In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine whether previous maintenance therapy with gemcitabine or erlotinib impaired pemetrexed treatment. Some background Maintenance therapy is the ongoing use of chemotherapy or another treatment given to help the primary treatment succeed and prevent cancer recurrence. Two drugs have been...
Read MorePerformance status-0 – Asymptomatic Posts on Medivizor
Blood protein levels could predict benefit of gefitinib in patients with advanced disease
In a nutshell This study investigated using levels of the proteins MUC1 and VEGF to predict the benefit of gefitinib in patients with advanced NSCLC. Some background Non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common type of lung cancer that can be difficult to treat. 65-75% of cases are presented at an advanced stage. Chemotherapy is often...
Read MoreIs sunitinib plus transtuzumab safe and effective in patients with advanced breast cancer?
In a nutshell This paper studied the safety and efficacy of sunitinib (Sutent) in combination with trastuzumab (Herceptin) in the treatment of advanced breast cancer. Some background Trastuzumab is used to treat metastatic (cancer that has spread to other parts of the body) breast cancer that is human epidermal growth factor receptor 2...
Read MoreFDA approved drugs in the last 20 years for the treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer
The article reviews drugs that were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) in the last 20 years. The authors summarize the clinical studies which lead to FDA approval. ‘First-line therapy’ is the initial treatment used to reduce cancer burden. It is usually the standard...
Read MoreCould physical activity improve lung cancer survival?
In a nutshell This large scale analysis looked at the impact of physical activity on cancer mortality. Some background It has long been assumed that the amount of physical activity, along with diet and other lifestyle factors, has an impact on the development and progression of cancer. Studies have shown an increased incidence of cancer diagnoses...
Read MoreWhich treatment procedure is safer and effective between VATS and Open Lobectomy?
In a nutshell This analysis compared survival rates, recurrence rates and complication rates in patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and those who underwent open lobectomy. Some background Patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer may undergo lobectomy (surgical removal of a lobe of the lung) to remove the cancer....
Read MoreWhy run when you can walk?
In a nutshell This analysis examined whether post-diagnosis running and walking differ significantly in their association with breast cancer mortality. Some background Physical activity after the diagnosis of breast cancer has been shown to improve quality of life, physical strength, and significantly reduce symptoms of depression and fatigue...
Read MoreAn alternative to open surgery: evaluating side effects
In a nutshell This study evaluated the sexual and anorectal (the final part of the large bowel) functions after rectal cancer removal and radiotherapy. Some background The rectum is the lowest part of the large intestine, located behind the urinary bladder and nearby the nerves and structures that control sexual function. Usually, patients who...
Read MoreIs keyhole surgery safe and effective?
In a nutshell This study compared the outcomes of patients treated with laparoscopic and open surgery for low rectal cancer. Some background Keyhole or laparoscopic removal of colorectal cancers is being used more and more frequently. This technique has shown to be beneficial to the patient compared to conventional, open surgery. Laparoscopic...
Read MoreDoes the number of lymph nodes sampled make a difference?
In a nutshell This study evaluated whether the number of resected lymph nodes is associated with survival rate in patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Some background Lung cancer cells can reach the lymph nodes (small collections of immune cells) around the bronchi (the airway ducts that deliver air to the lungs) and in the area...
Read MoreDoes removal of the primary tumor improve survival in stage IV breast cancer?
In a nutshell This analysis of several case studies evaluated whether removal of primary tumor in stage IV breast cancer helps improve overall survival. Some background In stage IV (metastatic) breast cancer, the cancer spreads beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes, to other organs and tissues of the body, such as the lungs, liver, bones or...
Read MoreRadiotherapy and tamoxifen can reduce the risk of recurrence in breast cancer patients who underwent conservative surgery
In a nutshell This study compared the benefits of radiotherapy and tamoxifen in reducing the risk of local recurrence (return of the cancer close to initial place of origin) in patients with early breast cancer who underwent breast conserving surgery (BCS). Some background Women with early breast cancer usually have tumors that are confined...
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