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In the present study, 3D non-woven needle-punched preform (NPP) Cf–SiCm composite with 7.5 pct volume fraction of carbon fiber is prepared via liquid silicon infiltration technique and characterized for microstructure, phase formation and mechanical behaviors. Additionally, the composite is subjected to plasma arc jet tests for evaluation of ablation resistance under ultra-high temperature oxidation environment. The dense composite (density ~ 2.5 to 2.6 g/cm3) contains β-SiC phase due to the reaction between infiltrated molten silicon and carbon matrix surrounding the carbon fibers. The resultant Cf–SiCm composite shows high hardness and high abrasion resistance due to a higher proportion of hard SiC matrix as well as exhibits various toughening mechanisms from the carbon fiber reinforcement causing a delay in fracture. It also contains excellent resistance to thermal shock and thermo-oxidative erosion resistance during plasma arc jet ablation test without any visible crack or damage on the exposed surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Locally advanced carcinoma cervix (LACC) is a heterogeneous disease with variable combinations of primary tumour extensions with or without nodal involvement. Metabolic information from 18 fluro‐deoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with contrast‐enhanced computerized tomography (FDG PET‐CT) may potentially augment treatment decision‐making for LACC. This study ascertained FDG‐PET CT influence on chemoradiation therapy (CTRT) decisions in LACC. We report oncologic and patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs). Methods: FDG PET‐CT scans were reviewed independently by two nuclear medicine specialists and two radiation oncologists. Pelvic CTRT plan digressions were documented and therapy was adapted accordingly. Pelvis radiation (50 Gy/25#/5 weeks) using tomotherapy with weekly cisplatin was used in node‐negative disease. Dose‐escalated simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) 60 Gy/25#/5 weeks was delivered to involved pelvic nodes. All received brachytherapy. Post‐treatment PET‐CT scans were at 6 months. Functional assessment of cancer therapy scores were calculated at baseline, treatment completion, 3 months, 1 year and 3 years. Results: Between November 2015 and January 2018, 85 patients were screened, and 77 consented. Extrapelvic disease was seen in 12 (16%) patients (9 para‐aortic nodes, 2 distant metastases and 1 synchronous carcinoma breast); 60 patients were included in the final analysis. Decision changes were seen in 10/77 (13%) screened, 8/60 (13%) included and 32 (53.3%) received SIB. Post‐treatment, 27 (45%) had grade 2 GI/GU/GYN toxicity, one (2%) had grade 3 GI and five (8.3%) had grade 3 neutropenia. At median follow‐up of 54.2 months (95% CI 52.8–58.3), 5‐year local failure, pelvic nodal and para‐aortic nodal‐free survival were 86.8% (95% CI 78.0–96.6), 85.2% (95% CI 76.1–95.3) and 85.2% (95% CI 76.2–95.4). Functional assessment of cancer therapy trial outcome index (FACT TOI) improved by 10.43 at 3 months with no further decline. Grade 3 toxicity was noted for abdominal pain in one (1.7%), cystitis in four (6.7%) and lymphoedema in one (1.7%) at 5 years. Conclusion: PET‐CT resulted in major decision changes in 13%. PET‐adapted CTRT was associated with acceptable toxicity, encouraging long‐term survival and improvement in PROMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypofractionated radiotherapy is the current standard for adjuvant radiotherapy across many centres. Further hypofractionation may be possible but remains to be investigated in non-Caucasian populations with more advanced disease, with a higher proportion of patients requiring mastectomy as well as tumour bed boost. We are reporting the design of randomized controlled trial testing the hypothesis that a 1-week (5 fractions) regimen of radiotherapy will be non-inferior to a standard 3-week (15 fractions) schedule.Methods: We describe a multicentre, randomized controlled trial recruiting patients at large academic centres across India. Patients without distant metastases who merit adjuvant radiotherapy will be eligible for inclusion in the study. Patients in the control arm will receive adjuvant radiotherapy to the breast or chest wall (with/without regional nodes) to a dose of 40 Gy/15 fractions/3 weeks, while those in the experimental arm will receive a dose of 26 Gy/5 fractions/1 week (to the same volume). The use of a simultaneous integrated boost (dose of 8 Gy and 6 Gy, respectively) is allowed in patients who have undergone breast conservation. A sample size of 2100 patients provides an 80% power to detect a non-inferiority of 3% in the 5-year locoregional recurrence rate with a one-sided type I error of 2.5%, assuming that the locoregional recurrence rate in the control arm is 5% at 5 years (corresponding to a hazard ratio of 1.63). Patients will be recruited over a period of 5 years and followed up for a further 5 years thereafter.Discussion: If a five-fraction regimen of breast cancer is proven to be non-inferior, this will result in a significant improvement in the access to radiotherapy, as well as reduced costs of treatment. The trial gives an opportunity to standardize and quality-assure radiotherapy practices across the nation at the same time. Along with the results of the FAST-Forward trial, the safety of this intervention in advanced node-positive disease requiring regional nodal radiation will be established.Trial Registration: The trial has been registered at the Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI) vide registration number: CTRI/2018/12/016816 (December 31, 2018) as well as the ClinicalTrial.gov website at NCT03788213 (December 28, 2018). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]