In a nutshell This study investigated whether chemotherapy after rectal surgery improves survival of rectal cancer patients. Researchers suggested that chemotherapy after rectal surgery is associated with improved survival. Some background Rectal cancer affects almost 40,000 people annually in the United States. Roughly 50% of these patients...
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In a nutshell This study investigated whether neutropenia (NTP; loss of white blood cells) is related to improved survival in colorectal cancer patients treated with TAS-102. Researchers suggested that patients who experience NTP after one month of treatment have an improved overall survival. Some background Chemotherapy is used to treat...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the prevalence of the bacteria Clostridium difficile (CD) in the intestine of colorectal cancer patients. Researchers suggested that stage 4 colorectal patients or patients with lymph node metastasis (spread to the lymph nodes) had an increased risk of CD in the intestine. Some background CD...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the effects of exercise on recovery from colorectal cancer surgery. Researchers reported that exercise was associated with an improved recovery. Some background Recovery after surgery is only complete when the patient is able to return to normal day-to-day life. Not all colorectal cancer patients recover their...
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In a nutshell This study is the second update of a review focusing on the effects of an intense follow-up for patients with colorectal cancer after treatment. Some background Patients with colorectal cancer who underwent surgery or adjuvant therapy (treatment following surgery) are followed for several years. However, multiple appointments and...
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Dawn Goo is a waitress, former comedian, breast cancer survivor and is now under treatment for Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. She lives in El Paso, Texas. This is a post from her Facebook page which is gathering momentum in social media among people who have experienced cancer, especially those who are dealing with Stage 4 disease. DAMN IT DAWN! WE ONLY WANT...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study investigated the safety of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and surgery in colon cancer patients with peritoneal metastasis (PM). Researchers reported that HIPEC and surgery was associated with an increased risk of complications. Some background When colon cancer spreads to the abdominal lining (known as...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the outcomes of stage 3 rectal cancer patients with lymph node metastasis (cancer spread) who did not undergo chemotherapy and radiation (CRT) before surgery. Researchers suggested that these patients have worse outcomes when compared to patients who have undergone CRT. Some background CRT followed by...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the effect of panitumumab (Vectibix) in overall survival of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer without a KRAS or RAS mutation. Researchers suggested that panitumumab significantly improved survival in these patients. Some background Panitumumab is a therapy that targets a...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of pre-surgery combined chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin (5-FU/OX) and radiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Researchers suggested that this combined treatment could be beneficial for LARC patients. Some background The standard treatment for...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study investigated the risk factors for recurrence (when the cancer comes back) after surgery in patients with stage 2 and stage 3 colorectal cancer. Researchers suggested that high-risk patients can be identified by assessing tumor specific blood levels, tumor spread to the lymphatic system and infiltrative growth (IG; when the...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the outcomes of lower third rectal cancer patients treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy (CRT). Researchers suggested that CRT could be beneficial for lower rectal cancer patients. Some background The most adequate treatment for lower rectal cancer is still a challenge. Prior studies suggested...
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