In a nutshell This study examined the benefits of local therapies for patients with EGFR mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has progressed despite tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment. Some background Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells may contain different genetic mutations that cause these cells to divide and spread...
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Ipilimumab with paclitaxel and carboplatin as first-line therapy in extensive disease small cell lung cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated the effects of ipilimumab (Yervoy) in combination with chemotherapy in the treatment of extensive disease small-cell lung cancer (ED-SCLC). Some background Ipilimumab is a drug used to modify the behavior of the immune system. Ipilimumab acts against regulatory immune cells (cells that inhibit the action of...
Read MoreEvaluating treatment options to preserve fertility in young breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy
In a nutshell This study evaluated whether taking a hormone called gonadotropin releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) during chemotherapy helps breast cancer patients preserve their fertility and prevent premature ovarian failure (POF). Some background In breast cancer, cells are dividing more rapidly than normal cells. Chemotherapy or medicines that...
Read MoreIpilimumab plus dacarbazine increases survival time in advanced melanoma patients
In a nutshell In this study researchers examined whether ipilimumab is effective in the treatment of advanced melanoma. Treatment with ipilimumab plus dacarbazine was compared to treatment with dacarbazine plus a placebo, and the effect on survival and quality of life was reviewed. Some background For many years, dacarbazine (DTIC) was the only...
Read MoreComparing therapies in the treatment of high-risk prostate cancer patients
In a nutshell This study compared the effects of different therapies in the treatment of high-risk prostate cancer. Failure of treatment and mortality rates were compared between the use of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and combined modality radiotherapy (CMRT). The effect of adding androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) to the treatment plan...
Read MoreEvaluating continuation of bevacizumab plus chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer after disease progression
In a nutshell This article evaluated the use of bevacizumab alongside chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer after the progression of the disease following treatment with bevacizumab. Some background Cancer cells need blood supply in order to grow. They do so by forming new blood vessels thereby feeding...
Read MoreEvaluating outcomes for a new radiotherapy technique in patients with breast cancer
In a nutshell This study looks at survival rates and side effects after 5 years following a newer radiotherapy procedure in patients with breast cancer. This radiotherapy procedure is called accelerated partial breast irradiation (ABPI) delivered using 3-dimentional conformal external beam radiation therapy (3D-CRT). Some background Treatment for...
Read MoreAbiraterone improves bone-related symptoms in patients with metastatic prostate cancer
In a nutshell This study evaluated the effect of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone on pain and skeletal-related symptoms in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) after docetaxel chemotherapy. Some background Prostate cancer growth is fueled by testosterone, the main male sex hormone. Treatment options include...
Read MoreAre there any benefits to continuing trastuzumab after disease progression in patients with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer?
In a nutshell This article evaluated the benefits of continuing trastuzumab treatment after disease progression in patients with HER2+ metastatic (spread to distant organs and tissues) breast cancer. Some background Breast cancer cells have on their surface some proteins called receptors. Hormones bind to these receptors causing changes in the...
Read MoreEvaluating the combination of two immune system-stimulating drugs for the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma
In a nutshell This phase 3 clinical trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of a combination of drugs that stimulate the immune system (interleukin-2 and the gp100 vaccine) in patients with metastatic melanoma. Some background A metastasized melanoma is cancer of the pigmented cells (called ‘melanocytes’) of the skin that has...
Read MorePhase 3 clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of high-dose 5-fluorouracil given in continuous injection in patients with stage III colon cancer
In a nutshell This study compared the efficacy and safety of continuous injection high-dose 5-fluorouracil (HD-FU) versus standard dose bolus (rapid injection into the vein) 5-fluorouracil (FU) for the treatment of patients with stage III colon cancer. Some background Colon cancer is caused by an uncontrolled growth of cells in the large...
Read MoreEvaluating the benefits of higher doses of fulvestrant in breast cancer patients
In a nutshell This review analyzed the results from several clinical trials which compared the benefits of the standard dose of 250mg of fulvestrant (Ful) once a month to higher doses in breast cancer patients. Some background Some breast cancers need estrogen (a female sex hormone) to grow. Cancer cells respond to estrogen via...
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