In a nutshell This review examined whether metformin reduces vitamin B12 levels. Some background Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient needed for the normal functioning of the nervous system and the formation of red blood cells. Levels of vitamin B12 in the blood can range from 81-1107 pmol/L. Vitamin B12 deficiency (blood levels less...
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In a nutshell The authors determined how body weight could influence patient outcome following docetaxel (Taxotere) treatment in patients with metastatic cancer (that has spread) prostate cancer. Some background Advanced prostate cancer is cancer that has spread outside the prostate gland to different organs. Many advanced...
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In a nutshell This paper studied the effectiveness of the antiplatelet therapy drugs clopidogrel (Plavix) and aspirin on stroke prevention. Some background Stroke occurs when there is not enough blood supply to the brain. This can be due to a blood clot blocking a blood vessel. To prevent stroke, antiplatelet drugs are used. These drugs work...
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In a nutshell This paper studied the impact of table tennis on patients with coronary artery disease. Some background Coronary artery disease occurs when there is a build-up of a fatty substance called plaque in the blood vessels. This can obstruct blood flow and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Studies suggest that sudden...
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In a nutshell This study examined whether bemfola has a similar safety and effectiveness profile as Gonal-f in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology. Some background Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a female hormone which is involved in the development of eggs in the ovaries. Gonal-f (follitropin alfa) is a drug which acts in...
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In a nutshell This study examined whether improved muscle quality is associated with improved fitness levels in type 2 diabetics. Some background Muscles in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have a reduced ability to take up glucose from the blood. Patients have a high muscle mass and a reduction in muscle quality as a result. A reduction in...
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In a nutshell The authors analyzed the effectiveness of rituximab (Rituxan – a biological therapy) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients previously treated with another biological therapy. Some background In RA, high levels of immune system proteins are generated. This causes inflammation, leading to...
Read MoreIn a nutshell The authors analyzed the occurrence, management and risk factors of hypophysitis (a complication of the immune system following ipilimumab [Yervoy] therapy) in advanced melanoma patients. Some background In advanced melanoma (stage III/IV), cancer spreads rapidly from the skin to other parts of the body....
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In a nutshell The authors evaluated the safety and effectiveness of certolizumab pegol (Cimzia) in patients with low to moderate rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some background In RA, high levels of immune system proteins are generated. This causes inflammation, leading to chronic pain. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the effect of erlotinib (Tarceva) with high dose celecoxib (Celebrex) in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Some background Some non-small cell lung cancers develop and grow due to a mutation (abnormality) in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene. EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine the effectiveness of targeted treatments and also compared combination therapies. Some background HER2 positive breast cancer is associated with the over-expression (production) of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2+). HER2+ breast cancer is known to be more aggressive with a poorer...
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In a nutshell The authors determined the treatment options available for gynecomastia in prostate cancer patients. Some background Hormone therapy is a common treatment for prostate cancer. It targets the male sex hormones active in prostate cancer, such as testosterone. Bicalutamide (Casodex, Cosudex, Calutide) is a common hormonal drug...
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