In a nutshell This study evaluated whether the Body Mass Index (BMI) influences the quality of life of breast cancer patients treated with radiotherapy. Some background The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a weight to height ratio calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms to their square of height in meters. A normal BMI ranges...
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Pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant therapy predicts prognosis in HER2-positive breast cancer
In a nutshell This study assessed the impact of pathologic complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and trastuzumab (herceptin) on survival of HER2-positive breast cancer patients. Some background Neoadjuvant therapy refers to treatments given before surgery in order to shrink the tumor and allow for complete surgical removal of the...
Read MoreFatty liver disease inhibits colorectal cancer spread to the liver
In a nutshell This study examined whether fatty liver disease protects colorectal cancer patients from developing liver metastasis. Some background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is most likely to metastasize (spread) to the liver. Liver metastasis accounts for 50% of all cases of metastatic colorectal cancer. Since very limited treatments are...
Read MoreNeoadjuvant hormonal therapy for endocrine-sensitive breast cancer patients
In a nutshell This review assessed the effects of neoadjuvant hormonal therapy (NHT) in patients with endocrine-sensitive breast cancer. Some background Endocrine-sensitive breast cancer (also known as hormone receptor-positive breast cancer) refers to breast cancer cells which contain hormone receptors. These receptors (complexes on the...
Read MoreQuality of life is a predictor of survival in high-risk melanoma patients
In a nutshell This study examined how quality of life (QOL) affects survival and the risk of recurrence in high-risk melanoma patients. Some background Maintaining QOL is a crucial goal in the treatment of cancer patients. QOL can be measured in many ways, including specific factors such as appetite and fatigue. QOL also refers to broader terms...
Read MoreEvaluating outcomes after a local recurrence following breast conserving surgery in young breast cancer patients
In a nutshell This study evaluated survival rates after a local recurrence (return of the cancer close to the place of the initial cancer) in young breast cancer patients treated with breast conserving surgery. Some background Young patients with early stage breast cancer are usually treated with breast conserving surgery or BCS (removal of the...
Read MoreMultiparametric MRI can identify prostate cancer patients who can benefit from active surveillance
In a nutshell This study examined whether an imaging method called a multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) is a useful tool in determining whether prostate cancer patients are candidates for active surveillance. Some background Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common cancer diagnosed in men. However, due to development of...
Read MoreOncoplastic breast conservation does not delay chemotherapy
In a nutshell Oncoplastic breast conservation surgery (OBCS) is a surgical technique that can preserve breast tissue after the removal of the tumor. However, there is a concern that OBCS would delay chemotherapy treatment, resulting in worse outcome. Here, researchers examined whether women undergoing OBCS wait longer to begin chemotherapy than women...
Read MoreComparison between two radiation therapy schedules
In a nutshell This trial compared the survival of lung cancer patients, between patients receiving standard radiation therapy and those receiving radiation therapy given on alternative schedules (hyperfractionated or accelerated). Some background This research was prompted by recent findings that suggest a benefit with hyperfractionated or...
Read MoreChemotherapy after surgery for elderly patients with non–small cell lung cancer
In a nutshell This analysis examined the use of adjuvant chemotherapy in elderly patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Chemotherapy treatments and their effect on survival were compared between patients in different age groups. Some background Adjuvant chemotherapy (chemotherapy treatment given after cancer surgery) has...
Read MoreEvaluating complication rate for removal of one or both breasts in patients with breast cancer
In a nutshell In this study, researchers examined whether breast cancer patients who chose to have preventive removal of both breasts (bilateral mastectomy or BM) experience more post-surgery complications than patients who have removed only the cancer-affected breast (unilateral mastectomy or UM). Some background Most women with early breast...
Read MoreColon cancer prognosis is associated with prior smoking and genetic mutations
In a nutshell This study compared disease free survival (the time period between the end of treatment and until the disease returns or the patient relapses) for colon cancer patients with a history of smoking versus non-smokers. Some background Cigarette smoking can increase the risk of colon cancer. However, it is not clear how prior smoking...
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