In a nutshell This study compared the long-term outcome for non-small cell lung cancer patients who underwent video-assisted surgery and those who underwent open lung surgery. Some background Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) involves making cuts in the chest wall and placing a scope specifically designed to view the lungs through...
Read MoreCurrent treatment status-Did not start treatment yet Posts on Medivizor
“Treatment holidays” in RA – more research needed
In a nutshell This study examined the effects of withdrawing biologic drugs upon remission in established long-term RA patients. Some background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease affecting the joints, the connections between bones. The main focus of RA treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation, and to limit the amount of...
Read MoreDelayed chemotherapy for stage II colon cancer patients: what are the risks?
In a nutshell This study investigated whether delayed chemotherapy treatment can affect stage II colon cancer patient survival. Some background Stage II colon cancer indicates that the cancer has invaded the outer layers of the colon, but it has not spread to the lymph nodes or to distant organs. Current treatment guidelines suggest that patients...
Read MoreOver 70? Bevacizumab plus double chemotherapy treatment is safe and effective
In a nutshell This study examined the efficacy and safety of a combination of three drugs for treating elderly patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (cancer that has spread from the colon or rectum to distant sites). Some background The combination of chemotherapy drugs capecitabine (Xeloda) and oxaliplatin (Eloxatin; XELOX) is safe and...
Read MoreCan peritoneal spread be prevented in high risk colon cancer patients?
In a nutshell This study compared two treatment approaches on the long-term outcomes of colon cancer patients at risk of peritoneal metastases (spread of the cancer to the lining of the abdomen). Some background The spread of colon cancer to the peritoneum is a life-threatening condition. One treatment is cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic...
Read MoreTreatment for rheumatoid arthritis: first, second and third options
In a nutshell This review examined the various treatment options for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Some background Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are a group of medications used for treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Commonly used DMARDs include methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)...
Read MoreSOX or CapeOX: comparing two chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer
In a nutshell This study compared disease progression and overall survival of metastatic colorectal cancer patients who underwent two different chemotherapy regimens. Some background Metastatic colorectal cancer indicates that the cancer has spread from its original site in the bowel to distant tissues or organs. The most commonly prescribed...
Read MoreHigh precision radiation therapy; is it warranted in high-risk prostate cancer?
In a nutshell This study aimed to evaluate the benefit associated with use of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), a form of high precision radiation therapy. Some background IMRT is a novel radiation therapy option for patients with prostate cancer that has not yet spread (localized). IMRT may offer lower rates of treatment-related...
Read MoreIs biweekly treatment with cetuximab safe and effective for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer?
In a nutshell This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of administering biweekly (every 14 days) cetuximab (Erbitux) plus standard chemotherapy to patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (cancer that has spread to other organs). Some background Cetuximab is a drug that binds to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein. As EGRF is...
Read MoreWhat is the risk of bone marrow cancer after breast cancer treatment?
In a nutshell This paper studied the occurrence of bone marrow neoplasms after adjuvant breast cancer therapy. Some background Adjuvant therapy (treatment given after initial cancer therapy) has helped to improve survival of patients with early stage breast cancer. However, there are still some short and long term complications that can...
Read MoreHow is sexual functioning affected after radiotherapy in prostate cancer?
In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine the effects of sildenafil citrate in improving sexual function after radiotherapy. Some background Radiotherapy is the use of high-energy rays to target and cure cancer with minimal damage to normal cells and is a common treatment option in prostate cancer. It can be given from outside the body or from...
Read MoreCombination therapy is more effective in treating metastatic melanoma
In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine the effects of combination therapy compared to single therapy in melanoma patients with BRAF mutations. Some background Melanoma can arise as a result of family genetics where mutations in specific genes such as BRAF genes (controls the functions needed for cell growth) can be passed on to family...
Read More
