In a nutshell The present study evaluated the relationship between high insulin levels in the blood stream and the risk of cancer-related mortality. Its authors report that women with higher-than-normal insulin levels are at higher risk of death due to breast cancer. Some background Breast cancer has been shown to be more common in people who...
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Treating tumors of the appendix to reduce the risk of spread to the abdominal cavity
In a nutshell The present study classified tumors of the appendix and reviewed treatments that aim to prevent cancer spread to the abdominal cavity. Some background Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare condition caused by the production of too much mucin (a protein that is secreted in mucus). PMP affects women more than men and symptoms...
Read MoreCalcium and magnesium infusions for the treatment of Oxaliplatin-related neuropathy
In a nutshell This article evaluates the use of Calcium and magnesium (Ca/Mg) infusions for the prevention of Oxaliplatin-related neurological side effects in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The main findings were that Ca/Mg helps preventing neuro-toxic side effects of Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy regimens. Some background...
Read MorePersonalizing breast cancer treatment based on the genetic “finger-print” of the tumor
This article discusses how tests such as the Oncotype DX or Mammaprint can be used to design individual treatment plans for patients with breast cancer. Patients with stage I and stage II breast cancer are treated similarly. Following surgical removal of a breast tumor, systemic (body-wide) treatment is often used. This secondary treatment is...
Read MoreDoes chemotherapy have a persistent effect on cognitive function in breast cancer patients?
In a nutshell The present study looked at the persistence of cognitive dysfunction in patients with breast cancer, after they had completed chemotherapy for at least 6 months. Except for slight impairments in verbal abilities (e.g. word-finding difficulty) and visuo-spatial abilities (e.g. getting lost more easily), no...
Read MoreSugar-rich foods and colorectal cancer recurrence
In a nutshell This study investigated whether diets rich in carbohydrates influence recurrence rates in patients treated for colorectal cancer. The main finding was that a higher glycemic (sugar) load and carbohydrate intake were associated with a greater risk of cancer recurrence. Some background Dietary factors, as well as body...
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 MoreBenefits of 10-year versus 5-year Tamoxifen treatment
In a nutshell Tamoxifen treatment is given to many breast cancer patients after surgery to prevent recurrences and improve survival. It is usually given for a maximum of 5 years. This study determined that longer treatments offer further survival benefit. Some background Tamoxifen is a drug used against breast cancers which produce...
Read MoreExtended versus Targeted Lymph Node Surgery for Invasive Breast Cancer
In a nutshell This study compared survival rates for two surgical strategies in treating invasive breast cancer. The main finding was that the targeted Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection (SLND) procedure was just as effective as the traditional Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (ALND) surgery. Some background Lymph from the breast drains...
Read MoreStandard Chemotherapy versus Capecitabine (Xeloda) in Older Women with Early-Stage Breast Cancer
In a nutshell This trial compared standard chemotherapy regimens and Capecitabine (Xeloda) in women over 65 years old. The main outcome was that standard chemotherapy worked better in this age group. Some background Capecitabine is generally used in breast cancer resistant to other chemotherapy. It is also the first approved treatment that can be...
Read MoreDo elderly or younger patients with stage II colon cancer benefit from adding Oxaliplatin to adjuvant chemotherapy?
In a nutshell This study tested whether chemotherapy after surgery ('adjuvant chemotherapy') including Oxaliplatin and FL (altogether called FOLFOX4) has any benefits in stage II and in elderly patients with colon cancer (CC). The main finding was that the addition of Oxaliplatin to FL as adjuvant...
Read MoreOxaliplatin improves survival in different groups of patients with stage III colon cancer.
In a nutshell The present article compared survival rates of adjuvant chemotherapy regimens with and without Oxaliplatin in patients with stage III colon cancer. This article shows that Oxaliplatin improved survival in large clinical trials. Some background Treatment for patients with stage III colon cancer consists of surgery to...
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