In a nutshell This study evaluated the quality of life of long-term breast cancer survivors. Some background With improved screening, diagnosis and treatment techniques, survival rates of breast cancer patients increases with time. Therefore, there is considerable interest in these patients’ quality of life (QOL). Many patients have...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) using the MammoSite device for the treatment of patients after breast conserving surgery. Some background After breast conserving surgery (BCS; surgical removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue without removal of the entire breast),...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study evaluated whether the lymph node ratio (LNR) is an accurate predictor of breast cancer prognosis, and whether LNR can identify which patients would benefit from post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT). Some background Breast cancer staging allows physicians to estimate prognosis, and helps guide treatment planning. Under...
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In a nutshell This study compared the ability of lipegfilgrastim (Lonquex) and pegfilgrastim (Neulasta) in preventing low neutrophil levels in breast cancer patients during chemotherapy. Some background Neutrophils are important cells of the immune system that protect the body from infections. A common side effect of chemotherapy is neutropenia (a...
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In a nutshell This review assessed the effects of neoadjuvant hormonal therapy (NHT) in patients with endocrine-sensitive breast cancer. Some background Endocrine-sensitive breast cancer (also known as hormone receptor-positive breast cancer) refers to breast cancer cells which contain hormone receptors. These receptors (complexes on the...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study investigated the combined treatment of tamoxifen (nolvadex) and goserelin (zoladex) in women diagnosed with early stage hormone receptor positive breast cancer. Some background Growth of hormone receptor positive (HR+) breast cancer is stimulated by the hormone estrogen. Tamoxifen is an oral drug commonly used to treat HR+...
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In a nutshell This study compared the effectiveness of three adjuvant chemotherapy regimens used in the treatment of node positive breast cancer. Some background Adjuvant chemotherapy refers to chemotherapy given in addition to surgery in an attempt to destroy any remaining cancer cells and to prevent cancer recurrence. Adjuvant chemotherapy is...
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In a nutshell This study compared two treatment strategies for advanced non-small cell lung cancer: platinum analog chemotherapy plus the drug bevacizumab (avastin) versus platinum analog chemotherapy alone. Some background Treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer typically involves treatment with chemotherapy. Standard chemotherapy...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study examined the benefits of local therapies for patients with EGFR mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has progressed despite tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment. Some background Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells may contain different genetic mutations that cause these cells to divide and spread...
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In a nutshell In this study, researchers examined whether breast cancer patients who chose to have preventive removal of both breasts (bilateral mastectomy or BM) experience more post-surgery complications than patients who have removed only the cancer-affected breast (unilateral mastectomy or UM). Some background Most women with early breast...
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In a nutshell In the past several years, the treatment of prostate cancer has made significant progress. In this study, researchers reviewed recent studies evaluating treatments for patients with prostate cancer. Some background Prostate cancer progression is usually measured by blood levels of a protein called prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in a...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This large analysis determined the risk of CNS metastases as the first site of recurrence in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer who received trastuzumab (herceptin). Some background Breast cancer recurrence (return of the cancer) may occur near the site of the original cancer, or at other distant locations. The central nervous...
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