UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers and physicians who specialize in treating patients with radiation therapy will present data on the latest radiation oncology research and clinical trial results at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) 66th Annual Meeting in Washington, DC , September 29 to October 2.
The annual meeting, which is the premier meeting in radiation oncology, will feature 23 abstracts by UCLA researchers highlighting key areas of radiation oncology, including new research in subspecialties ranging from survival, lung cancer/thoracic malignancies, physical, sarcoma, gastrointestinal cancer. genitourinary cancer, gynecological cancer, pediatric cancer and diversity, equity and inclusion in health care.
“Our team is proud to present research that pushes the boundaries of what is possible in radiation oncology,” said Dr. Michael Steinberg, professor and chair of Radiation Oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and director of Clinical Affairs at UCLA Health. Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. “These studies, which range from innovative approaches to chemoradiotherapy and symptom monitoring to advances in MRI-guided radiation therapy, underscore our commitment to improving patient outcomes and shaping the future of cancer treatment.”
Highlights of notable presentations at ASTRO led by UCLA researchers include:
Abstract 1071: MicroRNA-based germline biomarkers of pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer
A team of researchers led by Dr. Joanne Weidhaas, professor of radiation oncology, vice chair of molecular and cellular oncology and director of translational research at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, identified a genetic signature that could help predict which patients with locally advanced rectal cancer are more likely to succeed complete pathological response after treatment with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Prior to this study, there was no molecular analysis to predict which patients are most likely to benefit from chemoradiotherapy to aid in treatment selection. The study, conducted with 90 rectal cancer patients, focused on microRNA-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (miSNPs), which are genetic variants that can disrupt microRNA signaling, a critical process for regulating gene expression. By analyzing mirSNPs in conjunction with clinical variables including age, tumor stage and KRAS mutation status, the researchers developed a predictive model with a strong ability to identify patients who would achieve a complete response where no viable tumor cells remain after treatment. The predictive model, built using advanced statistical techniques, outperformed models based solely on clinical factors. This model offers a more personalized approach that could identify patients who are more likely to respond to this treatment approach and could potentially help them avoid unnecessary surgery. The team plans to validate these findings in a larger cohort of patients and further investigate the ability of the mirSNP signature to predict treatment toxicity.
Weidhaas will present the findings during Session: QP 13-GI 4: GI Cancers: Top to Bottom on Tuesday, October 1 at 4 p.m. EST in room 152.
Abstract 317: MRI-guided versus CT-guided stereotactic body radiotherapy for prostate cancer: 2-year results from the MIRAGE randomized clinical trial
In a secondary analysis of a phase 3 randomized clinical trial comparing two modalities of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) guidance for prostate cancer, researchers found that patients treated with MRI guidance had fewer long-term side effects and a better quality of life that related to the gut and sex. health compared to those treated with axial guidance. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and radiation therapy is a standard treatment option, especially for those with localized disease. However, the side effects of the treatment can be severe and long-lasting, affecting the patient’s urinary function, bowel and sexual function. The team, led by Dr. Amar Kishan, executive vice chair of radiation oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, found that patients treated with MRI-guided SBRT experienced significantly fewer grade 2 or higher genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicities compared with those who received CT-guided therapy. Specifically, only 27% of MRI-guided patients reported late genitourinary toxicity—such as urinary incontinence and irritation—compared to 51% in the CT-guided group. Likewise, gastrointestinal toxicity—such as bowel problems—was reduced to just 1.4% with MRI guidance, versus 9% with CT guidance. The study followed patients for two years after treatment, making it one of the most comprehensive evaluations of MRI-guided SBRT to date.
Kishan will present the findings during Session: SS 38-GU 2: Optimizing Therapeutic Ratio in Prostate Cancer on Tuesday, October 1 at 2:30 PM EST in room 202.
Abstract 122: Symptom Monitoring with Patient-Reported Outcomes During Definitive Radiation Therapy
In this phase 2 study, led by Dr. Ann Raldow, associate professor of radiation oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, researchers evaluated whether using a mobile app, called mPROS, to report symptoms improves the quality of life of cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. While the use of patient-reported outcomes has shown benefits in improving clinical outcomes for patients receiving chemotherapy, its effects in the context of radiotherapy have not been well established. This study sought to fill this gap by comparing patients who used the mPROS app to report symptoms with those receiving usual care. The study included 59 patients who received definitive radiation therapy alongside chemotherapy for a variety of cancers, including gastrointestinal, gynecological, lung, central nervous system, and head and neck cancers. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group, where they used the mPROS app, or the control group. Patients in the experimental group were encouraged to report symptoms at least weekly through the app, with severe or worsening symptoms automatically alerting their clinical team. The researchers then measured the impact of this approach on health-related quality of life using a validated questionnaire at baseline, at the end, and three months after completion of radiation therapy. The results showed that there were no significant differences in physical or mental health outcomes between the two groups. However, patients using the mPROS app expressed high satisfaction, feeling more engaged in their care and finding the app helpful in tracking their symptoms. The majority of participants in the experimental group also indicated that they would recommend the app to other patients.
Raldow will report the findings in Session: SS 04 – PRO/QoL/Survivorship 1: New Limits in Patient-Reported Outcomes and Survival on Sunday, September 19 at 3:45 p.m. EST in room 204.
