In a nutshell This study examined the effectiveness of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in treating unilateral prostate cancer (only affecting one side). Authors reported good cancer control and a low rate of side effects. Some background Advances in cancer screening methods have led to earlier diagnoses of prostate cancer. Most are...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the role of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in patients with positive margins (when the cancer is not totally removed) after chemotherapy, radiation therapy and rectal surgery. Researchers suggested that SBRT is an effective and safe treatment option. Some background Chemotherapy and radiation therapy...
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In a nutshell This study investigated whether a reduced follow-up schedule affects melanoma patient outcomes, detection of recurrences (when the cancer comes back) and follow-up costs. Researchers suggested that reduced follow-up visits, besides reducing significantly hospital costs, did not affect patients’ outcomes and recurrence...
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In a nutshell This study examined factors important in upgrading from low-risk prostate cancer. Authors reported that age, tissue samples, and blood test results are strong predictors of upgrading from low-risk prostate cancer. Some background Most men diagnosed with prostate cancer are categorized as low risk. Low-risk prostate cancer is...
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In a nutshell The authors determined the benefits and pitfalls of active surveillance (AS). The authors concluded that AS may reduce over-treatment in low-risk prostate cancer patients without compromising 10-year prostate cancer survival. Some background AS is a form of non-treatment used in prostate cancer patients who are low-risk. This...
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In a nutshell This study compared different external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) approaches for localized prostate cancer. Authors reported high effectiveness with higher doses of radiation therapy, particularly when hormone therapy was added to treatment. However, these combinations were also associated with the highest rate of side effects. Some...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the safety of localized surgery compared with total mesorectal excision (TME; bowel and lymph nodes around the tumor are removed) in early stages (0 and 1) of rectal cancer. Researchers reported that localized surgery is as efficient as TME in early stages of rectal cancer. Some background Chemotherapy...
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In a nutshell This study examined the relationship between comorbidities (other medical conditions) and cancer progression during active surveillance. Researchers reported that progression is more likely among men with 2 or more comorbidities. Some background Active surveillance of prostate cancer refers to actively monitoring tumor growth...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to assess and compare a number of surgical procedures used to treat and limit the risk of developing breast cancer. The study showed that there was no significant difference between contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) and breast-conserving treatment (BCT) on survival from breast cancer. Some background...
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In a nutshell This study investigated erectile function after prostate surgery in men with high-risk localized prostate cancer. Researchers reported high rates of erectile dysfunction following prostate surgery. Some background Surgical removal of the prostate gland is a common treatment for localized prostate cancer (cancer confined to the...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated recent evidence comparing standard systematic biopsies to imaging-guided biopsies in measuring prostate cancer growth. While there was no clear advantage of imaging-guided biopsies over standard systematic biopsies, researchers concluded that a combination of the two techniques provides the highest accuracy. Some...
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In a nutshell This review examined the safety and effectiveness of focal therapies for recurrent localized prostate cancer. The authors concluded that there is early evidence to suggest that focal therapies are well-tolerated and effective for recurrent localized prostate cancer. Some background Radiation therapy is a common treatment for...
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