In a nutshell This phase III trial aims to determine the benefits of using the drugs eflornithine and sulindac (Clinoril) in the prevention of high risk adenomas and secondary colorectal cancers. Researchers will look at the number of recurrences over a 3 year period while administering the drugs. The details Patients previously treated for...
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In a nutshell This study will compare two procedures to deliver chemotherapy into the abdominal cavity following surgery to remove colorectal cancer spread to the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity). The primary outcome of the study is disease-free survival, or the length of time without any evidence of cancer. The details...
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In a nutshell This article evaluates lifestyle behaviors breast cancer survivors adopt in order to lower the risk of recurrence. Some background In the past years the number of breast cancer survivors has increased as a result of early detection and medical advances regarding cancer therapies. However, breast cancer survivors are at great risk of...
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In a nutshell The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of microwave ablation therapy on pulmonary metastases (cancer spread to the lungs) that cannot be removed surgically. The study showed that it can be an effective treatment method with a success rate depending on the tumor size. Some background Pulmonary metastases...
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In a nutshell This paper looks at the use of a system called EPclin that gives patients a risk score according to the clinical and genetic characteristics of their tumor. This score is used to predict if patients are at high or low risk of distant reccurrence of the tumor and if they would benefit from chemotherapy. Some background...
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In a nutshell This paper looks at a new method of treating pulmonary metastases (spread of colorectal cancer to the lungs). This new treatment is called radiofrequency ablation. The authors showed that this technique can prevent local tumor progression for extended periods of time and offers good overall survival rates. Some background When...
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In a nutshell This article presents the results of a phase II clinical trial that evaluated the efficacy and safety of the combination of two targeted therapies – cetuximab and erlotinib – for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Some background Colorectal cancer that has spread outside the large...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated the risk of heart disease associated with two commonly prescribed treatments for breast cancer. The main finding was that Trastuzumab (Herceptin) and Anthracycline (Adriamycin/Daunomycin) treatments are associated with a higher risk of heart failure or ‘cardiomyopathy’. Some background Anthracyclines...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This article outlines current guidelines regarding nutrition and physical activity for cancer survivors. Some background A cancer survivor is anyone diagnosed with cancer (cured or currently undergoing treatment). Environmental and dietary factors play a major role in cancer development. Adequate nutrition and regular physical...
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In a nutshell The aim of this study was to establish the criteria for selecting the best candidates to receive a second breast–conserving surgery (BCS) after ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR- reappearance of a breast tumor on the same side). Some background Some patients with primary breast cancer who receive BCS and...
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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 MoreIn a nutshell This article reviewed several clinical studies where radical surgical procedures have been used to treat rectal cancer that has invaded the area of the pelvis. Some background The sacrum bone is the lowest part of the spine which sits between the hip bones. It is made up of 5 vertebrae which are separate bones during...
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