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 MoreCurrent stage-Stage III Posts on Medivizor
X-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...
Read MoreJoint pain and falls among women with breast cancer on aromatase inhibitors.
In a nutshell This study wanted to find out if joint pain is associated with falling down in patients with breast cancer who were treated with aromatase inhibitors. The study found that the patients who reported having joint pain were more likely to have a fall than those who had no joint pain. Some background Aromatase inhibitors are medications...
Read MoreAdding everolimus to endocrine therapy in patients with HER2- ER+ advanced breast cancer
In a nutshell This study wanted to find out if treating breast cancer with everolimus (Afintor) and endocrine therapy is better than only treating with endocrine therapy. The study found that using everolimus in addition to endocrine therapy had a significant benefit to survival in these patients. Some background Breast cancer is classified into types...
Read MoreIntraoperative electron radiotherapy in treating breast cancer
In a nutshell This study wanted to find out what benefits there were to doing electron radiation therapy during surgery alongside normal radiation therapy for women with breast cancer. The study found that ten years after surgery, almost all the patients who had electron radiotherapy during surgery had no reoccurrence of breast cancer. Some...
Read MoreAdding ixabepilone to capecitabine treatment for triple negative breast cancer.
In a nutshell This study wanted to find out if ixabepilone (Ixempra) and capecitabine (Xeloda) work for treating triple-negative breast cancer in patients with hard to treat disease compared to using capecitabine alone. The study found that adding ixabepilone to treatment resulted in longer survival without the cancer progressing. Some background...
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