In a nutshell This study evaluated the potential of surgical margins in predicting biochemical recurrence in patients with localized prostate cancer. Some background Patients with localized (confined) prostate cancer often undergo radical prostatectomy (surgical removal of all or part of the prostate gland). After undergoing radical prostatectomy,...
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In a nutshell This study compared quality of life among advanced melanoma patients receiving either trametinib (Mekinist) or chemotherapy. Some background Until recently, chemotherapy was the treatment of choice in the treatment of wide spread melanoma. Since the identification of commonly occurring genetic mutations in melanoma tumors, several...
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In a nutshell This study analyzed the incidence and risk of ureteral injuries following colorectal surgery. Some background Colorectal surgery is often required to treat cancer of the colon or the rectum. Although all surgeries carry an inherent risk, the ureters (thin tubes connecting the kidneys and the bladder) are especially vulnerable to...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated survival benefit with the use of oxaliplatin (Eloxatin) in relation to KRAS gene status among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Some background Metastatic colorectal cancer (cancer that has spread from the large intestine to distant organs and tissues) is often treated by a combination of chemotherapy...
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In a nutshell This trial investigated the significance of circulating tumor DNA as a biomarker for monitoring response to treatment among metastatic breast cancer patients. Some background The management of metastatic breast cancer requires frequent monitoring of response to treatment in order to avoid ineffective therapies and prevent...
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In a nutshell This article reviewed the available literature on the development, use and potential benefit of PV-10 in the treatment of spreading melanoma. Some background Spreading, or in-transit, melanoma often presents with lesions along the course of the migrating cancerous cells. The management of in-transit melanoma is challenging, since...
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In a nutshell This review examined the use of thermal ablation techniques as treatment for patients with lung cancer. Some background Lung cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer. For those diagnosed at early stages, surgical removal of the tumor is the best option for optimal survival. However, lung cancer is often not...
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In a nutshell This clinical trial compared the efficacy and safety of a combined chemotherapy regimen of nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane) plus carboplatin (Paraplatin) versus solvent-based paclitaxel (Taxol) plus carboplatin in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) basing on the microscopic appearance of the cancer tissue...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This review analyzed recent publications investigating the late intestinal adverse effects following radiotherapy treatments. Some background Radiotherapy is frequently used in the treatment of prostate cancer. Although radiation techniques have improved over recent years, radiotherapy still commonly causes intestinal adverse events....
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In a nutshell The present study evaluated the effects of hormonal therapy drugs on cardiovascular events in patients with prostate cancer. Some background Testosterone (a type of androgen hormone which controls the development and maintenance of male reproductive organs) stimulates the growth of cells in the prostate gland, including...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study examined the safety and efficacy of a two-step hepatectomy combined with hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy as treatment for liver-spread colorectal cancer. Some background A common location for metastasis (spread) of colorectal cancer is the liver. Surgical removal of the liver tumor (hepatectomy) can increase survival...
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In a nutshell This study examined whether there is an increased risk of hypertension among cancer patients being treated with regorafenib (Stivarga). Some background Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGF-r) are complexes on the surface of cells which stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, and are crucial for cancer growth and...
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