In a nutshell This study evaluated the use of progesterone receptor status as an independent predictor of disease prognosis in patients with early breast cancer. Some background Most breast cancer cells grow in response to female hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen. Cancer response to these growth stimuli not only directs treatment...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the use of different clinical factors in predicting pathological complete response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy among rectal cancer patients. Some background Neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer refers to treatments given before surgery, such as chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments. Chemoradiation is...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated the effect of BRAF mutation on survival among early stage melanoma patients. Some background The B-raf protein, encoded by the BRAF gene, plays an important role in regulating cell growth and division. Mutations in the BRAF gene are implicated in approximately 40% of all melanoma cases. BRAF mutation is...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study evaluated the outcomes of patients with colon cancer (cancer of the large intestine) who underwent a procedure called sentinel lymph node microscopic analysis. Some background The lymphatic system is composed of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes which drain the lymphatic fluid, and specialized cells of the immune system....
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In a nutshell This study evaluated the sexual and anorectal (the final part of the large bowel) functions after rectal cancer removal and radiotherapy. Some background The rectum is the lowest part of the large intestine, located behind the urinary bladder and nearby the nerves and structures that control sexual function. Usually, patients who...
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In a nutshell This study examined the effects of noninvasive image-guided breast brachytherapy using the Accuboost device. Some background Following surgery, high dose radiotherapy is often directed at the tumor bed to ensure the destruction of any remaining cancer cells and prevent cancer recurrence (often referred to as a...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the link between the number of copies of a gene called the pleckstrin homology domain-interacting protein (PHIP), melanoma metastasis (spread of cancer cells to distant organs and tissues of the body) and ulceration (breaking of the skin over the melanoma with loss of surface tissue). Some background Melanoma...
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In a nutshell This article evaluated the association between vitamin D levels and risk of breast cancer recurrence (return of the cancer) after treatment. Some background Vitamin D is both a nutrient we eat and a hormone our bodies make, that helps regulate the flow of calcium into the bloodstream and is crucial for normal bone development. Unlike...
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In a nutshell This study examined the effectiveness of routine surveillance imaging in detecting melanoma recurrence and increasing life expectancy. Some background Melanoma survivors are routinely examined for evidence of cancer recurrence since early detection of recurrence significantly improves survival. Although the importance of recurrence...
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In a nutshell This study examined the use of low-intensity and high-intensity surveillance schedules in the follow-up of breast cancer survivors. Some background The number of women diagnosed with breast cancer rises every year. However, breast cancer treatments have also improved dramatically in recent decades, and mortality rates are...
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In a nutshell In this study, researchers examined whether levels of a blood marker called microRNA-21 could help predict colorectal cancer (CRC) recurrences. Such information may help select which patients require more intensive follow-up after treatment. Some background MicroRNA consists of small pieces of RNA, a molecule that tells the...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated whether the Body Mass Index (BMI) influences the quality of life of breast cancer patients treated with radiotherapy. Some background The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a weight to height ratio calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms to their square of height in meters. A normal BMI ranges...
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