In a nutshell This study examined the use of gefitinib (Iressa) following chemotherapy in patients with stage 3 epidermal-growth-factor receptor positive non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to nearby lymph nodes. Some background The initial treatment for non-small cell lung cancer is usually surgical removal of the tumor, which...
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In a nutshell This paper studied the relationship between the gene that codes for protein 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) receptor 3C (HTR3C) and the risks of chemotherapy. Some background Chemotherapy is used in the treatment of breast cancer. However, chemotherapy can cause symptoms like fatigue and nausea that can affect...
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In a nutshell This study examines the 15-year cancer-specific and overall survival in men treated with prostate brachytherapy. Some background Brachytherapy is a form of radiotherapy used for the treatment of some cancers including prostate cancer. It involves a radiation source being implanted inside the...
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In a nutshell The authors examined whether a two-step approach, using imaging techniques, can accurately predict the location of a prostate tumor and how aggressive it is. Some background The standard way to diagnose prostate cancer is to measure prostate specific antigen (PSA: a protein produced by the prostate, with levels elevated in...
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In a nutshell The authors examined whether miR-21 levels are linked to patient survival rates. They also examined whether the levels of miR-21 could predict if patients will benefit from adjuvant therapy. Some background Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality (death from cancer). Adjuvant...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to identify genetic indicators of severe peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) resulting from oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. Some background Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)-based chemotherapy is widely used as adjuvant (used in addition to initial treatment) therapy for stage III and selected high-risk stage II...
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In a nutshell The authors evaluated the efficacy and safety of intra-lesion IL-2 for in-transit cutaneous melanoma. Some background Approximately 10% of patients with locally advanced melanoma develop in-transit cutaneous metastases (melanoma deposits within the lymphatic vessels more than 2cm from the site of the primary melanoma). Eradication of...
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In a nutshell The authors compared the short-term complications associated with preoperative high-dose-rate brachytherapy, short course radiotherapy and no preoperative radiation therapy. Some background Treatment for rectal cancer typically involves tumor resection (surgical removal of the tumor). A reduction in local recurrence rates in rectal...
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In a nutshell This early phase trial investigated the safety and effect of ceritinib, a new ALK inhibitor, for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer patients harboring mutations of the ALK gene. Some background Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is an important protein involved in cell development. It is estimated that genetic changes that...
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In a nutshell This analysis compared previous research to determine the most effective treatment for hormone receptor positive breast cancer patients whose disease has progressed despite initial treatment. Some background Hormone receptor positive breast cancer depends on the hormones estrogen or progesterone for growth. The principle...
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In a nutshell This study examined the frequency of detecting indeterminate lung lesions on CT of patients with colorectal cancer and investigated if PET/CT was useful in detecting the malignant cases. Some background Colorectal cancer staging describes the severity of one’s cancer based upon the size and extent of the primary tumor and...
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In a nutshell This article looked at the potential benefits of following a structured exercise program after lung cancer surgery. Some background Lung cancer surgery often involves removing a part of the lung in order to remove the entire tumor. Patients undergoing such operations often have poor exercise tolerance and lung function after the...
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