In a nutshell This paper compares the benefits and risks of axillary lymph node dissection compared to sentinel lymph node dissection. Some background Breast cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes (organ that is involved in the immune system that is found throughout the body). Generally, for patients with no cancer in their lymph nodes,...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated whether patients whose cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes would benefit from additional chemotherapy following surgery. Some background Locally advanced rectal cancer means the cancer has spread from the rectum (the lowest part of the large bowel) into surrounding tissues and organs. The recommended...
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In a nutshell The authors evaluated the association between colorectal cancer subtype and the metastatic spread of cancer. Some background The most common type of colorectal cancer is an adenocarcinoma; this cancer arises from glandular cells located in the inner lining of the colon that produce intestinal secretions. Mucinous...
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In a nutshell The authors examined whether a two-step approach, using imaging techniques, can accurately predict the location of a prostate tumor and how aggressive it is. Some background The standard way to diagnose prostate cancer is to measure prostate specific antigen (PSA: a protein produced by the prostate, with levels elevated in...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated the performance of magnetic resonance imaging/ultrasound targeted biopsy versus transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) biopsy alone in patients with different prostate specific antigen levels. Some background A new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI: uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to...
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In a nutshell This study examined the relationship between uPAR protein expression in tumors and patient survival in colorectal cancer. Some background Currently the main way of predicting the outcome of patients with colorectal cancer is based on their stage of cancer and how much it has spread. This is not very specific and...
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In a nutshell This paper evaluates whether adding bevacizumab (Avastin) to docetaxel (Taxotere)-containing chemotherapy treatment is safe in patients with breast cancer. Some background For early stage breast cancer, docetaxel (a drug that interferes with cell division)-containing chemotherapy improves...
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In a nutshell This paper studies a lymphedema risk reduction program entitled "The Optimal Lymph Flow". Some background Many breast cancer survivors are at risk of developing lymphedema (build up of fluid that causes swelling in the affected limb) after surgery. A higher body mass index (BMI) also increases the risk...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to review the use of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy with local excision for early stage rectal cancer. Some background Traditionally the surgical management of early rectal cancer has involved major abdominal surgery including total mesorectal excision (a significant length of bowel tissue around the tumor is...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to evaluate the difference in survival outcomes between major surgical resection and local excision in early-stage colorectal cancer. Some background High-quality cancer clearance can be achieved by major surgical resection (removal of the tumor) in early-stage colorectal cancer, but this must be...
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In a nutshell The authors evaluated the differences in surgical, cancer-related and quality of life outcomes between robot-assisted prostatectomy and retropubic prostatectomy. Some background Robot-assisted laproscopic radical prostatectomy has become increasingly common in prostate cancer treatment. It is a minimally...
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In a nutshell The authors compared the short-term complications associated with preoperative high-dose-rate brachytherapy, short course radiotherapy and no preoperative radiation therapy. Some background Treatment for rectal cancer typically involves tumor resection (surgical removal of the tumor). A reduction in local recurrence rates in rectal...
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