In a nutshell This study investigated whether the neutrophil-lymphocyte (NLR; types of white blood cells) ratio is an effective predictor of ipilimumab (Yervoy) response in metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) melanoma patients. Researchers suggested that the NLR is strongly associated with the outcome of patients treated with...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study compared afatinib (Gilotriff) and gefitinib (Iressa) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with positive EGFR mutations. The authors concluded that afatinib was associated with better treatment outcomes than gefitinib. Some background Mutations (genetic changes) in the epidermal growth factor...
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In a nutshell This study aimed to determine whether EGFR-TKIs, in combination with surgery, is beneficial to patients with operable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The authors concluded that patients with EGFR-mutation-positive NSCLC who were treated with both surgery and EGFR-TKIs showed improved survival compared to patients who underwent surgery...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This review outlined the recommended treatment options for invasive breast cancer. Some background Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world and it is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Breast cancer often begins in the milk ducts and lobules. In invasive breast cancer, the cancer moves...
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In a nutshell This study compared the effectiveness of the chemotherapies FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab (Avastin) and mFOLFOX6 plus bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer. Researchers suggested that these two treatments are equally effective. Some background Roughly 20% of colorectal cancer patients have metastasis (spread to other...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study aimed to test whether the ALK inhibitor drug crizotinib (Xalkori) was more effective than chemotherapy at treating ALK-positive NSCLC that has spread to the brain. The authors concluded that crizotinib is more beneficial for this patient group than chemotherapy. Some background Several non-small-cell lung cancers...
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In a nutshell This study examined factors important in upgrading from low-risk prostate cancer. Authors reported that age, tissue samples, and blood test results are strong predictors of upgrading from low-risk prostate cancer. Some background Most men diagnosed with prostate cancer are categorized as low risk. Low-risk prostate cancer is...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study investigated the surgical treatment and associated outcomes of colorectal liver metastasis (the cancer has spread to the liver). Researchers suggested that individualized care for each patient is crucial to better plan the treatment and extent survival. Some background The liver is the most common place for colorectal...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study investigated the efficiency of endoscopic methods for tumor removal in early colorectal cancers when compared to surgery. Researchers reported that surgery is associated with higher curative rates when compared to endoscopic tumor removal. Some background Surgical removal of the tumor is the standard treatment for...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the association between the early closure of a protective stoma (a surgically created opening from the abdomen to bowel) and post-surgery complications. Researchers reported that an early closure leads to a significantly lower number of complications after surgery. Some background Patients with rectal...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the necessity of re-evaluation of locally advanced tumors (spread to the lymph nodes) after chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Researchers reported that re-evaluation is important to better plan treatment. Some background Chemotherapy and radiation therapy (CTRT) followed by surgery is the standard...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study investigated the effects of immunonutrition in colorectal cancer patients undergoing surgery. Researchers reported that including immunonutrients in patient diets reduces the complications after surgery and increases survival. Some background The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program describes the recommended care...
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