In a nutshell This study looked survival rates of stage II rectal cancer patients who underwent different treatments. It compared radical surgery versus local excision with added-on chemoradiation. The article concluded that overall survival was not different between the treatments. Some background Radical surgery (RS – complete...
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In a nutshell This study examined the safety and effectiveness of durvalumab (Imfinzi) in patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer. This study concluded that durvalumab delayed time to disease progression. Some background Chemotherapy and radiation are the standard treatment options for stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC, cancer...
Read MoreIn a nutshell The authors aimed to determine the effects of yoga on fatigue, erectile dysfunction, urinary problems and quality of life (QoL) in men undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer. The authors concluded that yoga twice-weekly during external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) significantly reduced pre-existing and radiation-related...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the impact of whole breast radiation therapy (WBRT) and accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) on the severity of post-treatment side effects and quality of life. This study concluded that both forms of radiation therapy (RT) show similar survival benefits and similar quality of life in early-stage breast...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study examined the effect of specialized radiation treatments on patient-reported rectal bleeding. The authors found very low rates of rectal bleeding immediately after treatment and at 2 years. Some background Radiation therapy is a common treatment of localized (confined) prostate cancer. Radiation therapy involves...
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In a nutshell This study compared the number of hospital admissions for treatment-related complications from prostate surgery and radiation therapy. Researchers reported higher rates of treatment-related hospitalizations following radiation therapy compared to surgery. Some background Localized prostate cancer is cancer that is confined to the...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study compared the side effects of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and hypofractioned EBRT (H-EBRT) on erectile and sexual function. Researchers reported similar effects of EBRT and H-EBRT on erectile and sexual function up to 3 years after treatment. Some background Radiation therapy is a common treatment for localized...
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In a nutshell This study examined the evidence for combining androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with radiation therapy for the treatment of high-risk localized prostate cancer. Authors concluded that the combined therapy approach was associated with a survival advantage for intermediate- and high-risk patients. Some background ADT is a type...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study examined the effect of combined radiation and hormone therapy on long-term fatigue. Researchers reported severe fatigue during and up to 4 years after treatment. Men with increased cancer markers and symptoms were more likely to report higher fatigue levels. Some background Radiation therapy and hormone therapy are often...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the optimal waiting time between chemotherapy and radiation therapy and surgery in rectal cancer patients. Researchers suggested that a prolonged waiting time improves response to the treatment. Some background Chemotherapy and radiation therapy (CRT) is the recommended treatment before rectal surgery....
Read MoreTargeted treatment for breast cancer through external beam radiation is offering hope for those newly diagnosed with the disease. Dr. Christine Fang, radiation oncologist at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, details how this important approach allows for greater precision during radiation, offers protection for the heart and great benefit for...
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In a nutshell This study examined long-term side effects of radiation therapy on sexual function. Researchers report a range symptoms related to sexual function among long-term prostate cancer survivors. Some background Radiation therapy is a common treatment for localized prostate cancer. It involves directing high-energy rays at the tumor site...
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