In a nutshell The authors investigated the effectiveness and patient response (tolerance) to vemurafenib (Zelboraf) treatment in advanced melanoma. Some background In advanced melanoma (stage III/ IV), cancer spreads from the skin to other parts of the body (metastasis). BRAF genes are often mutated (permanently...
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In a nutshell This study looked at the survival of patients with non-small cell lung cancer treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. Some background Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer. Currently, the most up-to-date treatment for NSCLC that has advanced or spread to other parts of the body...
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In a nutshell This study looked at whether a person’s age can alter the effectiveness of chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer that has been surgically removed. Some background One of the most common treatment options for patients with non-small cell lung cancer is surgery. Despite the removal of their tumors, it is often found that...
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In a nutshell The authors analyzed the effect of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB – a surgical procedure) on the circulatory system of skin melanoma patients. Some background In primary cutaneous malignant melanoma (PCMM) the cancer tends to spread from the skin to other parts of the body. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) is the...
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In a nutshell The authors determined the benefit of combination treatment with gemcitabine (Gemzar) and oxaliplatin (Eloxatin) in hormone resistant (castration-resistant) prostate cancer. Some background Hormone therapy is a common treatment for prostate cancer. It targets the male sex hormones active in prostate cancer, such as testosterone....
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine whether or not there was a link between reproductive characteristics of women and their potential risk of cancer recurrence (the cancer returns) and survival. Some background Breast cancer survival is influenced by a range of risk factors. A woman’s reproductive history can often be associated, as...
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In a nutshell This study looked at the usefulness of measuring the levels of a certain type of white blood cell in cancer tissue as a method of predicting the progression of rectal cancer. Some background Neoadjuvant therapy is when patients are given an initial treatment before their main cancer treatment. For example,...
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In a nutshell The authors reviewed the benefit of enzalutamide (Xtandi) in treating advanced hormone-resistant (castration-resistant) prostate cancer. Some background Hormone therapy is a common treatment used in prostate cancer. It targets the male sex hormones active in prostate cancer, such as testosterone. Some patients...
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In a nutshell This study examined the impact of higher calcium, vitamin D and dairy products on colorectal cancer survival. Some background Patients who have a diet high in calcium, vitamin D and dairy products are generally known to have a lower risk of colorectal cancer. However, no research has been done on whether having a diet high in...
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In a nutshell The authors analyzed the role of certain genes in predicting survival in melanoma patients treated with tremelimumab (CP-675,206). Some background In advanced melanoma (stage III/IV), cancer spreads from the skin to other parts of the body. Immunotherapy is an effective treatment for advanced melanoma. It uses the...
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In a nutshell This study looked at the impact of two treatments, chemoradiotherapy and chemotherapy, on the survival of patients with rectal cancer and on the return of their cancer. Some background Normally, prior to surgery to remove rectal cancer, a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy is given. Chemotherapy uses a drug or...
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In a nutshell This study examined whether levels of microRNA-21 could predict the patient response to chemo-radiotherapy delivered before they had surgery. Some background Almost a third of colorectal cancer is rectal cancer. The treatment for this cancer which has started to spread is a combination of chemotherapy,...
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