In a nutshell This trial examined whether the immunotherapy atezolizumab (Tecentriq) is more effective than docetaxel (Taxotere) at treating non-small-cell lung cancer that has progressed passed first line treatment. The authors concluded that atezolizumab provided an overall survival benefit compared to docetaxel. Some background Docetaxel is the...
Read MoreCurrent disease status-First occurrence of the cancer Posts on Medivizor
The risk delaying of delaying adjuvant therapy in breast cancer patients
In a nutshell This study examined the relationship between the time taken to start adjuvant chemotherapy and survival. The authors determined that a delay in adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with reduced survival. Some background Adjuvant chemotherapy is additional chemotherapy given after surgery. It is routinely used in women who are at risk...
Read MoreAnalysis of lymph node ratios predicts outcomes in breast cancer patients
In a nutshell This study examined whether the lymph node ratio could predict outcome in breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This study concluded that the lymph node ratio could predict prognosis. Some background Lymph node involvement (cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes) affects prognosis (outcome) in...
Read MoreSecondary hormone therapies: Should abiraterone or enzalutamide be administered first?
In a nutshell This study examined whether abiraterone (Zytiga) or enzalutamide (Xtandi) should be administered first in the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Authors report preliminary evidence for reduced disease progression when administering abiraterone before enzalutamide compared to the reverse sequence. A significant...
Read MoreTreating non-small-cell lung cancer with immunotherapy
In a nutshell This review focused on whether adoptive immunotherapy (AI) can positively influence the chance of survival for patients with non-small-cell lunger cancer (NSCLC) that have undergone surgery. The authors concluded that AI post surgery is safe and effective. Some background For patients with NSCLC, surgery is usually followed by...
Read MorePegylated liposomal doxorubicin and capecitabine are effective first line therapies for metastatic breast cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of using liposomal pegylated doxorubicin (PLD, Doxil) versus capecitabine (Xeloda) as initial treatment for metastatic breast cancer. The authors concluded that both treatments were safe and effective. Some background Metastatic breast cancer is a cancer that has spread to...
Read MoreCan biopsies guided by multiple imaging techniques better detect disease progression?
In a nutshell This study examined the benefit of biopsies guided by multiple imaging techniques (scans that provide images of the interior of the body) in men managed with active surveillance. Researchers reported improved detection rates of disease progression when biopsies were guided by multiple imaging techniques. Some background Many men with...
Read MoreErectile function and focal therapy
In a nutshell This study examined erectile function following treatment of prostate cancer with focal therapy. Researchers reported a return of erectile function from 6 months after focal therapy. Some background Surgery and radiation are first-line treatments for localized (confined) prostate cancer. In some cases, focal therapies are recommended...
Read MoreWhat Is Considered Early Stage Lung Cancer and How Is It Treated?
Transcript Please remember the opinions expressed on Patient Power are not necessarily the views of our sponsors, contributors, partners or Patient Power. Our discussions are not a substitute for seeking medical advice or care from your own doctor. That’s how you’ll get care that’s most appropriate for you. Janet...
Read MoreTherapy for EGFR TKI resistant non-small-cell lung cancer
In a nutshell This trial examined whether osimertinib (Tagrisso) was effective at treating patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has progressed after EGFR tyrosine-kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment. The authors concluded that osimertinib is both effective and tolerable as treatment for these patients. Some background...
Read MorePost-surgery risk factors for recurrence in stage 2 and 3 colorectal cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated the risk factors for recurrence (when the cancer comes back) after surgery in patients with stage 2 and stage 3 colorectal cancer. Researchers suggested that high-risk patients can be identified by assessing tumor specific blood levels, tumor spread to the lymphatic system and infiltrative growth (IG; when the...
Read MoreHigh-risk prostate cancer: Is there a survival benefit when chemotherapy is administered before surgery?
In a nutshell This study examined the benefit of administering chemotherapy before prostate surgery in men with intermediate- to high-risk prostate cancer. Researchers reported preliminary evidence of a cancer-specific survival benefit when chemotherapy was administered before surgery. Some background Prostate surgery is a first-line treatment for...
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