In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine how radiotherapy influenced patient quality of life after treatment. Some background Radiotherapy is a common treatment used in prostate cancer. It targets a direct beam of radiation at the cancer site, minimizing damage to adjacent healthy cells. There are numerous types of radiotherapy, including...
Read MoreWill adjusting the dose of pramlintide reduce side effects in type 1 diabetics?
In a nutshell This study examined whether adjusting the dose of pramlintide based on the insulin dose is safe and effective. Some background Amylin is a hormone produced by the pancreas which delays the passage of food through the stomach and therefore reduces appetite, resulting in weight loss. Amylin and insulin (hormone which reduces...
Read MoreSide effects from combination of radiation and BRAF inhibitor therapy in melanoma
In a nutshell The authors analyzed the adverse effect of combination treatment with radiation and targeted therapy in melanoma. Some background In advanced melanoma (stage III/IV), cancer spreads from the skin to other parts of the body. In the majority of advanced melanoma patients, BRAF genes are mutated...
Read MoreSide effects of antirheumatic drugs in real-life conditions
In a nutshell The authors analyzed the occurrence of treatment-related side effects in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the factors that cause discontinuation of such treatments. Some background In RA, high levels of immune system proteins are generated. This causes inflammation, leading to chronic pain. Disease-modifying...
Read MoreShould you be worried about the side effects of chemotherapy while treating your stage III colon cancer ?
In a nutshell This study looked at the side effects of one chemotherapy regime in colon cancer patients over the age of 70. Some background Surgery is the standard treatment for stage III colon cancer (cancer that has spread beyond the colon to the lymph nodes), while chemotherapy is also effective. A combination of a type of...
Read MoreType 2 Diabetes – Which drug combination reduces blood sugar while causing the least side effects?
In a nutshell This study investigated the blood sugar reduction and sid-effects associated with 4 different drug combinations in type 2 diabetes. Some background Metformin (Glucophage) decreases glucose production. It is often the first choice of treatment for type 2 diabetes. Commonly, other drugs are prescribed to be taken alongside...
Read MoreSkin side effects in combination therapy versus single therapy in melanoma
In a nutshell The authors aimed to compare safety of a combination therapy over a single therapy in advanced melanoma patients. Some background In the advanced stage of melanoma (stage III/IV), cancer spreads from the skin to other parts of the body. In the majority of advanced melanoma patients, BRAF genes are mutated (permanently...
Read MoreComparing urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction as side effects after robotic vs. open prostate removal
In a nutshell This study aimed to evaluate the complications associated with robotic-assisted prostate removal (minimally invasive) compared to an open surgical procedure (more invasive). Some background Open surgical removal of the prostate has previously been the traditional surgical approach for prostate cancer treatment. Robot-assisted...
Read MoreBenefits of personalized dosing of 5-fluorouracil: decreased side effects and improved outcomes
In a nutshell This study evaluated the benefits of personalized 5-fluorouracil (Efudex) dosing in early and late-stage colorectal cancer patients. Some background 5-fluorouracil has been a mainstay of colorectal cancer chemotherapy for over 50 years. Research has shown that in order for 5-fluorouracil to work effectively target concentrations need...
Read MoreAn alternative to open surgery: evaluating side effects
In a nutshell This study evaluated the sexual and anorectal (the final part of the large bowel) functions after rectal cancer removal and radiotherapy. Some background The rectum is the lowest part of the large intestine, located behind the urinary bladder and nearby the nerves and structures that control sexual function. Usually, patients who...
Read MoreNew radiotherapy delivery method reduces side effects
In a nutshell This study examined the effects of noninvasive image-guided breast brachytherapy using the Accuboost device. Some background Following surgery, high dose radiotherapy is often directed at the tumor bed to ensure the destruction of any remaining cancer cells and prevent cancer recurrence (often referred to as a...
Read MoreMore side effects for neoadjuvant therapies
In a nutshell This study compared the functional outcomes of patients treated with surgery alone and chemotherapy or radiotherapy before surgery for rectal cancer. Some background There are various treatment options for rectal cancer (cancer in the lowest part of the bowel). Some of them may involve use of radiation therapy (RT) or...
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