In a nutshell This study compared the efficacy and safety of two drug regimens in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Some background Cetuxima (Erbitux) prolongs survival of patients with metastatic (spread beyond the original location of the tumor) colorectal cancer. The effects of cetuximab in combination with chemotherapy regimens that...
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What is the best treatment for patients with rectal cancer after chemotherapy, radiation and surgery?
In a nutshell This study compared the effectiveness of oxaliplatin (Eloxatin) with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU Oncofluor, Fluorblastin) as post-surgery treatment for patients with rectal cancer. Some background The standard treatment for rectal cancer is chemotherapy and radiation therapy before surgery. The effectiveness of post-surgery...
Read MoreNew type of surgery improves survival without disease in colon cancer patients
In a nutshell This study compared the disease-free survival rates of patients who had a complete mesocolic excision with patients who had conventional surgery for treatment of colon cancer. Some background Patients with rectal cancer have higher survival rates than colon cancer patients. This is in part due to the type of surgery carried out. Many...
Read MoreNew minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated the outcome of a new type of surgery for rectal cancer. Some background A main treatment for rectal cancer is surgery to remove the tumor (resection) and to reattach the remaining ends of the digestive tract (anastomosis). In the past, this surgery has been done through one large cut in the abdomen, a fairly...
Read More“The sunshine vitamin” (vitamin D) and colorectal cancer survival rates
In a nutshell This study investigated whether colorectal cancer survival rates were influenced by levels of vitamin D in the body. Some background The rate of occurrence of colorectal cancer (CRC) varies greatly among different populations of the world. This could be due in part to variable levels of vitamin D in the body. Dietary intake of...
Read MoreStricter adherence to chemotherapy drug dosage recommendations improve survival outcomes in stage 3 colon cancer patients
In a nutshell This study investigated the effect of chemotherapy drug dose on the survival outcomes of stage 3 colon cancer patients. Some background Relative dose intensity (RDI) refers to the proportion of the standard drug dose received during chemotherapy. Previous studies have shown that an RDI greater than 70% is associated with better...
Read MoreIs single incision surgery safe and effective for rectal cancer?
In a nutshell This study examined the medium-term outcomes of single-incision laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of rectal cancer. Some background One major aspect of treatment for rectal cancer is surgery to remove the cancerous tissue. This is generally a major surgery which can be difficult to recover from. Newer techniques, such as...
Read MoreIn what order should chemotherapies be delivered?
In a nutshell This review discussed the use of second-line chemotherapy (therapy after disease progression despite initial treatment) in colorectal cancer. Some background Patients with advanced (spread to lymph nodes and beyond) colorectal cancer often require a second round of chemotherapy following their first treatments. The use of multiple...
Read MoreLooking for patients with adenocarcinoma of the rectum to receive chemotherapy and chemoradiation
In a nutshell This phase 2 trial located in the United States aims to determine whether patients with rectal cancer have better outcomes with chemotherapy before chemoradiation (chemotherapy plus radiation) or after chemoradiation. The outcome to be measured is the number of patients who survive without cancer. The details In...
Read MoreLooking for patients with CHFR or micosatellite instability to receive chemotherapy combination
In a nutshell This phase 2 trial located in Maryland, United States, aims to determine whether a combination of gemcitabine (Gemzar) and docetaxel (Taxotere) is effective in patients with metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma with CHFR and/or microsatellite instability. Patient's resposne to treatment will be measured. The details...
Read MoreHow Do I Tell My Child I Have Cancer? 7 Insights From Parents
A cancer diagnosis is overwhelming. So is the prospect of telling your children about a cancer diagnosis. Social media makes it possible for parents to share strategies and provide guidance to others facing this challenge. Here are some insights. Insight 1: Tell Your Children the News Parents protect. The natural inclination is to keep diagnoses of...
Read MoreCan classifying your cancer help predict whether it will spread to the lymph nodes?
In a nutshell This study looked at whether classifying a person’s cancer based on how it has started to grow into the local tissue can predict spread to lymph nodes (metastases). Some background A common treatment option for patients with T1 colorectal cancer (cancer is beginning to spread into the muscle layer) which has not...
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