In a nutshell This study examined whether progression-free survival time could be used to predict long-term prognosis in non-resectable, locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients following chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Some background Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common form of lung cancer, and roughly 30% of tumors...
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In a nutshell This large scale analysis looked at the impact of physical activity on cancer mortality. Some background It has long been assumed that the amount of physical activity, along with diet and other lifestyle factors, has an impact on the development and progression of cancer. Studies have shown an increased incidence of cancer diagnoses...
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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 study examined whether SAR245409 is safe and effective when used in combination with erlotinib (Tarceva). Some background SAR245409 is a newly developed drug, belonging to a class of agents called PI3K inhibitors. PI3K is a specific molecular pathway which propagates cancer cell growth and spread. Inhibiting the PI3K pathway is...
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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 examined whether a new genetic test could help predict long term prognosis in patients with early stage lung cancer. Such a test may help determine the need for chemotherapy after surgery. Some background Early stage (I and II) lung cancer can generally be treated by surgically removing the tumor. Chemotherapy is sometimes...
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In a nutshell This article looked at the potential benefits of following a structured exercise program after lung cancer surgery. Some background Lung cancer surgery often involves removing a part of the lung in order to remove the entire tumor. Patients undergoing such operations often have poor exercise tolerance and lung function after the...
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In a nutshell This article reviews recent news regarding two new lung cancer drugs: nivolumab and MK-3475. Some background Nivolumab and MK-3475 are new drugs that belong to a class referred to as PD-1 inhibitors. PD-1 inhibitors work by blocking a specific protein (PD-1 or programmed cell death protein 1) found on many cells of the immune...
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Smoking and Tobacco Products Sales in the News According to a review of the history of tobacco control in the US, by the CDC, the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in 1950, provided the first evidential link of smoking to cancers and other diseases. It took 40 years for the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)...
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In a nutshell This trial compared two treatment strategies following chemotherapy for advanced and metastatic lung cancer patients: bevacizumab (Avastin) alone versus bevacizumab and erlotinib (Tarceva). Some background Bevacizumab and erlotinib target specific weaknesses found in cancer cells. Bevacizumab works by blocking the tumor’s...
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In a nutshell This study examined the safety and efficacy of gefitinib (Iressa) in EGFR-positive, non-small-cell lung cancer among Caucasian patients. Some background Many types of cancer, including non-small-cell lung cancer, are caused by genetic mutations. A mutation in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene leads to the...
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In a nutshell This study examined the optimal dose of everolimus (Afinitor) when combined with etoposide and cisplatin, chemotherapy agents used in the treatment of small-cell lung cancer. Some background Chemotherapy is the main course of therapy used for the treatment of small-cell lung cancer. The most common chemotherapy agents used are...
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