In a nutshell This study compared two targeted therapy drugs gefitinib (Iressa) and erlotinib (Tarceva) in terms of effectiveness and safety at treating patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. They concluded gefitinib was as effective as erlotinib but with fewer toxic side effects. Some background Current and newer treatment options...
Read MoreCurrent treatment status-Did not start treatment yet Posts on Medivizor
Impact of severe side effects on outcomes of older patients with CLL
In a nutshell This study examined whether newer therapies for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) were associated with higher odds of negative side effects in older patients. The study concluded that CLL patients over age 65 experienced more serious side effects than younger patients. Some background Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is commonly...
Read MoreNew treatment for children with chronic myeloid leukemia: Dasatinib
In a nutshell This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of dasatinib (Sprycel) to treat children with chronic myeloid leukemia in the chronic phase. The authors concluded that dasatinib is a safe and effective treatment. Some background There are few treatments for children (less than 18 years old) with chronic myeloid leukemia in the chronic...
Read MoreDelayed chemotherapy after surgery in stage 3 colon cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated if delayed chemotherapy treatment after surgery is associated with improved colon cancer outcomes. Researchers suggested that patients should receive chemotherapy within 6-8 weeks after surgery. Some background The standard treatment for stage 3 colon cancer is surgery followed by chemotherapy. Some...
Read MoreFirst-line treatment with ibrutinib – a review
In a nutshell This study outlined recent evidence on the use of ibrutinib (Imbruvica) for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Some background Tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy is a type of immunotherapy that blocks signals needed for tumors to grow. This includes the Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib. Ibrutinib blocks a signal that keeps the...
Read MoreRituximab, cladribine and cyclophosphamide: Early results of a new treatment combination with and without maintenance therapy
In a nutshell This study examined a new treatment combination known as RCC followed by rituximab (Rituxan) maintenance therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). These results support the safety and effectiveness of RCC followed by rituximab maintenance therapy. Risk factors of disease progression were identified. Some background The chemotherapy...
Read MoreFluoropyrimidine and irinotecan chemotherapy in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness of fluoropyrimidine and irinotecan (FLIRI) to treat metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) colorectal cancer. Researchers suggested that FLIRI could be used as first line treatment for these patients. Some background The chemotherapy combinations FOLFOX, CapeOX or FOLFIRI plus...
Read MoreComparing the risk of specific side effects between chemotherapy regimens
In a nutshell This study examined whether patients had a higher risk of thromboembolism depending on the chemotherapy drug they received. The study concluded that patients treated with carboplatin had no difference in the risk of thromboembolism compared to patients treating with cisplatin. Some background Chemotherapy is one of the most well-known...
Read MoreDoes liposomal doxorubicin improve heart side effects in lymphoma patients compared to conventional doxorubicin?
In a nutshell This study investigated the impact of liposomal doxorubicin (Adriamycin) on cardiac side effects in lymphoma patients compared to conventional doxorubicin. The study suggested that liposomal doxorubicin can reduce cardiac effects and still be an effective therapy, particularly for patients at high risk for anthracycline-induced...
Read MoreDoes liposomal doxorubicin improve heart side effects in lymphoma patients compared to conventional doxorubicin?
In a nutshell This study investigated the impact of liposomal doxorubicin (Adriamycin) on cardiac side effects in lymphoma patients compared to conventional doxorubicin. The study suggested that liposomal doxorubicin can reduce cardiac effects and still be an effective therapy, particularly for patients at high risk for anthracycline-induced...
Read MoreStopping TKI therapy: An overview of evidence
In a nutshell This study reviewed evidence on the safety and effectiveness of stopping TKI therapy in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Authors concluded that discontinuing TKI therapy is safe and effective in many patients with deep molecular response. Some background Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is a first-line treatment for...
Read MoreSearch for patients with breast cancer to test the treatment option of a probiotic
In a nutshell This trial is examining the effectiveness of a probiotic (Primal Defense Ultra (R) Probiotic Formula) for the immune systems of patients with breast cancer. The main outcome to be measured is the number of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8+), a type of white blood cell. This study is being conducted in the Mayo Clinic in...
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