In a nutshell This phase 2 trial located in Maryland, United States, aims to determine whether a combination of gemcitabine (Gemzar) and docetaxel (Taxotere) is effective in patients with metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma with CHFR and/or microsatellite instability. Patient's resposne to treatment will be measured. The details...
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In a nutshell The authors assessed the accuracy of the system used to classify the stages of mucosal melanoma of the female reproductive system. Some background Mucosal melanomas of the vagina and vulva (the external part of female genital organs) are rare cancer, accounting for 1-3% of all melanomas in women. These melanomas occur...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine if there was a link between patient age, tumor type and the spread of cancer. Some background Breast cancer metastasis is the spread of the cancer to other parts of the body; following original cancer of the breast. Age at original diagnosis and the area affected by the tumor are just two of the...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to study the effects of a type of post-surgical radiation; radiation to only the affected area of the breast. Some background Radiation is a type of cancer treatment that is recommended following a lumpectomy (removal of the tumor and some surrounding tissue; breast remains intact). 'Brachytherapy' is...
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In a nutshell This article looked at the effects of endocrine therapy on hormonal changes during cancer treatment. Some background Hormone therapy to treat breast cancer is called endocrine therapy. This treatment is used in hormone receptor positive (HR+) early breast cancer. It causes changes to hormone signalling which can lead to early...
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In a nutshell This study investigated whether statins (such as Lipitor, Livalo) can improve survival for colorectal cancer patients. Some background Statins are a class of drug used to lower cholesterol. They are used to prevent heart disease in patients who are at high risk. Recent evidence suggests that statins also slow cell growth, stop new...
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In a nutshell This paper studied whether a mindfulness meditation program could reduce stress and depression in young breast cancer survivors. Some background Studies have shown that younger women are more stressed and depressed compared to older women after being diagnosed with cancer. They are also more likely to be fatigued and have sleep...
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In a nutshell This paper studied the outcomes of a skin-sparing mastectomy procedure. Some background More and more people are undergoing skin-sparing mastectomies. This is a treatment for breast cancer where breast tissue is removed, but the overlying skin is preserved as much as possible. It also allows for immediate breast...
Read MoreIn a nutshell In this study the authors examined whether laparoscopic surgery (a modern, minimally-invasive technique involving very small incisions) is as effective as open surgery (original technique where a large incision is made) for patients with colon cancer. Some background Surgery is the main treatment for curing...
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In a nutshell This paper studies whether disseminated tumour cells can be used as an indicator in monitoring breast cancer treatment. Some background Disseminated tumor cells (circulating cancer cells in secondary organs, bone marrow or blood) can be present in the bone marrow of patients with breast cancer. Presence of...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated the effect of endoscopic procedures on subsequent surgical outcomes. Some background Most colorectal cancers start as small polyps; an abnormal growth of tissue that starts in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Although most polyps are not malignant, some represent early stage cancer, and early removal...
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In a nutshell This article provides an overview of the new treatment guidelines for early invasive breast cancer as set by the 2013 St. Gallen Consensus. Some background The St. Gallen Consensus of 2011 offered the current guidelines for the treatment of early-stage breast cancers. Recently, an expert panel of 51 physicians and scientists convened...
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