In a nutshell The authors evaluated the long-term results of escalating high dose radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer. Some background In the treatment of localized prostate cancer (cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate), improved radiotherapy techniques such as conformal radiotherapy allow high treatment doses to be...
Read More
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...
Read More
In a nutshell The authors aimed to identify genetic indicators of severe peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) resulting from oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. Some background Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)-based chemotherapy is widely used as adjuvant (used in addition to initial treatment) therapy for stage III and selected high-risk stage II...
Read More
In a nutshell This study compared the safety and efficacy of three chemotherapy regimens in early breast cancer. Some background Adjuvant chemotherapy, delivered following surgical removal of the tumor, reduces mortality rates in breast cancer. Recent studies have shown that dose-density chemotherapy (which increases the intensity of the therapy...
Read More
In a nutshell The authors aimed to evaluate long-term cancer outcomes associated with robot-assisted prostatectomy. Some background Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy is a relatively new procedure used to surgically remove the prostate gland. This involves keyhole (or minimal access) surgery using robotic assistance to remove the prostate,...
Read More
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...
Read More
In a nutshell This report offered updated guidelines for the use of sentinel node biopsy and axillary lymph node dissection in early-stage breast cancer. Some background Breast cancer patients often undergo a sentinel node biopsy (an examination of tissue removed from the body) to determine whether or not their cancer has spread to the...
Read More
In a nutshell The study determined the incidence of genitourinary toxicity and the quality of life in patients after intensity-modulated radiotherapy. Some background Patients with localized prostate cancer (cancer that has not spread) may be treated using a high-energy radiation that kills cancer cells (radiotherapy). Application of radiotherapy...
Read More
In a nutshell This large scale analysis looked at the impact of physical activity on cancer mortality. Some background It has long been assumed that the amount of physical activity, along with diet and other lifestyle factors, has an impact on the development and progression of cancer. Studies have shown an increased incidence of cancer diagnoses...
Read More
In a nutshell This article examined quality of life of patients treated with proton therapy compared with intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) among patients with localized (confined) prostate cancer. Some background This article deals with two treatment choices for localized prostate cancer. The first is proton...
Read More
In a nutshell This article provides an overview of the new treatment guidelines for early invasive breast cancer as set by the 2013 St. Gallen Consensus. Some background The St. Gallen Consensus of 2011 offered the current guidelines for the treatment of early-stage breast cancers. Recently, an expert panel of 51 physicians and scientists convened...
Read More
In a nutshell This study examined the effect of aspirin on prostate cancer mortality. Some background Multiple studies have suggested that prostate cancer patients could benefit from regular aspirin use. Aspirin is a salicylate that works to reduce substances in the body that cause pain, fever and inflammation. It is thought that aspirin...
Read More
