In a nutshell The authors suggest that the risk of disease recurrence of early-stage colon cancer can be predicted by a panel of microRNA’s that are measurable in the circulation at the time of cancer diagnosis. Some background Outcomes for patients with early-stage colorectal cancer differ widely between patients. Approximately 1 in 4...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study reports the long term data on the use of panitimumab-FOLFIRI in metastatic colorectal cancer. Some background Many agents are now available for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. FOLFIRI is a treatment method consisting of 5-flurouracil (slows or stops cell growth), leucovorin (Fusilev;...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated the association between preoperative lymphocyte to monocyte ratio and time to recurrence and overall survival in colon cancer. Some background Surgery is the principle treatment option for advanced non-metastatic (has not spread to distant organs) colon cancer. 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy is the...
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In a nutshell The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of primary tumor removal and lymph node dissection on disease outcome in metastatic colorectal cancer. Some background Approximately 15-20% of patients with colorectal cancer are diagnosed with distant metastasis (spread of the cancer) despite widespread screening. While in some...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study assessed the association between overall survival and time between surgery and chemotherapy in colorectal cancer patients. Some background Colorectal resection, surgery to remove part or all of the colon or rectum, is the standard of care in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Additional chemotherapy following surgery...
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“Keep Calm And Carry On:” Really? “The shock of that day you hear the words, ‘you have cancer’ never leaves you and your sense of certainty in life and in your body can be hard to recapture after a diagnosis of cancer.”-Marie Ennis-O’Connor After Surgery, Chemo, Radiation This is the time when feeling sick is supposed to be over. ...
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Being Informed For Vilma Aleida, neuropathy was a surprise. “Neuropathy appeared in 2011 during my 7th chemo….That 7th chemo was the infusion of two treatments (taxotere and trastuzumab). The result send me to the ER, the pain was only relieved with morphine. After that, I have been living with neuropathy in my legs, from my knees down. I...
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In a nutshell This review analyzed a number of studies evaluating the risk factors for anastomotic leakage in patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection. Some background Colorectal resection, defined as the surgical removal of part of the colon or rectum with cancerous cells, is usually the main treatment for colorectal cancer....
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study evaluated markers of circulating tumor cells as prognostic factors and predictive factors in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Some background Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is cancer whereby tumor cells have spread from the colon or rectum to other organs and tissues. The cells that escape from...
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In a nutshell This article reviewed the role and efficacy of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for colorectal cancer-related oligometastasis. Some background Colorectal cancer may spread from the primary site (colon or rectum) to other organs and tissues of the body. This is referred to as...
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Fatigue and Cancer Treatment You’ve finished treatment but you still feel fatigue. Fatigue is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy and cancer treatment that can continue after treatment. It doesn’t seem logical but research indicates that physical activity can help. Physical Activity and Cancer Survivorship The Centers for...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated the effect of endoscopic procedures on subsequent surgical outcomes. Some background Most colorectal cancers start as small polyps; an abnormal growth of tissue that starts in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Although most polyps are not malignant, some represent early stage cancer, and early removal...
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