In a nutshell This study compared weak opioids and low-dose morphine in providing pain relief for moderate cancer pain. Researchers concluded that low-dose morphine is more suitable as pain management for moderate cancer pain than weaker pain relievers. Some background The guidelines for cancer pain relief developed by the World Health...
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In a nutshell This study compared weak opioids and low-dose morphine in providing pain relief for moderate cancer pain. Researchers concluded that low-dose morphine is more suitable as pain management for moderate cancer pain than weaker pain relievers. Some background The guidelines for cancer pain relief developed by the World Health...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine the risk of bone fractures in men who underwent hormone therapy. Some background Hormone therapy is a common treatment used in prostate cancer. It targets the male sex hormones active in prostate cancer, such as testosterone. There are numerous types of hormone treatment. These include anti-androgen...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This review discussed the use of second-line chemotherapy (therapy after disease progression despite initial treatment) in colorectal cancer. Some background Patients with advanced (spread to lymph nodes and beyond) colorectal cancer often require a second round of chemotherapy following their first treatments. The use of multiple...
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In a nutshell This phase 2 trial located in Maryland, United States, aims to determine whether a combination of gemcitabine (Gemzar) and docetaxel (Taxotere) is effective in patients with metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma with CHFR and/or microsatellite instability. Patient's resposne to treatment will be measured. The details...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to give specific breast cancer treatment guidelines determined by medical experts. Some background The St. Gallen International Breast Cancer Conference is held every two years. Leading experts in breast cancer research meet at this conference to determine the most up-to-date guidelines for treatment. The 2015...
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In a nutshell The authors determined the benefit of docetaxel (Taxotere), bevacizumab (Avastin) and hormone therapy in treating prostate cancer patients with biochemical recurrence. Some background Biochemical recurrence can occur in prostate cancer patients after primary treatment. This means there is an increase in PSA. PSA...
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In a nutshell The authors determined how positive surgical margins increased the risk of prostate cancer return in patients following prostate surgery. Some background Prostate surgery is a common treatment in prostate cancer that involves surgically removing the prostate gland. Surgical margin refers to the visible normal tissue...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This phase I/II trial aims to determine the safety of administering shorter courses of radiation over a shorter period of time to patients who have had their prostate removed. The main outcome to be investigated is dose safety and toxicity in patients and to determine quality of life benefits. The details Radiation therapy...
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In a nutshell The authors compared nivolumab (Opdivo) in combination with ipilimumab (Yervoy) to ipilimumab alone in the treatment of advanced melanoma. Some background In the advanced stages of melanoma (stage III/IV), cancer spreads from the skin to other parts of the body. In many melanoma...
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In a nutshell The authors determined the effectiveness of a clinician (doctor or nurse working directly with patients) referral and exercise in improving quality of life in men with prostate cancer. Some background Quality of life can be described as a patient’s ability to function on a social, physical and emotional level...
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In a nutshell This study looked at the benefits of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in treating patients with lung cancer and brain metastases (cancer that has spread to the brain). Some background Lung cancer is the most common cause of brain metastases (BM). The usual treatment in this scenario is both radiation and...
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