In a nutshell The authors examined whether it is safe to use robot-assisted surgery in prostate cancer patients who have metabolic syndrome. Some background Metabolic syndrome consists of a cluster of conditions that occur together and increase the risk of stroke, heart disease and diabetes. The main sign of...
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In a nutshell This paper studied the relationship between the gene that codes for protein 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) receptor 3C (HTR3C) and the risks of chemotherapy. Some background Chemotherapy is used in the treatment of breast cancer. However, chemotherapy can cause symptoms like fatigue and nausea that can affect...
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In a nutshell The study evaluated whether levels of cathepsin X can be used to predict if colorectal cancer patients would benefit from chemotherapy. Some background Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in Europe and the US. The availability of biomarkers (measurable indicators of a biologic state or...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated the safety of low dose celecoxib treatment (400 mg/day) for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Some background Locally advanced rectal cancer means the cancer has grown from the rectum (the lowest part of the large bowel) into surrounding tissues and organs. The treatment...
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In a nutshell This study examines the 15-year cancer-specific and overall survival in men treated with prostate brachytherapy. Some background Brachytherapy is a form of radiotherapy used for the treatment of some cancers including prostate cancer. It involves a radiation source being implanted inside the...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to identify predictors of response to hypofractionated radiation therapy in early-stage breast cancer. Some background Tumor biomarkers are indicators of the state or condition of a tumor, and can predict the response of a tumor to certain treatments. While biomarkers of tumor response to hormonal therapy...
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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 review provided an overview of active surveillance, including suitable patients, discontinuation rates and survival rates. Some background Radical prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate gland) in patients with low-risk prostate cancer has, in clinical trials, failed to improve overall and cancer-specific survival...
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In a nutshell This study examined whether radical surgery is a suitable follow-up approach to local excision if features indicating poor outcome are identified. Some background Local excision (removal of a small portion of tissue) is used as a cure for early rectal cancer. However, the reported levels of survival...
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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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