In a nutshell This phase 2 trial located in Maryland, United States, aims to determine whether a combination of gemcitabine (Gemzar) and docetaxel (Taxotere) is effective in patients with metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma with CHFR and/or microsatellite instability. Patient's resposne to treatment will be measured. The details...
Read MoreIn a nutshell The authors aimed to assess whether chemotherapy has an impact on thyroid function. Some background The thyroid is an endocrine gland (tissue that releases hormones) found in the neck. It controls how quickly the body uses energy used in the body, how the body reacts to other hormones and makes proteins. Thyroid hormones can...
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In a nutshell This study investigated whether the levels of certain cancer markers (CEC and soluble CD146) could predict the outcome for patients with non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing surgery. Some background Markers for a disease are generally proteins which are detected at high levels in one group of patients. These markers can be...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine the psychological effect of advanced lung cancer on patients and their family caregivers. Some background Patients with advanced lung cancer experience higher levels of emotional and physical distress compared to patients with other cancers, which can effect their own suffering as well as their...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine how microscopic vessel invasion affects lung cancer patient outcome. Some background The visceral pleura are the membranes surrounding the lungs. In lung cancer, the presence of tumors in the visceral pleura (known as visceral pleural invasion – VPI), is a factor used in standard...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study compared the long-term outcome for non-small cell lung cancer patients who underwent video-assisted surgery and those who underwent open lung surgery. Some background Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) involves making cuts in the chest wall and placing a scope specifically designed to view the lungs through...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine the effects of dalotuzumab in treating small-cell lung cancer when combined with cisplatin and etoposide. Some background Extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (SCLC – cancer has spread outside of the chest) represents 15% of all lung cancer cases. Though numerous treatments have been used over...
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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 MoreIn a nutshell This study compared the outcomes between the standard chemotherapy treatment for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer and a new drug, afatinib (Gilotrif, Giotrif) in Asian populations. Some background Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common type of lung cancer but can be difficult to treat. Standard treatment involves...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This trial, recruiting in China only, aims to evaluate whether adding bevacizumab (Avastin) to radiation and chemotherapy regimens is a more effective treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (cancer that has started to infiltrate surrounding tissues). The main outcome being investigated is tumor regression (shrinkage) following the...
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In a nutshell This study focused on the effectiveness of bevacizumab (Avastin) in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Some background Colorectal cancer is any cancer that involves the colon, rectum, or both. It has a tendency to spread to other organs, frequently the liver. This phenomenon is called metastatic colorectal cancer....
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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...
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