In a nutshell This article evaluated whether the interval to biochemical failure (IBF) can be used as a prediction factor for prostate cancer mortality. The IBF was found to be the best current predictor of prostate cancer mortality in patients previously treated with radiation therapy. Some background Biochemical failure is defined...
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In a nutshell This paper evaluated the use of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) to treat recurrent prostate cancers that are confined to the prostate gland (T1 and T2) and that have previously been treated with External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT). HIFU treatment has led to minimal PSA levels, and negative biopsies in about 58% of the...
Read MoreIn a nutshell The present article reviews new and prospective treatments for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Sipuleucel-T, Cabazitaxel, Denosumab and Abiraterone are novel therapies approved in the last few years for CRPC, while several other therapeutic agents such as MDV3100, Alpharadin and...
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In a nutshell This paper assessed the benefits of giving systemic (whole-body) chemotherapy in cancers of the appendix, when surgery combined with intraperitoneal chemotherapy was not an option. Some background Cancers of the appendix are rare, accounting for about 1% of all colon cancers. However, some of these tumors are aggressive and quickly...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study evaluated the safety of two regimens of external beam radiation – short, high-dose radiotherapy – compared with the standard radiotherapy protocol. There were no substantial differences in side effects between the conventional and experimental radiotherapy regimens. Some background Prostate cancer which...
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In a nutshell This study aimed to identify health-related decline in quality of life 4 to 8 years after prostate cancer (PC) treatment. Main finding: measures of quality of life vary based on therapy choice. Some background Treatments for localized PC (confined to the prostate gland) include radical prostatectomy (RP), brachytherapy (BT) and...
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In a nutshell This study compared intermittent versus continuous androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for localized (confined) prostate cancer due to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) elevation after radiotherapy. Main findings: Intermittent ADT was not inferior compared to continuous therapy with respect to survival. However, some quality of life...
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This paper presents specific guidelines, developed by the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG), for the treatment of localized and metastatic prostate cancer, specifically in older men. Prostate cancer is predominantly a disease of older men (> 70 years). A systematic review of the literature revealed that besides the...
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In a nutshell The present study examined the duration of urinary-related side effects resulting from radiation therapy. Mild to severe urinary side effects were found to last up to 10 years post radiation therapy. Some background Prostate cancer is a slow growing form of cancer that is often managed by active surveillance or observation (delayed...
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In a nutshell This study examined the performance of a new radioactive tracer, 11 C-Choline, which is used for PET-CT scans, for its ability to detect prostate cancer distribution and extent after initial therapy. The tracer performed well in men with a recurrence and increased the frequency of tumor detection, compared to standard imaging...
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In a nutshell This clinical trial evaluated the survival benefits of a drug named Enzalutamide (Xtandi) for patients with non-responsive (refractory) advanced prostate cancer previously treated with chemotherapy. Main findings: Enzalutamide prolonged survival by approximately 5 months and reduced the risk of death by 37%. Some background The...
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Colorectal cancer (CRC) often presents with peritoneal metastases, which have a poor outcome. This means that cancer cells have spread from the colon, appendix, or rectum to the peritoneum (a sheath that covers the abdominal organs). This article argues the pros and cons of a combined treatment for patients with peritoneal metastases from CRC. This...
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