In a nutshell This study evaluated short-course radiation therapy (RT) followed by chemotherapy as a non-surgical treatment of patients with rectal cancer (RC). The data showed that treatment with short-course RT and chemotherapy is safe and effective for these patients. Some background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of...
Read MoreConfined or spread disease-Confined only to the colon, rectum or appendix Posts on Medivizor
CT-guided radioactive implant improves the outcomes of locally advanced rectal cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of computed tomography (CT)-guided radioactive 125Iodine (RI) implantation in patients with recurrent locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Researchers suggested that CT-guided RI implantation is a good and safe treatment for patients with LARC that came back...
Read MoreDoes chemotherapy after complete removal of rectal cancer improve outcomes?
In a nutshell This study investigated the differences in following the guidelines for advanced rectal cancer treatments. Researchers suggested chemotherapy after the complete removal of rectal cancer improves survival. Some background This year, an estimated 147,950 adults in the US will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Of these, 43,340 will be...
Read MoreLooking for participants to test a chemo-radiotherapy combination for operable rectal cancer
In a nutshell This trial is examining the effectiveness and safety of short-course radiation therapy and TAS-102 (Lonsurf) plus oxaliplatin (Eloxatin) chemotherapy in rectal cancer. The main outcome to be measured will be the change in treatment response. This study is being conducted in the US. The details Colorectal cancer is one of...
Read MoreDoes chemotherapy after surgery improve survival in high-risk stage 2 colorectal cancer?
In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness of chemotherapy after surgery in stage 2 colorectal cancer (CRC). Researchers suggested that this treatment may result in survival improvement but should be individualized. Some background CRC affects 145,600 adults in the US every year. Treatment for this disease is guided by stage at...
Read MoreA longer interval between chemoradiotherapy and surgery improves rectal cancer outcomes
In a nutshell This study compared the effects of different time intervals between chemotherapy and radiation therapy (CRT) and rectal cancer surgery. Researchers suggested that increasing this interval from 8 weeks to 12 weeks improved treatment response. Some background Over 70% of patients with rectal cancer have locally advanced disease at...
Read MoreLooking for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer to test a chemotherapy treatment
In a nutshell This phase 2 trial is examining the effectiveness of FOLFOX chemotherapy to treat patients with rectal cancer, without surgery and radiation. The main outcome to be measured will be the tumor response to the treatment. This study is being conducted in New York, US. The details This year an estimated 44,180 people will be diagnosed with...
Read MoreLooking for patients with early rectal cancer to test less invasive surgery with chemotherapy
In a nutshell This trial is examining the effectiveness of chemotherapy followed by a less invasive surgery for early rectal cancer. The main outcome will be the number of patients keeping their rectum. This trial is being conducted in Canada and the United States. The details Rectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the US. The standard...
Read MoreX-ray brachytherapy might be a safer option in the treatment of early rectal cancers
In a nutshell This study investigated the effect of X-ray brachytherapy (XRB) in the treatment of patients with rectal cancer who underwent local surgery. Researchers suggested that XRB is associated with improved outcomes and could be used instead of radical surgery. Some background Screening programs increased the number of patients being diagnosed...
Read MoreTransanal endoscopic microsurgery after chemoradiotherapy improves rectal cancer outcomes
In a nutshell This study investigated long term rectal cancer outcomes in patients who received chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and transanal microsurgery. Researchers suggested that this treatment improves treatment outcomes and quality of life of patients. Some background The standard treatment for rectal cancer is surgery. However,...
Read MoreLymphocyte count reduction is associated with better rectal cancer outcomes
In a nutshell This study investigated the relationship between lymphocyte (a type of white blood cells) counts and treatment outcomes for patients with rectal cancer. Researchers suggested that lymphocyte count reduction may be caused by rectal cancer treatment and is associated with better tumor response. Some background Colorectal cancer is the...
Read MoreRectal cancer: short- and long-term outcomes of robotic assisted laparoscopic surgery
In a nutshell This article investigated the short- and long-term outcomes of patients with rectal cancer who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS). The authors concluded that RALS is beneficial and has good short- and long-term outcomes. Some background Conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS; involves small cuts...
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