In a nutshell The authors aimed to evaluate a series of treatments used for advanced breast cancer; this was a review of chemotherapy drugs such as paclitaxel (Taxol), doxetaxel (Taxotere) and nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane). Some background Taxanes are a group of chemotherapy drugs used commonly in locally advanced (cancer has spread into nearby...
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In a nutshell The authors examined the safety of ipilimumab (Yervoy) and the associated skin-related adverse events in the treatment of melanoma. Some background In advanced melanoma, cancer spreads from deep within the skin to other parts of the body. Ipilimumab, an immunotherapy (treatment that uses body’s own...
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In a nutshell The authors evaluated the safety and efficacy of combining three different types of treatment in non-small-cell lung cancer. Some background Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for the majority (80%) of lung cancers. Surgery is the typical treatment, however patient outcomes are typically poor without a second...
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In a nutshell This study looked at the association between the lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) in patients' blood and their lung cancer outcome. Some background Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Despite improvements in treatment outcomes are still quite poor. Therefore early detection and treatment is...
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In a nutshell The authors discussed ways to prevent peritoneal metastasis (spreading of cancer to the lining of the abdomen) in patients with colorectal cancer. Some background Peritoneal metastasis is often treated with cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Cytoreductive surgery involves surgical...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine whether hormone therapy had an effect on biochemical failure and cancer spread in prostate cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Some background Intermediate-risk prostate cancer is cancer that requires active treatment due to growth through and/or out of the prostate. It can be treated...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine the effectiveness of exemestane (Aromasin) to treat premenopausal women with breast cancer and treatment outlook in comparison to tamoxifen (Nolvadex). Some background Tamoxifen is a type of hormone therapy used to treat breast cancer. This type of treatment is generally specific for hormone receptor...
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In a nutshell The aim of this study was to assess the benefits of dabrafenib (Tafinlar) and trametinib (Mekinist) as single as well as as combination therapy in advanced melanoma patients with a specific genetic status. Some background In the advanced stage of melanoma (stage III/IV), cancer spreads from the skin to other parts of...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to identify the impact of trastuzumab on cardiac (heart) function when treatment was not specifically restricted to those with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive (HER2+) breast cancer. Some background Trastuzumab is a type of targeted drug used to treat breast cancer. Specifically, it targets...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to assess the results of a specific pre-operative chemotherapy. Some background Pre-operative chemotherapy is used to shrink the tumor before surgery. Abraxane and cyclophosphamide (Endoxan) are used as combined chemotherapy and referred to as ABC. 5-fluorouracil (Adrucil), epirubicin (Pharmorubicin) and...
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In a nutshell This article evaluated the benefits of psychology treatments for breast cancer patients with depression. Some background Many women with breast cancer also suffer from depression (22%). This can lead to a decreased quality of life and overall prognosis (treatment outcome). 'Psychodynamic psychotherapy' is a form of...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to evaluate survival benefits of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) compared to ipilimumab (Yervoy) in advanced melanoma. Some background In the advanced stage of melanoma (stage III/IV), cancer spreads from the skin to other parts of the body. One of the standard treatments for advanced melanoma is immunotherapy that uses...
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