In a nutshell The authors analyzed whether mutations (permanent changes) in BRAF genes in early stage melanoma can predict patient outcome. Some background In skin melanoma, BRAF genes are often mutated. These genes are involved in cellular signaling and important protein function. This includes MAPK and MEK proteins. In...
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Non-small cell lung cancer – no survival benefit between two types of surgery
In a nutshell This study compared the long-term outcome for non-small cell lung cancer patients who underwent video-assisted surgery and those who underwent open lung surgery. Some background Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) involves making cuts in the chest wall and placing a scope specifically designed to view the lungs through...
Read MoreLong-term survival: laparoscopic surgery versus open surgery
In 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...
Read MoreDoes age influence the outlook of colorectal cancer?
In a nutshell The authors aimed to evaluate the association between age and survival outlook after surgery in colorectal cancer. Some background Generally, colorectal cancer is thought to affect mostly older people, with more than 90% of patients being diagnosed after age 55 years. However, despite there being a steady decline of colorectal cancer...
Read MoreDo hormone and HER2 status influence if lymph nodes need to be removed in breast cancer?
In a nutshell This study explored the risk of lymph node involvement in the different subtypes of breast cancer. Some background Different subtypes of breast cancer respond best to different treatments, therefore it is essential to determine the subtype for each patient. Hormone receptor positive breast cancers depend on the hormones...
Read MoreThe 8-week wait; could reducing the time between surgery and chemotherapy improve survival?
In a nutshell This study assessed the association between overall survival and time between surgery and chemotherapy in colorectal cancer patients. Some background Colorectal resection, surgery to remove part or all of the colon or rectum, is the standard of care in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Additional chemotherapy following surgery...
Read MoreMammaPrint genetic testing for prediction of long-term breast cancer outcomes
In a nutshell This study investigated the accuracy of the 70-gene signature (MammaPrint) genomic profiling test in predicting metastasis and long-term outcomes among breast cancer patients. Some background Gene-expression signature tests, such as MammaPrint, were developed in order to assess the biological action, and therefore the aggressiveness,...
Read MoreThe effects of goserelin combined with tamoxifen on hormone levels and endometium thickness
In a nutshell This study investigated the combined treatment of tamoxifen (nolvadex) and goserelin (zoladex) in women diagnosed with early stage hormone receptor positive breast cancer. Some background Growth of hormone receptor positive (HR+) breast cancer is stimulated by the hormone estrogen. Tamoxifen is an oral drug commonly used to treat HR+...
Read MoreThe benefits of beta-blocker treatment in triple negative breast cancer patients
In a nutshell This study investigated the potential benefit of beta blocker treatment in triple negative breast cancer patients. In this study, patients already receiving long term treatment with beta blockers before the diagnosis of cancer were investigated to examine the effect on cancer outcome. Some background Beta blockers are a class of...
Read MoreComparing genetic tests for predicting risk of cancer recurrence in breast cancer patients
In a nutshell This study assessed the efficacy of using a new test called the 95-gene classifier (95-GC) to foretell the likelihood of cancer recurrence (return of the cancer) in patients with estrogen-receptor positive and node-negative (cancer that has not yet spread into the lymph nodes) breast cancer. Some background...
Read MoreSurgery versus stereotactic body radiation therapy for early stage lung cancer patients
In a nutshell This study compared two therapy options for early stage lung cancer patients. Standard surgery was compared to stereotactic body radiation therapy. Some background Early stage lung cancer is typically treated with surgery. At this stage of the disease, the cancer is generally manageable. However, some patients may not be able to...
Read MoreDoes a less invasive radiotherapy technique after lumpectomy prevent a breast cancer recurrence?
In a nutshell This study examines the efficacy of a type of radiotherapy called accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) as an adjuvant (additional) treatment for breast cancer patients who underwent lumpectomy. Some background Patients with early-stage breast cancer are usually treated with breast conserving surgery or lumpectomy (surgery...
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