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...
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In a nutshell This study examined the association between physical activity and long term survival among colorectal cancer patients. Some background While many advances have been made in colorectal cancer treatments over recent years, mortality and recurrence rates remain high. Physical activity is known to increase overall heath and survival, as...
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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...
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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 MoreIn a nutshell In this study, researchers examined how adjuvant chemotherapy benefits colon cancer patients over the age of 75. Some background Adjuvant chemotherapy (the addition of chemotherapy to another treatment, such as surgery) has been shown to benefit survival in multiple trials and is considered common practice for patients with advanced...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated whether patients with colorectal cancer and peritoneal carcinomatosis (cancer spread to the abdominal cavity) can be cured of their cancer using cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Some background Colorectal cancer or CRC (cancer of the large intestine) often spreads to the peritoneum (a...
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In a nutshell This phase III study compared the benefit of three chemotherapy combinations as first line treatment (the first choice of treatment) for extensive disease small-cell lung cancer (ED-SCLC) patients. Topotecan–cisplatin (TP) combination treatment, topotecan–etoposide (TE) combination treatment, and cisplatin-etoposide (PE)...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study compared the safety and efficacy of open versus laparoscopic (robotic) surgery in patients with advanced cancer of the colon or rectum (colorectal cancer). Some background For patients with CRC, the first treatment option usually is surgery to remove the cancer along with part of the large intestine. In more advanced...
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In a nutshell In this article, researchers investigated the adverse effects of zoledronic acid (Zometa) in breast cancer patients. Specifically, they examined the occurrence of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and other oral (mouth) complications. Some background Zoledronic acid (zoledronate) is a drug commonly used to treat osteoporosis (loss...
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In a nutshell This study investigated lifestyle factors in men and women and the effects of these on survival with colorectal cancer. Some background Colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer in the world, with more than a million people diagnosed every year. Over the recent years survival rates from colorectal cancer have improved...
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In a nutshell This review evaluated several studies which compared magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to mammography, ultrasound and clinical examination after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. The aim was to see if MRI more accurately identified patients who had responded well to chemotherapy and obtained a pathological complete...
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In a nutshell The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of serrated polyps (tissue growths with a saw tooth appearance under the microscope) and their association with colorectal cancer (CRC). Some background Colorectal polyps are tissue growths on the inner lining of the large intestine. They are usually benign (non-cancerous)...
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