In a nutshell This study investigated the connections between fertility issues in women and pregnancy outcomes in patients who needed help to conceive, and in patients who conceived naturally. The time it takes to get pregnant was identified as an important risk factor for poor pregnancy outcomes. Advanced maternal age, and maternal obesity also had...
Read MoreThe effects of antidepressants (SSRIs) on breast cancer survival prospects
In a nutshell This study investigated whether selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) taken with tamoxifen (Nolvadex) influenced survival rates in breast cancer patients. The study also looked at the association between SSRI use and patients’ ability to stay on their oral hormone therapy drugs. Using SSRIs with tamoxifen had no effect...
Read MoreLong-term effects of adalimumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
In a nutshell The study looked at the long-term risks associated with adalimumab (Humira) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The authors concluded that no additional long-term risks related to serious infections, response to vaccines or birth defects have been found. Some background In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the immune system attacks the...
Read MoreThe effects of a low-glycemic index diet on pregnancy rates in overweight women with fertility issues
In a nutshell This study investigated the effects of a low calorie, low-glycemic index (a measure of the effect carbohydrate foods have on blood sugar hormone levels) diet on pregnancy rates in overweight women with infertility. The study showed that a low glycemic diet led to decreased weight and improved pregnancy rates. Some...
Read MoreReconsidering chemotherapy for older men with advanced prostate cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated the effects of health status in older patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer on treatment outcome with taxane-based chemotherapies. Researchers reported that taxane-based chemotherapies were associated with a significant survival benefit, regardless of age and health status. Some background...
Read MoreExamining the effects of dutasteride on nocturia
In a nutshell This study evaluated the effectiveness of dutasteride (Avodart) for the treatment of nocturia among men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The authors concluded that dutasteride shows some benefit at reducing episodes of nocturia. Some background Nocturia refers to a frequent need to wake up at night and pass urine. Nocturia...
Read MoreDecreased kidney function may be a side effect of anti-cancer drug crizotinib.
In a nutshell This trial assessed whether the anti-cancer drug crizotinib (Xalkori) leads to decreased kidney function as a side effect. The trial concluded that while taking crizotinib kidney function is decreased; however, function recovers once drug administration is stopped. Some background Several non-small cell lung ancers...
Read MoreThe effects of berberine on women with polycystic ovary syndrome
In a nutshell This study assessed the effects of berberine on the menstrual cycle, ovulation rates, hormone levels and metabolism of Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study found that berberine may improve the menstrual pattern and ovulation rates in these patients. Some background PCOS is a syndrome in which...
Read MoreWhen Should Prostate Cancer Patients Consider Participating in a Clinical Trial? (VIDEO)
Recorded on July 12, 2015 Sumit K. Subudhi, MD, PhD Assistant Professor, Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Jeri Kim, MD Associate Professor, Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine The University of...
Read MoreWhat are the long-term effects of newer chemoradiotherapy techniques in rectal cancer?
In a nutshell This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of a type of chemoradiotherapy following surgery for rectal cancer. Some background Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA. Advanced radiation treatments such as three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) and...
Read MoreTraditional Chinese medicine; the effects on breast cancer survival
In a nutshell The authors aimed to assess the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine used with conventional breast cancer treatments on breast cancer survival. Some background Traditional Chinese medicine is an alternative therapy that can complement breast cancer treatments. This generally includes various forms of herbal medicine,...
Read MoreAdvances in post-surgery radiation; what are the effects on breast cancer?
In a nutshell The authors aimed to study the effects of a type of post-surgical radiation; radiation to only the affected area of the breast. Some background Radiation is a type of cancer treatment that is recommended following a lumpectomy (removal of the tumor and some surrounding tissue; breast remains intact). 'Brachytherapy' is...
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