In a nutshell This study investigated the risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE; a blood clot in a vein) after hospital discharge following colorectal surgery. Researchers suggested that the length of hospitalization after surgery is associated with post-discharge VTE. Some background It is estimated that 31% of hospitalized patients are at...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the benefits of pre-surgery chemotherapy and radiation therapy (CRT) in patients with rectal cancer and pelvic lymph node metastasis (spread of cancer). Researchers suggested that CRT may have a beneficial impact in the disease outcomes of these patients. Some background CRT followed by surgery is the...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of the chemotherapy XELOX combined with cetuximab (Erbitux) as treatment for metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) colorectal cancer. Researchers suggested that this combination was effective in these patients with manageable side effects. Some background Colorectal...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study investigated the impact of radiation therapy (RT) followed by surgery in rectal cancer patients. Researchers suggested that RT increases the risk of anastomotic leakage and narrowing (stenosis) after rectal cancer. Some background Surgery for rectal cancer often involves the rejoining of two parts of intestine. Anastomotic...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in colorectal cancer patients with early stage peritoneal metastasis (PM; when the cancer spreads to the abdominal lining). Researchers suggested that HIPEC may benefit these patients. Some background The peritoneal region is the second...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study investigated the outcomes of localized surgery following chemotherapy and radiation therapy (CRT) in rectal cancer. Researchers suggested that localized surgery should only be considered after a complete response to CRT. Some background Radical surgery or total mesorectal excision (TME; bowel and lymph nodes around...
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The northern hemisphere is experiencing all that autumn brings–colors in reds, golds, purples, browns and orange. Leaves, squash, corn, potatoes and pumpkins are the flowers of fall. Potatoes, first cultivated by the Incas, are now one of the largest food crops worldwide. To celebrate autumn we are sharing another recipe by Holly Clegg called...
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In a nutshell This study compared the effectiveness of the chemotherapy FOLFIRI plus cetuximab (Erbitux) and FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab (Avastin). Researchers suggested that FOLFIRI plus cetuximab is associated with a higher effectiveness in treating metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) colorectal cancers. Some background FOLFIRI is...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study investigated the risk of hemorrhage (blood loss) associated with bevacizumab (Avastin) treatment in metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) colorectal cancer patients. Researchers reported that bevacizumab significantly increases the risk of hemorrhage. Some background The formation of new blood vessels is an...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the impact of tumor budding (when surrounding the tumor there are tumor cells released from the main tumor that can spread to other places in the body) in colorectal cancer. Researchers suggested that tumor budding is predictive of lymph node metastasis (spread to the lymph nodes), recurrence (when the cancer comes...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the benefits of chemotherapy and short-course radiotherapy (SCR) followed by surgery in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) with metastasis (spread to other parts of the body). Researchers suggested that this treatment approach is an effective and safe option for LARC patients with operable...
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In a nutshell In this report, the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) updated recommendations for treating metastatic (spread to other organs) colorectal cancer. Some background Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in Europe. Over the last decade in particular, the clinical outcome for patients with metastatic...
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