In a nutshell This study investigated if an ultrasound of the joints (musculoskeletal) can predict if remission can be achieved in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They found that ultrasound can predict if a patient with RA will achieve remission. Some background The aim of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is to reduce disease activity....
Read MoreIn a nutshell This trial is examining the effectiveness of chemotherapy and atezolizumab (Tecentriq), given before surgery, for triple negative breast cancer. The main outcomes to be measured will be response in the breast tissue and lymph nodes and survival. The details Triple negative breast cancer is not dependent on the HER2 receptors or...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of duvelisib in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This study concluded that duvelisib may be an effective new therapy with manageable side effects. Some background CLL is the most common type of leukemia in adults in the U.S. Although therapy options have increased, many...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study investigated the safety of localized surgery followed by chemotherapy compared with total mesorectal excision (TME; bowel and lymph nodes around the tumor are removed) in early stages (T0 to T1) of rectal cancer. Researchers suggested that local surgery followed by chemotherapy improves long term outcomes in early stages of...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of first-line (primary treatment) BR (bendamustine, rituximab) in frail elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). This study concluded that the BR treatment showed promising effectiveness in these patients. Some background DLBCL is the most common type of...
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In a nutshell This study examined the use of the antibiotics doxycycline and ciprofloxacin to prevent infections in multiple myeloma. The study concluded that adding doxycycline to ciprofloxacin reduced the number of bacterial infections. Some background Stem cell transplantation and chemotherapy are commonly used to treat multiple myeloma. These...
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In a nutshell This study compared dacomitinib (PF-00299804) to gefitinib (Iressa) as a first treatment for patients with EGFR-mutation positive non-small-cell lung cancer. The authors concluded that treatment with dacomitinib provided an improved overall survival compared to gefitinib. Some background Current cancer therapy heavily...
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In a nutshell This study aimed to investigate the benefits of monitoring early molecular response markers for chronic myeloid leukemia. This study concluded that monitoring BCR-ABL1 values at an early stage could help with assessing response and making decisions regarding timing of treatments. Some background Measuring molecular response markers...
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In a nutshell This study analysed if using radiation therapy after mastectomy increased the survival rates of patients with breast cancer over the age of 75 which had not spread to the lymph nodes. The authors found that overall, there was increased survival when radiation therapy was used in patients over 75 with breast cancer that had...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study aimed to investigate the safety of obinutuzumab (Gazyva) in a range of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. This study concluded that obinutuzumab is safe and tolerable for a range of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Some background Obinutuzumab is a targeted therapy for chronic lymphocytic...
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In a nutshell This study aimed to assess treatment plans and outcomes in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and genetic abnormalities in the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph-positive). The study concluded that adding imatinib (Gleevec) to intensive chemotherapy may be an effective treatment for these patients. Some background Acute lymphoblastic...
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In a nutshell This study examined the use of PET-CT imaging to monitor response to treatment for multiple myeloma. The study concluded that treatment to suppress focal lesions seen on PET-CT is an important goal for newly diagnosed patients. Some background One way to improve outcomes in multiple myeloma is to customize treatment based on the...
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