In a nutshell This study investigated whether accelerated partial-breast irradiation (APBI) was useful for preoperative treatment of early-stage breast cancer (BC) patients. APBI was found to be an effective treatment option with good cosmetic results for certain early-stage BC patients. Some background Breast conserving therapy (surgery to remove...
Read More
In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine the influence of biopsy timing on prostate cancer reclassification during active surveillance. The authors concluded that the timing of the first biopsy was not related to an increased risk of cancer reclassification, but prostate specific antigen (PSA) and body mass index (BMI – measured based...
Read More
In a nutshell This study investigated the effects of radiotherapy (RT) in older patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). RT was found to be associated with better survival outcomes for both younger and older patients. Some background TNBC is a form of breast cancer which tests negative for estrogen/ progesterone receptors and human...
Read More
In a nutshell This study investigated the association between smoking and the risk of melanoma lymph node metastasis (LNM; spread to the lymph nodes). Researchers suggested that smoking is associated with an increase in the risk of LNM in melanoma patients. Some background Smoking is a well-known cause of cancer. However, it does not appear to be...
Read More
In a nutshell This study investigated whether chemotherapy after rectal surgery improves survival of rectal cancer patients. Researchers suggested that chemotherapy after rectal surgery is associated with improved survival. Some background Rectal cancer affects almost 40,000 people annually in the United States. Roughly 50% of these patients...
Read More
In a nutshell The aim of the study was to examine if sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) could be used to select patients with prostate cancer who would benefit from further pelvic radiation therapy and long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). It was concluded that SLND could be used as a tool to determine whether patients should have more...
Read More
In a nutshell This study investigated the use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging as a prognostic tool in primary breast cancer (BC) patients. The study concluded that MR imaging can identify features which can be used to help predict the risk of distant metastasis (cancer spread to other areas) in patients. Some background Between 20-30%...
Read More
In a nutshell In this study the Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) in melanoma updated the 2016 recommendations on therapy after surgery and treatment of in-transit disease (when cancer cells are almost reaching the lymph nodes). Some background Melanoma incidence has been rising rapidly. Patient outlook and treatment...
Read More
In a nutshell This study is the second update of a review focusing on the effects of an intense follow-up for patients with colorectal cancer after treatment. Some background Patients with colorectal cancer who underwent surgery or adjuvant therapy (treatment following surgery) are followed for several years. However, multiple appointments and...
Read More
In a nutshell This study investigated the timing for relapse of stage 2 melanoma patients. Researchers suggested that patients with stage 2C melanomas are at higher risk of relapse and need a closer follow-up. Some background Stage 2 melanoma patients can be divided in 3 different groups depending on specific factors such as tumor...
Read More
In a nutshell This study investigated the outcomes of stage 3 rectal cancer patients with lymph node metastasis (cancer spread) who did not undergo chemotherapy and radiation (CRT) before surgery. Researchers suggested that these patients have worse outcomes when compared to patients who have undergone CRT. Some background CRT followed by...
Read More
In a nutshell This study examined the role of active surveillance in the management of intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Researchers concluded that active surveillance is a safe management method for selected patients with favorable intermediate-risk disease. Men with more aggressive cancer cells may benefit from active treatment early on. Some...
Read More
