In a nutshell This study investigated two treatment options for patients with cancer that has spread to the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity). Some background A common location for colorectal cancer to spread is the peritoneum. The best way to treat patients with peritoneal invasion is with cytoreductive surgery plus intraperitoneal...
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In a nutshell This study investigated which surgical technique for colon cancer is safest when lymph nodes are also being dissected. Some background The two main surgeries for treating colon cancer are open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. Open surgery is the original technique involving a large incision to remove part of the bowel. Laparoscopic...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the long-term outcome of a minimally invasive surgical procedure in patients after chemoradiation. Some background The main treatment for patients with rectal cancer is chemoradiation followed by radical surgery. Radical surgery involves removal of the tumor and a large portion of the surrounding bowel....
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In a nutshell This study investigated if miR-21 levels can predict cancer relapse in colorectal cancer patients. Some background MicroRNA’s are small messengers that help regulate the levels of genes. Recent studies have shown that one particular microRNA, miR-21, is associated with the progression of some cancers. Certain proteins produced...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the rates of cancer return in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer that had not spread to lymph nodes, and whether any factors were linked to increased rates of cancer return. Some background Locally advanced rectal cancer indicates that the cancer has spread beyond the lining of the rectum, or has...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the impact of anastomotic leakage, a major surgical complication, on the risk for rectal cancer returning. Some background The main treatment option for patients with rectal cancer is surgery. One major complication that can occur after surgery is anastomotic leakage. Generally this involves the leakage of...
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In a nutshell This review highlights the existing concerns facing treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer patients with preoperative chemotherapy. Some background Locally advanced rectal cancer indicates that the cancer has spread beyond the lining of the rectum or has spread to the nearby lymph nodes. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy (PCRT;...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study analyzed whether the drug bevacizumab is linked with increased rates of surgical complications. Some background In locally advanced rectal cancer the cancer has spread beyond the lining of the rectum or has spread to the nearby lymph nodes. The standard treatment for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer is...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of bevacizumab (Avastin) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer aged 70 and above versus younger patients. Some background Bevacizumab is a new biologic therapy (a medicine extracted from biological sources e.g. produced by cell lines) for cancer treatment. It works by blocking the...
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In a nutshell The aim of this trial will be to determine whether participating in a physical activity program, along with health education, is more effective at decreasing colorectal cancer recurrence than health education alone. The primary outcome measured in this trial will be disease-free survival (how long following treatment a patient remains...
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In a nutshell This study examined the use and effectiveness of chemotherapy in patients with colon cancer that is contained to the inner layers of the colon but who have cancer positive lymph nodes. Some background Modern treatment of patients with node-positive colon cancer consists of adjuvant chemotherapy (chemotherapy administered after...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated how cetuximab (Erbitux) might be safely and effectively added to intermittent (a planned interruption in the treatment) chemotherapy regimens. Some background Advanced colorectal cancer is treated with a combination of cytotoxic drugs and novel treatments. Cytotoxic drugs, including chemotherapy, work by killing...
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