In a nutshell This study evaluated the effectiveness of adding cetuximab (Erbitux) to standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study found that adding cetuximab to chemotherapy and radiotherapy resulted in promising outcomes. Some background NSCLC is the...
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What is the clinical benefit of anthracycline treatment in early breast cancer?
In a nutshell This study investigated the benefit of anthracyclines (ATCs) in early breast cancer. They found that this treatment was an effective treatment in patients with early breast cancer. Some background Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers. Early BC is usually treated with surgery to remove the tumor....
Read MoreIntensity-modulated radiation therapy for advanced breast cancer
In a nutshell This study evaluated the side effects associated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for advanced breast cancer. This study found that most side effects were mild and did not lower quality of life for patients. Some background Radiotherapy is often performed in breast cancer patients after surgery. Previous studies have...
Read MoreIntensive chemotherapy and breast cancer: is there a benefit to patient survival?
In a nutshell This study investigated chemotherapy regimens in early breast cancer (BC). They found that shortening the duration of treatment improved BC outcomes. Some background Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers. Standard treatment involves chemotherapy. Standard chemotherapy involves taking a combination of...
Read MoreEvaluating neratinib for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer
In a nutshell This article reviewed the effectiveness and safety of neratinib (Nerlynx) in patients with human epidermal receptor growth factor 2+ (HER2+) breast cancer. This article concluded that neratinib is effective in treating patients with HER2+ breast cancer, with manageable side effects. Some background Between 15 and 20%...
Read MoreX-ray brachytherapy might be a safer option in the treatment of early rectal cancers
In a nutshell This study investigated the effect of X-ray brachytherapy (XRB) in the treatment of patients with rectal cancer who underwent local surgery. Researchers suggested that XRB is associated with improved outcomes and could be used instead of radical surgery. Some background Screening programs increased the number of patients being diagnosed...
Read MoreTVEC therapy for patients with advanced stage melanoma
In a nutshell This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of talimogene laherparepvec (TVEC) therapy for patients with melanoma that cannot be surgically removed (unresectable). The study found that TVEC therapy is an effective treatment for these patients, with minimal side effects. Some background Patients with localized melanoma that is...
Read MorePalbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib in treating breast cancer
In a nutshell This study wanted to find out which of three medicines was best for treating breast cancer, palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisquali), or abemaciclib (Verzenio). The study found that the medications all worked equally as well, but there were different side effects for each one. Some background Estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast...
Read MoreTransanal endoscopic microsurgery after chemoradiotherapy improves rectal cancer outcomes
In a nutshell This study investigated long term rectal cancer outcomes in patients who received chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and transanal microsurgery. Researchers suggested that this treatment improves treatment outcomes and quality of life of patients. Some background The standard treatment for rectal cancer is surgery. However,...
Read MoreIs autologous breast reconstruction after mastectomy for invasive breast cancer safe?
In a nutshell This article investigated the long-term safety and effectiveness of autologous breast reconstruction (ABR; uses tissue from another place on your body to form a breast shape) on women after breast removal for invasive breast cancer. The authors concluded that this treatment is safe and had no effect on relapse...
Read MoreSurvival in patients with melanoma treated with pembrolizumab
In a nutshell This study wanted to find out what the survival rates are of patients with melanoma treated with pembrolizumab (Keytruda). The study found that after 5 years, there was a good response to treatment overall. Some background Pembrolizumab is a new cancer treatment. It treats many different types of cancer. It works by using the immune...
Read MoreChemotherapy and radiation therapy are safe options before surgery in elderly patients with rectal cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation therapy (CRT) with capecitabine (Xeloda) before surgery in elderly patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Researchers suggested that this treatment is safe and well tolerated in the elderly. Some background Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly...
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