In a nutshell This study aimed to compare quality of life between patients with metastatic prostate cancer who were treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and docetaxel and those who were treated with ADT alone. This study found that ADT and docetaxel was associated with statistically worse QOL at 3 months. However, QOL was better...
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Comparing radiotherapy treatment regimens for prostate cancer
In a nutshell This study aimed to evaluate two different timelines of delivering radiotherapy, 56 Gy delivered in 16 treatments or 67 Gy delivered in 25 treatments, to the prostate. This study found that both treatments are safe and effective in the treatment of prostate cancer. Some background Hypo-fractionated radiation therapy...
Read MoreChemotherapy options for metastatic triple negative breast cancer
Methods and Findings The study looked at female patients with metastatic TNBC. They had not had any previous treatment. Three different combinations of chemotherapy were assessed. Nab-paclitaxel + carboplatin (PC), gemcitabine + carboplatin (GC), and nab-paclitaxel + gemcitabine (PG). 191 patients were randomly assigned one of the three...
Read MoremFOLFOX6 and XELOX have similar side effect rates stage 3 colon cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated the safety of the chemotherapies mFOLFOX6 and XELOX in Japanese colon cancer patients. Researchers suggested that the safety of both treatments is acceptable. Some background FOLFOX chemotherapy is the standard treatment for stage 3 colon cancer patients who underwent surgery. mFOLFOX6 combines leucovorin,...
Read MoreComparing two targeted therapy drugs – is gefitinib safer than erlotinib?
In a nutshell This study compared two targeted therapy drugs gefitinib (Iressa) and erlotinib (Tarceva) in terms of effectiveness and safety at treating patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. They concluded gefitinib was as effective as erlotinib but with fewer toxic side effects. Some background Current and newer treatment options...
Read MoreDoes a medication used to treat diabetes have anti-cancer potential?
In a nutshell This study looked at the anticancer effect of metformin (Glucophage), a drug commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. The authors concluded that metformin in combination with current cancer therapies such as chemotherapy improved progression free survival in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Some background Patients with...
Read MoreDoes a medication used to treat diabetes have anti-cancer potential?
In a nutshell This study looked at the anticancer effect of metformin (Glucophage), a drug commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. The authors concluded that metformin in combination with current cancer therapies such as chemotherapy improved progression free survival in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Some background Patients with...
Read MoreComparing gene-targeting therapy to standard chemotherapy in patients with early stage NSCLC
In a nutshell This study compared gefitinib (Iressa) to cisplatin (Platinol)-based chemotherapy for treating patients with EGFR-mutation positive, early stage non-small-cell lung cancer, after surgery. The authors concluded that while treatment with gefitinib improved disease free survival compared to chemotherapy, they were unable to calculate overall...
Read MoreChemotherapy after surgery in stage 3 colon cancer patients
In a nutshell This study investigated the optimal time to start chemotherapy after colon surgery. Researchers suggested that patients should start chemotherapy within 8 weeks after surgery. Some background The recommended treatment for stage 3 colon cancer is surgery followed by chemotherapy. This reduces the risk of recurrence (when the cancer comes...
Read MoreDelayed chemotherapy after surgery in stage 3 colon cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated if delayed chemotherapy treatment after surgery is associated with improved colon cancer outcomes. Researchers suggested that patients should receive chemotherapy within 6-8 weeks after surgery. Some background The standard treatment for stage 3 colon cancer is surgery followed by chemotherapy. Some...
Read MoreRecommendations for radiation therapy in prostate cancer
In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine the benefit of brachytherapy in men with prostate cancer. The authors recommended brachytherapy treatments in men with low-, intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer alone or in combination with other treatments. Some background Brachytherapy is a form of radiation therapy. It involves implanting a seed...
Read MoreTumor thickness as a prognostic factor for melanoma patients
In a nutshell This study investigated the relationship between tumor thickness and melanoma prognosis. Researchers suggested that patients with less than 0.8 mm thick tumors have an improved prognosis. Some background Primary tumor thickness is the most important predictor of melanoma outcomes. The current melanoma staging system defines the...
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