In a nutshell This review examined the safety and effectiveness of dabrafenib (Tafinlar) and trametinib (Mekinist) for inoperable metastatic melanoma. Researchers concluded that this combined treatment is an important therapy option for patients with metastatic melanoma. Some background Some melanoma patients have a mutation...
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In a nutshell This study compared the effectiveness of the chemotherapies FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab (Avastin) and mFOLFOX6 plus bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer. Researchers suggested that these two treatments are equally effective. Some background Roughly 20% of colorectal cancer patients have metastasis (spread to other...
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In a nutshell This study looked at the effect of adding bevacizumab (Avastin) to letrozole (Femara) treatment in patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) metastatic (spread to other areas) breast cancer. They found that bevacizumab treatment prolonged the amount of time before patients experienced worsening of their...
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In a nutshell This phase 2 trial recruiting in Houston, Texas (US) aims to compare the effect of having a liver tumor surgically removed along with chemotherapy to chemotherapy alone in patients whose colorectal cancer has spread to their liver and lungs. The main outcome to be measured is overall survival (time from treatment until death from any...
Read MoreIn a nutshell The authors investigated the correlation between the level of PD-1, an important protein in immune system, and clinical response of melanoma patients treated with anti-PD1 therapy. The authors concluded that the level of PD-1 was significantly associated with clinical response in metastatic melanoma patients receiving anti-PD1...
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In a nutshell In this study, the American Society of Clinical Oncology Provisional Clinical Opinion (PCO) updated recommendations for treating metastatic (spread to other organs) colorectal cancer patients with RAS gene mutation. Some background RAS mutation (change) is one of the most common in colorectal tumors. This mutation can affect the...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the association between the tumor side and cetuximab (Erbitux) effectiveness in metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) colorectal cancer. Researchers reported that cetuximab was more effective in left-sided tumors. Some background Left and right- sided colorectal cancer have different...
Read MoreIn a nutshell The authors examined the long-term outcome of vaccine-treated melanoma patients. They found that vaccination was associated with better survival. Some background In advanced melanoma (stages 3 or 4) cancer spreads from the skin to other parts of the body. Cancer vaccines are a new treatment option for these stages of melanoma....
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In a nutshell This study investigated colorectal surgery as treatment option for metastatic (the cancer has spread to other organs) colorectal cancer. Researchers reported that colorectal surgery alone is associated with increased survival rates. Some background Roughly 20% of colorectal cancers are diagnosed once they have already spread. Prior...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to analyze the factors that could predict resistance to BRAF inhibitor therapy in advanced melanoma. The authors found out that levels of certain proteins and the presence of a type of immune cell could predict the occurrence of resistance. Some background In advanced melanoma (stages 3 or 4), cancer spreads...
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In a nutshell This analysis provides recommendations on the correct use of biomarkers to guide decisions on systemic therapy for metastatic breast cancer. The article concluded that it is important that the medical community continue to carry out high-quality biomarker research for women with advanced breast cancer. Some background To help doctors...
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In a nutshell This study investigated predictors of response to therapy in patients with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer. The study concluded that mucocutaneous toxicities (those affecting the skin or mucous membranes) could be predictors of the response to lapatinib (Tykerb or Tyverb) in patients with HER2-positive advanced breast...
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