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-Not currently treated Posts on Medivizor
SOX 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 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 MoreAre certain metastatic colorectal cancer patients more likely to respond to aflibercept?
In a nutshell This study investigated which patients with colorectal cancer benefit from adding aflibercept (Zaltrap) to FOLFIRI (5-fluorouracil [Efudex], leucovorin, irinotecan [Camptosar]) as a second treatment for colorectal cancer. Some background About 25% of patients have metastatic colorectal cancer (colorectal cancer...
Read MoreHormone therapies available for advanced prostate cancer
In a nutshell The authors reviewed the effect of androgen deprivation therapy in treating patients with advanced prostate cancer. Some background Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a form of hormone treatment that targets the male sex hormones involved in prostate cancer, such as testosterone. ADT is the standard treatment for cancer that has...
Read MoreFactors that affect survival following recurrence despite surgery for non-small cell lung cancer
In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine factors that predicted survival after return of non-small cell lung cancer. Some background Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common form of lung cancer. In cases of cancer recurrence (return), NSCLC can reoccur at different sites in the body from the primary site or can be limited to a...
Read MoreAn invitation to take part in a study measuring the impact of a physical activity program on colon cancer progression
In a nutshell The aim of this trial will be to determine whether participating in a physical activity program, along with health education, is more effective at decreasing colorectal cancer recurrence than health education alone. The primary outcome measured in this trial will be disease-free survival (how long following treatment a patient remains...
Read MoreLoss of PTEN protein function has negative effects in prostate cancer
In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine whether abiraterone acetate (Zytiga) can be used to stop tumor activity in castration-resistant prostate cancer in patients with and without PTEN protein function. Some background PTEN is a protein that controls cell processes like survival, replication and movement within the body. It has recently...
Read MoreDoes 1st or 2nd place really matter? Review of treatment sequences in metastatic castrate-resistant patients
In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine the tumor activity and safety of cabazitaxel (Jevtana) and abiraterone (Zytiga) when used in metastatic castrate-resistant patients (patients whose cancer has spread and no longer responds to hormone therapy) who had previously received docetaxel (Taxotere, Docecad) treatment. Some...
Read MoreAdding cetuximab (Erbitux) to brivanib alaniate (BMS-582664) does not improve patient quality of life
In a nutshell The study investigated whether cetuximab (Erbitux) and brivanib alaniate (BMS-582664) can improve the quality of life of patients with chemotherapy-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer. Some background Some patients with colorectal cancer have chemotherapy-refractory metastatic cancer (the cancer does not respond to chemotherapy...
Read MoreCan we predict response to hypofractionated radiotherapy?
In a nutshell The authors aimed to identify predictors of response to hypofractionated radiation therapy in early-stage breast cancer. Some background Tumor biomarkers are indicators of the state or condition of a tumor, and can predict the response of a tumor to certain treatments. While biomarkers of tumor response to hormonal therapy...
Read MoreFDA approved drugs in the last 20 years for the treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer
The article reviews drugs that were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) in the last 20 years. The authors summarize the clinical studies which lead to FDA approval. ‘First-line therapy’ is the initial treatment used to reduce cancer burden. It is usually the standard...
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