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Introduction: Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) for lung cancer is a modality of treatment that has improved outcomes for lung cancer patients. However, radiotherapy for lung cancer is underutilized and fewer than half of elderly patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receive active treatment. The purpose of this study is to report on a collaboration in implementing an NSCLC SABR (stereotactic ablative body radiation) program safely, efficiently, and uniformly across several centers, including regional sites. The first aim of this paper is to detail the collaboration and implementation that started in 2013 and is ongoing. The second aim of this paper is to document early toxicities and quality of life outcomes. Method: A tripartite approach was used to develop the protocol and networks required for the implementation of SABR across multiple sites in NSW. Departments starting the programmes were supported and physics credentialing with central site submission was required before commencing the treatment. Additional ongoing support was available via an email discussion group involving all members of the collaboration. Results: Between July 22, 2013 and February 22, 2016, 41 patients were enrolled with 34 patients in active follow up. The toxicity profile so far is similar to those of published studies with no appreciable effect on quality of life outcomes. Conclusion: The collaboration formed an effective framework in facilitating the implementation of SABR across several sites in NSW and could be used as a model for the safe and uniform implementation of new technologies in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ki‐67 proliferation index (Ki‐67 index) is used to quantify cell proliferation during histopathological assessment of various tumors including glioblastoma (GB). Aim: We aimed to assess correlation between Ki‐67 index and overall survival in patients with GB and determine a cut‐point for Ki‐67 index that predicts for poorer survival. Method: Records of adult patients diagnosed with GB on histopathological specimens at a tertiary cancer center in Sydney between 1 January 2002 and 30 July 2012 were retrieved. Specimens of these patients were examined for quantification of Ki‐67 staining by two independent pathologists. Patient, disease, treatment, and survival data were collected from hospital and cancer care service records. Statistical analysis was performed using proportional hazards models, Kaplan–Meier curves, and the minimum P‐value approach. Result: Of the eligible 71 patients, 58% were males with median age of 58 (range 18–87). Seventy‐three percent of patients were of ECOG performance status 0–1. There was a statistically significant correlation between Ki‐67 index and overall survival. In patients with Ki‐67 > 22% (n = 36), 5‐year survival was approximately 30% compared to 5% in those with Ki‐67 ≤ 22% (n = 35; log‐rank P‐value = 0.04; hazard ratio (HR) = 0.53; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.29–0.97). Conclusion: This study demonstrates a positive correlation between Ki‐67 index and overall survival in patients with GB. Percentage staining of Ki‐67 < 22% appears to predict for poorer survival in GB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ventricular arrhythmias (VA) can be life‐threatening arrhythmias that result in significant morbidity and mortality. Catheter ablation (CA) is an invasive treatment modality that can be effective in the treatment of VA where medications fail. Recurrence occurs commonly following CA due to an inability to deliver lesions of adequate depth to cauterise the electrical circuits that drive VA or reach areas of scar responsible for VA. Stereotactic body radiotherapy is a non‐invasive treatment modality that allows volumetric delivery of energy to treat circuits that cannot be reached by CA. It overcomes the weaknesses of CA and has been successfully utilised in small clinical trials to treat refractory VA. This article summarises the current evidence for this novel treatment modality and the steps that will be required to bring it to the forefront of VA treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an innovative modality for treatment of refractory ventricular arrhythmias (VA). Phase I/II clinical trials have demonstrated the remarkable efficacy of SBRT at reducing VA burden(by>85%) in patients with good short-term safety. SBRT as an option for VA treatment delivered in an ambulatory, non-sedated patient in a single fraction, during an outpatient session of 15-30 minutes, without added risks of anesthetic or surgery is clinically relevant. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Currently used clinical dosing of SBRT has been derived from preclinical studies aimed to induce transmural fibrosis in the atria. The propitious clinical effects of SBRT appear earlier than the time-course for fibrosis. This review addresses the plausible mechanisms by which radiation alters the electrophysiological properties of myocytes and myocardial conduction to impart an anti-arrhythmic effect to elucidate clinical observations and point the direction for further research in this promising area., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None, (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Introduction: Ki-67 proliferation index (Ki-67 index) is used to quantify cell proliferation during histopathological assessment of various tumors including glioblastoma (GB)., Aim: We aimed to assess correlation between Ki-67 index and overall survival in patients with GB and determine a cut-point for Ki-67 index that predicts for poorer survival., Method: Records of adult patients diagnosed with GB on histopathological specimens at a tertiary cancer center in Sydney between 1 January 2002 and 30 July 2012 were retrieved. Specimens of these patients were examined for quantification of Ki-67 staining by two independent pathologists. Patient, disease, treatment, and survival data were collected from hospital and cancer care service records. Statistical analysis was performed using proportional hazards models, Kaplan-Meier curves, and the minimum P-value approach., Result: Of the eligible 71 patients, 58% were males with median age of 58 (range 18-87). Seventy-three percent of patients were of ECOG performance status 0-1. There was a statistically significant correlation between Ki-67 index and overall survival. In patients with Ki-67 > 22% (n = 36), 5-year survival was approximately 30% compared to 5% in those with Ki-67 ≤ 22% (n = 35; log-rank P-value = 0.04; hazard ratio (HR) = 0.53; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.29-0.97)., Conclusion: This study demonstrates a positive correlation between Ki-67 index and overall survival in patients with GB. Percentage staining of Ki-67 < 22% appears to predict for poorer survival in GB., (© 2018 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)