In a nutshell This study investigated the role of trastuzumab (Herceptin) as part of standard care in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 positive (HER2+) early breast cancer (BC). The study conclude that trastuzumab was effective in general practice, including patients not often included in clinical trials (such as the...
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In a nutshell The aim of the study was to examine if sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) could be used to select patients with prostate cancer who would benefit from further pelvic radiation therapy and long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). It was concluded that SLND could be used as a tool to determine whether patients should have more...
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In a nutshell The authors examined the use of local consolidative therapy to treat patients with advanced NSCLC with few metastases after first line treatment. They concluded that this is more effective than maintenance therapy alone for this specific group of patients. Some background Previous studies that examined treatment failure after first...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging as a prognostic tool in primary breast cancer (BC) patients. The study concluded that MR imaging can identify features which can be used to help predict the risk of distant metastasis (cancer spread to other areas) in patients. Some background Between 20-30%...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the impact of whole breast radiation therapy (WBRT) and accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) on the severity of post-treatment side effects and quality of life. This study concluded that both forms of radiation therapy (RT) show similar survival benefits and similar quality of life in early-stage breast...
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In a nutshell This phase 2 trial aims to evaluate the benefit of adding metformin (Glucophage) to hormone therapy with bicalutamide (Casodex). The main outcome to be investigated is treatment response. The trial is recruiting in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), USA. The details Obesity and metabolic syndrome (a collection of conditions including...
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In a nutshell The review summarizes recent clinical trials and provides up to date guidelines on the detection, treatment and follw-up of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Some background Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally with NSCLC as the most common subtype of lung cancer. The success...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the timing for relapse of stage 2 melanoma patients. Researchers suggested that patients with stage 2C melanomas are at higher risk of relapse and need a closer follow-up. Some background Stage 2 melanoma patients can be divided in 3 different groups depending on specific factors such as tumor...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of treatment with ipilimumab (Yervoy) after anti-PD1 agents such as nivolumab (Opdivo) or pembrolizumab (Keytruda). Researchers suggested that patients can benefit from treatment with ipilimumab, but at a cost of a higher toxicity. Some...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study investigated the complications that occur after intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) treatment. The authors concluded that IORT is generally a safe treatment to use with BCS. Some background Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) treats breast cancer by removing just the tumor from the affected breast. IORT is sometimes...
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In a nutshell This review examined the benefits of extending hormone therapy from 5 to 10 years in patients with hormone receptor positive breast cancer. The study concluded that treatment recommendations should take factors such as previous treatments and potential side effects into account. Some background Hormone-receptor (HR)-positive breast...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study examined whether stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a safe and effective treatment for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with tumors measuring over 5 cm. The authors concluded that SBRT is safe and effective for these patients. Some background Some patients with NSCLC are ineligible for...
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