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...
Read MorePerformance status-2 – Symptomatic, 50 in bed Posts on Medivizor
Local recurrence rates of breast cancer if treated with chemotherapy before or after surgery
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 MoreCan 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 MoreThe pathways followed by doctors in the diagnosis and treatment of recurring and metastatic breast cancer
This paper evaluates the process health care professionals follow to diagnose a cancer that reoccurs in the same location as a previous cancer (locally recurrent), or a cancer that has spread (metastasized). Despite earlier detection and improved treatment options for breast cancer, it is still the leading cause of cancer related deaths in...
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 MoreGuidelines for colonoscopy surveillance after removal of colorectal cancer
In a nutshell This review presents the recommendations of The American Cancer Society and the US Multi-Society Task Force on the use of colonoscopy for the follow up of patients with resected colorectal cancer (CRC). Some background Patients who undergo surgery for CRC with curative-intent (complete removal of the cancer) are candidates for...
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 MorePhase I trial to determine the safety of a new anti-cancer drug: PD 0332991
In a nutshell This article presents the results from the first human trial of PD 0332991, a new anti-cancer drug. The main objective of the study was to determine the safety and recommended dose for further testing. Results warrant further studies and revealed that neutropenia (low white cell count) was the main side effect. Some background Cells...
Read MoreEfficacy and adherence to a lifestyle modification program in sedentary colorectal 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 colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. Some background Older CRC 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...
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