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-Recurrent cancer Posts on Medivizor
Effective and safe neoadjuvant therapy to treat locally advanced rectal cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of pre-surgery combined chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin (5-FU/OX) and radiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Researchers suggested that this combined treatment could be beneficial for LARC patients. Some background The standard treatment for...
Read MoreSmoking is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer mortality
In a nutshell This study examined the link between smoking and the risk of mortality from prostate cancer. Authors reported that smoking increased mortality risk in patients with prostate cancer, particularly for heavier smokers. Some background Advances in early detection of prostate cancer have led to a growing number of men living with...
Read MoreNivolumab and ipilimumab combined treatment is associated with improved survival in advanced melanoma
In a nutshell This study investigated the effect of nivolumab (Opdivo) combined with ipilimumab (Yervoy) in overall survival in the treatment of advanced melanoma. Researchers suggested that this combination is associated with an improved survival when compared to ipilimumab alone. Some background Advanced melanoma is associated with...
Read MoreCan lifestyle changes reduce the risk of heart disease during hormone therapy?
In a nutshell This study examined the effect of a supervised exercise and diet program on markers of heart disease risk in men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Researchers report preliminary evidence that lifestyle changes can improve fitness and arterial function in men undergoing long-term ADT. Some background ADT is a common...
Read MoreAn Overview of Hormonal Therapy Options for Advanced Prostate Cancer
How does prostate cancer work? With Andrew Schorr as host, Dr. Russell Szmulewitz of the University of Chicago Medical Center gives a short description of the endocrinology of prostate cancer and provides an overview of hormonal therapies. Listen as Dr. Szmulewitz examines the changing treatment paradigm including risks and...
Read MoreCan a switch between steroid drugs reduce progression during secondary hormone therapy?
In a nutshell This study examined whether switching steroid drugs during secondary hormone therapy with abiraterone (Zytiga) improves treatment response in progressing, advanced prostate cancer. Researchers concluded that a steroid switch can be effective in delaying disease progression in some men. Some background Abiraterone is a secondary...
Read MoreA Review of Prostate Cancer Prognostic Factors
Prognostic factors, including blood tests and radiographic scans, can help establish a patient’s prognosis and determine a treatment path. Experts from MD Anderson Cancer Center, Drs. Jeri Kim and Sumit Subudhi, review factors that are associate with prostate cancer and discuss research underway that could lead to more personalized...
Read MoreEmerging Prostate Cancer Immunotherapy Options
Patient advocate Jeff Folloder conducts an in-depth discussion on emerging immunotherapy approaches for advanced prostate cancer with MD Anderson Cancer Center experts, Dr. Sumit Subudhi and Dr. Jeri Kim. Walking us through developing treatments, including vaccines and checkpoint inhibitors/immune modulators, these experts refer to today as...
Read MoreEverolimus plus exemestane – an effective combination therapy or not?
In a nutshell This study examined the addition of everolimus (Afinitor) to exemestane (Aromasin) for the treatment of patients with hormone-receptor-positive (HR+) and HER2- breast cancer. The study concluded that adding everolimus (EVE) to exemestane (EXE) did not significantly improve overall survival. Some background EXE is a treatment...
Read MoreTargeted Treatment for Breast Cancer
Targeted treatment for breast cancer through external beam radiation is offering hope for those newly diagnosed with the disease. Dr. Christine Fang, radiation oncologist at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, details how this important approach allows for greater precision during radiation, offers protection for the heart and great benefit for...
Read MoreStereotactic ablative radiotherapy for treating NSCLC
In a nutshell This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) treatment in patients with second primary lung cancer and whether CT surveillance would be beneficial to these patients. The review concluded that SABR is an effective treatment in patients with early stage NSCLC who are unable to undergo surgery....
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