In a nutshell This paper examined the short- and long-term benefits of keyhole surgery compared to open surgery. Some background Laparoscopic surgery (also known as keyhole surgery) is surgery where one or more small cuts are made in the skin. This type of surgery leads to faster recovery times, better cosmetic results and fewer...
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In a nutshell This study examined whether levels of microRNA-21 could predict the patient response to chemo-radiotherapy delivered before they had surgery. Some background Almost a third of colorectal cancer is rectal cancer. The treatment for this cancer which has started to spread is a combination of chemotherapy,...
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In a nutshell This study looked at the survival of patients with advanced rectal cancer when treated with chemotherapy either before or after chemoradiation and surgery. Some background A common treatment option for rectal cancer is a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy (chemoradiation) followed by surgery. Further...
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In a nutshell This study looked at the amount of fat found around the internal organs – called visceral fat – of colon cancer patients and whether the amount of fat was linked to their survival. Some background Obesity has become one of the most widespread health issues today. Obesity has been linked with longer hospital stays and...
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In a nutshell This study looked at two different types of surgery: single port and multi-port surgery and compared the outcomes of each for colorectal cancer patients. Some background Studies have shown that surgical removal of tumors via a surgical method known as laparoscopic surgery is beneficial. Laparoscopic surgery is sometimes called...
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In a nutshell This study compared the outcomes of laparoscopic surgery (where a few small cuts are made in the skin) and open surgery (where one or more larger cuts are made) combined with a specialized recovery program after surgery. Some background When compared with open surgery, laparoscopic surgery leads to...
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In a nutshell This study looked at the original site of cancer and whether the area it may spread to can be predicted. Some background The location of metastases (where cancer has spread) is an important predictor for survival. It also helps determine the treatment strategy used. If metastases are not detected, it is most often surgery...
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We’ve gotten used to thinking about having cancer in your colon or lung or breast. We’ve systematized treatments and research of cancer by the organ that’s affected. And we’ve been fundraising that way too–pitting lung cancer against breast cancer against childhood cancers. But what if this view of cancer is totally...
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In a nutshell This study looked at the side effects of one chemotherapy regime in colon cancer patients over the age of 70. Some background Surgery is the standard treatment for stage III colon cancer (cancer that has spread beyond the colon to the lymph nodes), while chemotherapy is also effective. A combination of a type of...
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In a nutshell This study looked at the changes in the condition of patients with colorectal cancer who had surgery to remove their tumors. Some background Studies have shown that surgical removal of tumors (known as resection) is associated with a positive outlook in survival for patients with colorectal cancer. This is true for patients...
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In a nutshell This study looked at how useful the change in the amount of muscle after chemotherapy is at predicting the course of colorectal cancer. Some background As we age we normally lose some muscle. This limits physical activity such as exercise. In patients with cancer, lower levels of muscle can increase side...
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In our previous post, Making Sense of ASCO 2015 Findings: Part 1, we began our report on specific studies presented at The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 51st Annual Meeting. How should this information be interpreted? At conferences like ASCO, scientific discoveries are usually presented before publication and without complete peer review...
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