In a nutshell This study evaluated the quality of life and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer patients suffering from anxiety and depression. Some background Many cancer patients experience anxiety and depression following diagnosis or treatments. It is estimated that 25% of lung cancer patient suffer from depression. Depression and anxiety...
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Current therapy and ongoing advances
In a nutshell This review discusses current therapy as well as ongoing advances in the treatment of non small-cell lung cancer. Some background Many advances have been made in recent years in the treatment of non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). New technologies used in radiation therapy are allowing for a more targeted and precise delivery of...
Read MoreDoes the number of lymph nodes sampled make a difference?
In a nutshell This study evaluated whether the number of resected lymph nodes is associated with survival rate in patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Some background Lung cancer cells can reach the lymph nodes (small collections of immune cells) around the bronchi (the airway ducts that deliver air to the lungs) and in the area...
Read MoreCan maintenance therapy improve survival?
In a nutshell This phase III clinical trial evaluated the impact continuing pemetrexed (Alimta) therapy in patients with advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) after an initial treatment with pemetrexed plus cisplatin (Platinol). Some background In patients with advanced NSCLC, when the cancer has begun to spread beyond the lungs, the...
Read MorePromising treatment for carcinoid tumors
In a nutshell This article reviewed the medical literature about the mTOR protein and the potential treatment of carcinoid tumors using mTOR inhibitors. Some background mTOR is a protein responsible for cell growth, proliferation and cell survival. A dysfunctional mTOR protein has been found in many types of cancer. Among these types...
Read MoreRecurrence after ablative radiotherapy
In a nutshell This study investigated the patterns of cancer recurrence in non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR). Some background Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) is a method of treating early stage, small lung cancer tumors, that cannot be removed by surgery. Like all types of...
Read MoreHaemoptysis predicts survival and recurrence
In a nutshell This study investigated the prognostic role of haemoptysis in patient diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of lung and cured after surgery. Some background Haemoptysis, or bloody sputum, is a common symptom of lung cancer. Haemoptysis is thought to occur due to the invasion of the cancer into the small blood vessels of the lung. Therefore,...
Read MoreNew advances in the treatment of neuroendocrine lung tumors
In a nutshell This review examines the advances in treatment options for neuroendocrine (carcinoid) tumors of the lung. Some background Neuroendocrine cells are found on the linings of organs such as the lungs, stomach or intestines. Normally, these cells have nerve-like and endocrine-like (hormone-making) properties, which help in regulating the...
Read MoreIs focused radiotherapy better than minimally invasive surgery?
In a nutshell This study compared the efficacy of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) versus stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) in reducing the risk of local recurrence (return of the cancer close to the primary site) in patients with early stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Some background In patients with early stage NSCLC,...
Read MoreWhat Should You Ask Your Doctor About Your Cancer Diagnosis?
Or Patient-Centered Cancer Care: IOM’s recommendations Last week, we looked at the recent Institute of Medicine’s report and wrote the post about “How the US Got Its Cancer Care Crisis“. This week we get more practical. With specific recommendations you can use! The general recommendations include: (1) becoming engaged patients. (2)...
Read MoreCan beta blockers slow cancer?
In a nutshell This study examined whether use of beta-blockers could slow the progression of non small-cell lung cancer. Some background Treatment of non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is often limited due to the rapid progression of the cancer and high recurrence rates. The mechanisms responsible for the rapid spread of NSCLC are unclear, but the...
Read MoreIf It Ain’t Broke Don’t Fix It? OR How the US Got Its Cancer Care Crisis
Did you know… In a study conducted in 2012, 69% of patients diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and 81% of those diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer did not understand that chemotherapy was not at all likely to cure their cancer? That a national survey showed physicians asked patients what they want in their care only ½ the time? That patients ask...
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