by measuring the height of the lung shadow seen at the level of the central axis on simulation and serial medial tangent portal films. SPECT nuclear medicine scans were performed serially pre‐ and post‐RT to assess for cardiac PD. The interaction among BMI, set‐up error frequency, and the rate of PD was compared using a 1‐tailed Fisher's Exact Test. Results: The rates of deep set‐up deviations were 9/32 vs. 24/51 in patients with BMI 0% but ⩽1% LV in the field (i.e. patients who are generally predicted to be at very low risk for RT‐induced cardiac dysfunction). The rates of PD in these patients with deep vs. “shallow” set‐up errors (i.e. those that decrease the volume of heart irradiated) were 5/6 vs. 3/10 (p=0.059) (Fig 2). Conclusions: Patients with BMI⩾25 kg/m2 tend to have a higher incidence of deep set‐up errors, causing more heart to be irradiated than intended. In patients with very small volumes of heart in the RT field, those with deep set‐up errors are more likely to have PD post‐RT. Accurate patient set‐up on the treatment machine is critical to minimize the risk of RT‐induced cardiac injury, particularly in overweight and obese patients. Supported by grants 17‐98‐1‐8071 and BC010663 from the DOD.

Plasma and abomasal fluid concentrations of fenbendazole and its two major metabolites in sheep experimentally infected with Ostertagia circumcincta were compared with those in the same sheep when non-parasitised. Bio-availability of the drug was reduced in the parasitised state. There was also a reduction in the proportion of drug present in the form of metabolites in parasitised as compared with non-parasitised animals.