In a nutshell This paper presents results from phase I and II clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of two targeted therapies – dabrafenib and trametinib – given in combination for metastatic melanoma patients with BRAF mutations. Some background BRAF is a protein that plays a role in cell division and growth. About 50% of...
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In a nutshell This paper reviewed current guidelines for treating early-stage melanoma (confined to the skin). Some background Melanoma is a form of cancer that originates in cells called 'melanocytes' that give skin its color. Melanoma is aggressive because it has a very high rate of metastasis (spread to distant organs) if left...
Read MoreIn a nutshell The present study compared outcomes of two treatment methods for patients with malignant colorectal polyps (MCP): endoscopic versus surgical management. Some background Most colorectal cancers develop from a malignant (cancerous) polyp, an abnormal growth on the inner surface of the large intestine. When a polyp is found, the only...
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In a nutshell The aim of this study was to establish the criteria for selecting the best candidates to receive a second breast–conserving surgery (BCS) after ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR- reappearance of a breast tumor on the same side). Some background Some patients with primary breast cancer who receive BCS and...
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In a nutshell The present study evaluated the outcomes of patients with rectal cancer who were treated with non-operative management (NOM) after complete clinical response (cRC) to neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT). Some background Rectal cancer involves the final part of the large intestine, or rectum. The first choice of treatment for...
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In a nutshell The present paper compares long-term survival rates of surgery versus non-operative treatments in patients with recurrent rectal cancer (RRC). Some background Rectal cancer is cancer in the final section of the large intestine, or rectum. Surgery to remove the cancer is the first choice of treatment, but chemotherapy with or...
Read MoreIn a nutshell The present study compared the results of two surgical techniques for the removal of cancerous colonic polyps: surgical resection versus colonoscopic polypectomy. Some background Most colorectal cancers develop from a malignant (cancerous) polyp, an abnormal growth on the inner surface of the large intestine. When a polyp is...
Read MoreIn a nutshell The present study evaluated the efficacy of a new drug, Regorafenib, for the treatment of refractory (progressing despite several lines of treatment) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Some background Many of the patients with colorectal cancer do not present any symptoms in the early stages of the disease so the cancer...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated the efficacy of home-based lifestyle counseling and coaching program in achieving adequate lifestyle changes in older sedentary breast cancer survivors. Some background Older breast cancer survivors are at risk of developing secondary cancers, heart diseases and declining self-care capacity. Previous...
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The present review discusses the principles, methods and complications of breast reconstruction surgery for breast cancer patients who need mastectomy (surgical removal of the entire breast). Women with breast cancer often need extensive surgeries to eliminate the cancer, along with healthy breast tissue, skin or the nipple and areola (the darker area...
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In a nutshell This study looks at the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer with chemoradiation prior to surgery, and if there are variations in the cancer genes which make some more sensitive to this treatment than others. They find that changes in three individual genes made cancers less sensitive to chemoradiation, and may be a useful...
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Most patients on Tamoxifen receive a standard dose of medication. However, patients may benefit more from individually adjusted doses. This paper highlights potential strategies for personalized Tamoxifen treatments. Tamoxifen is not active on its own. Once ingested, the body converts it into other substances (metabolites). Some of these...
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