In a nutshell This phase III trial compared two maintenance therapy strategies in the treatment of advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The effect of bevacizumab (Avastin) was compared to that of combined bevacizumab and pemetrexed (Alimta) treatment. Some background Chemotherapy is one of the main strategies applied in the...
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Erlotinib versus chemotherapy as first-line treatment for patients with advanced EGFR-positive non-small cell lung cancer
In a nutshell This phase III trial compared chemotherapy to erlotinib (Tarceva) as first line treatment for EGFR-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The safety and efficacy of the treatments were compared to decide which treatment is most beneficial for advanced cancer patients. Some background Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)...
Read MoreThe cardiac risks of bevacizumab treatment in combination with chemotherapy
In a nutshell This study investigated the effects of bevacizumab (avastin) in combination with chemotherapy on the risk of cardiac related events, such as heart failure and cardiac related death. Some background Bevacizumab is a drug which targets a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). By binding to VEGF-A...
Read MoreEvaluating the impact of nerve damage as side effect of chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer
In a nutshell This study evaluated the frequency and severity of nerve damage (neuropathy) caused by chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer. Additionally, researchers evaluated the impact this side effect has on patients’ quality of life. Some background Neuropathy is the damage of nerves caused either by disease or by treatments...
Read MoreDoes zoledronic acid influence quality of life in breast cancer patients?
In a nutshell In this article, researchers investigated the adverse effects of zoledronic acid (Zometa) in breast cancer patients. Specifically, they examined the occurrence of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and other oral (mouth) complications. Some background Zoledronic acid (zoledronate) is a drug commonly used to treat osteoporosis (loss...
Read MoreThe effect of cabazitaxel and prednisone in the treatment of metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer
In a nutshell This study looked at the effect, and specifically drug related toxicities, of cabazitaxel (jevtana) plus prednisone treatment in metastatic prostate cancer patients. Some background Prostate cancer grows in response to the hormone testosterone. In order to reduce the effect of testosterone, castration is the mainstay of advanced...
Read MoreEvaluating continuation of bevacizumab plus chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer after disease progression
In a nutshell This article evaluated the use of bevacizumab alongside chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer after the progression of the disease following treatment with bevacizumab. Some background Cancer cells need blood supply in order to grow. They do so by forming new blood vessels thereby feeding...
Read MoreRisk of Heart Failure after Anthracycline (Adriamycin/Daunomycin) and Trastuzumab (Herceptin) Treatments for Breast Cancer
In a nutshell This study evaluated the risk of heart disease associated with two commonly prescribed treatments for breast cancer. The main finding was that Trastuzumab (Herceptin) and Anthracycline (Adriamycin/Daunomycin) treatments are associated with a higher risk of heart failure or ‘cardiomyopathy’. Some background Anthracyclines...
Read MoreBenefits of postoperative chemotherapy vary according to breast cancer type
In a nutshell This study questioned the benefit of adding chemotherapy to postoperative hormonal treatment in the case of lobular breast cancer. Their findings were that chemotherapy seems to offer no additional beneficial effects in women with lobular breast cancer receiving hormonal therapy. Some background There are two main types of breast...
Read MoreComparison between different chemotherapy regimens for early breast cancer
In a nutshell The present study compared the long-term efficacy and safety of different adjuvant chemotherapy regimens for breast cancer. Main results: chemotherapy clearly provides survival benefits; the higher the dosage, the higher the survival rates, despite more toxicity. Some background Many women with early stage breast cancer receive...
Read MoreRisks versus benefit of the ‘HIPEC’ treatment for peritoneal metastases due to colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer (CRC) often presents with peritoneal metastases, which have a poor outcome. This means that cancer cells have spread from the colon, appendix, or rectum to the peritoneum (a sheath that covers the abdominal organs). This article argues the pros and cons of a combined treatment for patients with peritoneal metastases from CRC. This...
Read MoreChemotherapy for cancers of the appendix when surgery is not an option
In a nutshell This paper assessed the benefits of giving systemic (whole-body) chemotherapy in cancers of the appendix, when surgery combined with intraperitoneal chemotherapy was not an option. Some background Cancers of the appendix are rare, accounting for about 1% of all colon cancers. However, some of these tumors are aggressive and quickly...
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