In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of radiotherapy in patients with metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) colorectal cancer (mCRC). Researchers suggested that radiotherapy could be a safe option for the treatment of these patients. Some background Colorectal cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer....
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Laparoscopic conversion is not associated with increased complications in patients with colon cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated whether laparoscopic conversion (LC) was associated with an increased complication rate when compared to planned open colon surgery. Researchers suggested that this treatment method is not associated with an increased risk of negative side effects. Some background Laparoscopic surgery is a less invasive method. It...
Read MoreCognitive performance is affected by chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated the effects of chemotherapy after surgery on cognitive performance (CP; attention, memory and thinking processes) in patients with colorectal cancer. Researchers suggested that patients who received chemotherapy after surgery had a decreased CP. Some background Surgery followed by chemotherapy is the standard...
Read MoreEvaluating Cetuximab plus FOLFOX-4 chemotherapy for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness of cetuximab (Erbitux) combined with FOLFOX-4 (leucovorin, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin) chemotherapy to treat metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) colorectal cancer (mCRC). Researchers suggested that this treatment is associated with improved cancer outcomes. Some background...
Read MoreLocal treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer is a safe option for the elderly and for patients with other medical conditions
In a nutshell This study investigated whether local ablative methods (LAT; non-invasive procedures) of treatment can be used in patients with colorectal cancer that are older or have other medical conditions. Researchers suggested that these procedures may be performed safely in these patients. Some background Age is a major risk factor for colorectal...
Read MoreWhat is the best treatment for patients with colorectal cancer and peritoneal metastasis?
In a nutshell This study compared the effectiveness of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with other treatment options in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and peritoneal metastasis (PM; when cancer spreads to the abdominal lining). Researchers suggested that CRS + HIPEC brings the greatest...
Read MoreChemotherapy before surgery in the treatment of high risk rectal cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated the outcomes of chemotherapy before surgery in patients with high-risk rectal cancer. Researchers suggested that chemotherapy improves tumor shrinkage before rectal surgery. Some background The standard treatment for patients with rectal cancer is surgery. High-risk patients may benefit from short-course...
Read MoreDoes chemotherapy after surgery improve survival in older patients with colon cancer?
In a nutshell This study investigated the use of chemotherapy after surgery in elderly patients with stage 2 and 3 colon cancer. Researchers suggested that chemotherapy after surgery improves outcomes in patients with stage 3 colon cancer. Some background Life expectancy in the Western countries has increased. Colorectal cancer is diagnosed most...
Read More“Your Life Depends on Your Own Advocacy”
“Always trust your gut. Don’t leave your treatment in the hands of someone that you don’t trust or that does not seem like a team player. Yes, they are all smart—even brilliant—but read, read, read, and question them at every corner and challenge the standard of care. Exercise, healthy eating, learning the ropes of insurance, mediation/prayer...
Read MoreComparing open and laparoscopic surgery for patients with rectal cancer
In a nutshell This study compared the outcomes of patients with rectal cancer treated with either laparoscopy (LPS; removal of the tumor by using a cable with a camera inserted near the tumor) or open surgery. Researchers found no differences in outcomes between LPS and open surgery for these patients. Some background Treatment for rectal...
Read MoreTreatment guidelines for patients with rectal cancer – 2018
In a nutshell In this study, the Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN) updated the recommendations for treating patients with localized rectal cancer. Some background Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the United States. A decrease in the number of new cases of colorectal cancer has been seen in the last decade. However,...
Read MoreClinical Trials Today
Prior to the 20th century, most people lived about 47 years in the developed world because of infectious diseases. In 1940, the first use of penicillin to treat infectious diseases occurred and penicillin became available in 1945 to the general public. Science and research conducted throughout the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, created more antibiotics so that life...
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