In a nutshell This study examined if there is any difference in urinary or sexual function after different surgical methods. Some background The main goal of localized rectal cancer (cancer that has not spread outside the rectum) surgery is to fully remove the tumor and cure the patient. Total mesorectal excision (a significant length of bowel...
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In a nutshell This study assessed whether panitumumab is as good as cetuximab for patients with colorectal cancer that is unresponsive to chemotherapy (chemotherapy-refractory colorectal cancer). Some background Colorectal cancer is the fourth-leading cause of cancer related death worldwide. For patients whose cancer has metastasized (spread...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This trial, recruiting in China only, aims to evaluate whether adding bevacizumab (Avastin) to radiation and chemotherapy regimens is a more effective treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (cancer that has started to infiltrate surrounding tissues). The main outcome being investigated is tumor regression (shrinkage) following the...
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In a nutshell This study examined if the TNM staging system is useful for predicting the outcome of patients with rectal carcinoids (also known as neuroendocrine tumors). Some background Patients with rectal carcinoids have neuroendocrine tumors in the rectum. Neuroendocrine cells are important as they allow the nervous system (includes the brain...
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In a nutshell This study developed a new method for assessing Crohn’s-like lymphoid reaction (CLR) in patients with colorectal cancer. It also examined if CLR can be useful for predicting patient outcome. Some background Patients with colorectal cancer can have inflammation in the bowel which is similar to inflammation in patients with...
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In a nutshell This study examined whether circumferential resection margins (CRM) are useful for predicting disease outcome in patients who have received chemoradiotherapy (chemotherapy plus radiotherapy). Some background Locally advanced rectal cancer indicates that the cancer has spread beyond the lining of the rectum or has spread to the nearby...
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In a nutshell This study examined the implications of having a BRAF mutation for patients with colorectal cancer that has spread (metastasized). Some background Genetic analysis has been a useful development in cancer research. Analyzing patients’ genes can provide information on their risk for developing cancer, response to medication...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study pinpointed factors that can predict cancer recurrence in the pelvis in patients treated with chemoradiotherapy before surgery. Some background In locally advanced rectal cancer the cancer has grown from the rectum (the lowest part of the large bowel) into surrounding tissues and organs, or has spread beyond the bowel....
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In a nutshell This study compared patient outcomes after laparoscopic surgery (a modern, minimally-invasive technique involving very small incisions) and minilaparotomy (a larger incision is made which allows direct visualization of the surgery). Some background Surgery is the main treatment for rectal cancer. Open surgery is the original surgical...
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In a nutshell The study evaluated whether levels of cathepsin X can be used to predict if colorectal cancer patients would benefit from chemotherapy. Some background Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in Europe and the US. The availability of biomarkers (measurable indicators of a biologic state or...
Read MoreIn a nutshell In this study the authors examined whether laparoscopic surgery (a modern, minimally-invasive technique involving very small incisions) is as effective as open surgery (original technique where a large incision is made) for patients with colon cancer. Some background Surgery is the main treatment for curing...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated the safety of low dose celecoxib treatment (400 mg/day) for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Some background Locally advanced rectal cancer means the cancer has grown from the rectum (the lowest part of the large bowel) into surrounding tissues and organs. The treatment...
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