In a nutshell This study looked at the effect of chemoradiation (CRT) and local surgical treatment (local excision – LE) on quality of life in patients with stage II rectal cancer. It found that this treatment had little effect on lower bowel function (anorectum) and quality of life. Some background...
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Is chemoradiation after surgery beneficial to stage I/II rectal cancer patients?
In a nutshell This study examined chemoradiation (CRT) + local excision (LE) treatment for stage I/II rectal cancer patients. The study found that CRT + LE was a suitable treatment for patients with higher risk stage I disease. Some background Rectal cancer is often treated with complete removal of the tumor and...
Read MorePost-surgery complications can affect chemotherapy treatment after surgery in colorectal cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated the post-surgery factors that affect the use of chemotherapy after surgery in colorectal cancer patients. Researchers suggested that post-surgery complications are associated with delay or not receiving chemotherapy treatment. Some background Surgery and post-surgery chemotherapy are the standard...
Read MoreSmoking increases the risk for spread of colorectal cancer to the lungs
In a nutshell This study assessed whether smoking increased the chance for spread of colorectal cancer (CRC) to the lungs. The study found that smoking may be a risk factor for cancer spread to the lungs. Some background Smoking is a known risk factor for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is commonly known to spread to the liver when...
Read MoreCapecitabine in older metastatic colorectal cancer patients
In a nutshell This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of capecitabine (Xeloda) as treatment for advanced colorectal cancer in patients 75 or more years old. Researchers suggested that this drug was effective in patients aged 75 or older with colorectal cancer, with manageable side effects. Some background Chemotherapy has...
Read MoreBevacizumab plus chemotherapy improves outcomes in metastatic colorectal cancer
In a nutshell This study compared the effectiveness of the combined treatment with chemotherapy and bevacizumab (Avastin) to chemotherapy alone in advanced colorectal cancer. Researchers suggested that the combination therapy improves the treatment of these patients. Some background Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers causing death...
Read MoreIs targeted chemotherapy for stage II/III rectal cancer before surgery effective?
In a nutshell This study examined the effect of pre-surgical chemotherapy without radiotherapy in stage II/III rectal cancer. The study showed that combined targeted chemotherapy was effective in these patients. Some background Rectal cancer is a cancer of the end part of the digestive system. In stage II and III, the cancer has begun to...
Read MoreFDA News Releases and Signing Up for Alerts
You may not know this but you can get warnings from the FDA on problems with prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. For example, on August 11, a FDA News Release issued this warning about over-the-counter liquid vitamins that are given to young children and those who cannot swallow pills. “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is...
Read MoreHow to Smoothie!
This summer has been a challenge after a family member with celiac disease had a gluten exposure (Click here to read more about celiac disease). Gluten damages the small intestine villi (see 5 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Your Small Intestines), which are essential for nutrition absorption. For over a month, gastrointestinal pain, vomiting...
Read MoreInfographic on Cancer Immunotherapy
Last summer we provided a series of posts on oncology basics. Oncology Basics: Preparing for ASCO covered some of the history of oncology. In Understanding Cells, we reviewed what is newly understood about cells–it’s way beyond what you learned in high school biology. DNA with lots of animated videos also explained some of the basics...
Read MoreTAS-102 chemotherapy to treat progressive colorectal cancer
In a nutshell This study reviews the value of TAS-102 in the treatment of colorectal cancer that has progressed with other therapies. Researchers suggested that TAS-102 is an important treatment option for patients with progressive colorectal cancer. Some background Colorectal cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in men and the...
Read MoremFOLFOX plus panitumumab is associated with an improved tumor response in metastatic colorectal cancer patients
In a nutshell This study investigated the tumor response and overall survival in colorectal cancer patients treated with mFOLFOX6 and bevacizumab (Avastin) or panitumumab (Vectibix). Researchers suggested that mFOLFOX+panitumumab is associated with an improved response. Some background The standard treatment for metastatic (spread to other...
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