In a nutshell This paper investigates which approach provides longer recurrence free survival time after breast conserving surgery – pre- or post-operative chemotherapy. Some background Breast conserving surgery (lumpectomy) or BCS is surgery to remove the cancer and a section of healthy tissue around it. Women who choose this...
Read MorePerformance status-0 – Asymptomatic Posts on Medivizor
Can patients with rectal cancer be treated with pre-operative chemoradiation alone?
In a nutshell The present study evaluated the outcomes of patients with rectal cancer who were treated with non-operative management (NOM) after complete clinical response (cRC) to neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT). Some background Rectal cancer involves the final part of the large intestine, or rectum. The first choice of treatment for...
Read MoreXELIRI-bevacizumab versus FOLFIRI-bevacizumab as primary treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
In a nutshell The present clinical trial compared two chemotherapy regimens as first-line treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): XELIRI-bevacizumav versus FOLFIRI-bevacizumab. Some background Approximately one quarter of patients with colorectal cancer (cancer in the large intestine) have metastases,...
Read MoreThe right treatments are available if the correct trials are used to show that therapy is improving.
In a nutshell This editorial article published at The Journal of Clinical Oncology, expresses experts' opinion, criticizing the current practice and design of clinical trials involving patients with rectal cancer. Some background Despite improvements in treatment options, such as the addition of the platinum-based drug Oxaliplatin to...
Read MoreEribulin (Halaven) versus other treatment options in women with stage IV breast cancer
In a nutshell This study compared the efficacy of Eribulin (Halaven) versus other treatments in women with previously treated stage IV breast cancer. Eribulin extended overall survival more than the other treatment options. Some background Late stage breast cancer offers limited treatment options. At this point in the disease,...
Read MoreSurgical options for the management of cancerous colonic polyps: surgery versus colonoscopic removal
In a nutshell The present study compared the results of two surgical techniques for the removal of cancerous colonic polyps: surgical resection versus colonoscopic polypectomy. Some background Most colorectal cancers develop from a malignant (cancerous) polyp, an abnormal growth on the inner surface of the large intestine. When a polyp is...
Read MoreSurveillance colonoscopy is performed early in patients who undergo curative surgery for colorectal cancer
In a nutshell This article evaluated how surveillance colonoscopies (SC) were used in colorectal cancer patients previously treated with surgery. The main finding was that many patients who had curative surgery (complete removal of the cancer) underwent SC more often than recommended by the guidelines. Some background Patients who undergo curative...
Read MoreEfficacy and adherence to a lifestyle modification program in sedentary breast cancer survivors
In a nutshell This study evaluated the efficacy of home-based lifestyle counseling and coaching program in achieving adequate lifestyle changes in older sedentary breast cancer survivors. Some background Older breast cancer survivors are at risk of developing secondary cancers, heart diseases and declining self-care capacity. Previous...
Read MoreBreast reconstruction for breast cancer patients
The present review discusses the principles, methods and complications of breast reconstruction surgery for breast cancer patients who need mastectomy (surgical removal of the entire breast). Women with breast cancer often need extensive surgeries to eliminate the cancer, along with healthy breast tissue, skin or the nipple and areola (the darker area...
Read MoreA genetic profile which identifies patients who will respond to preoperative chemoradiation for rectal cancer
In a nutshell This study looks at the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer with chemoradiation prior to surgery, and if there are variations in the cancer genes which make some more sensitive to this treatment than others. They find that changes in three individual genes made cancers less sensitive to chemoradiation, and may be a useful...
Read MoreMetastatic colorectal cancer: the benefit of combining cetuximab with chemotherapy
In a nutshell The present study investigated if patients with spread colorectal cancer that have mutations in the KRAS gene benefit from Cetuximab treatment. Some background Cancer that originates in the colon or rectum (parts of the intestine) is called colorectal cancer (CRC). If the cancer has spread from its original location, beyond the...
Read MoreThe risk of recurrent colorectal cancers in Lynch syndrome patients
In a nutshell This study aimed to determine the risk of developing a second colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients with Lynch syndrome previously treated with surgical resection of a CRC tumor. The main finding was that patients treated with a partial resection were at a higher risk of a second cancer than those treated with a total resection of...
Read More
