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 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 analysis of several case studies evaluated whether removal of primary tumor in stage IV breast cancer helps improve overall survival. Some background In stage IV (metastatic) breast cancer, the cancer spreads beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes, to other organs and tissues of the body, such as the lungs, liver, bones or...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This article compares breast conserving therapy and mastectomy as primary treatments for breast cancer in young patients. Some background In young patients with localized (confined) breast cancer, surgical treatment which leaves as much breast tissue as possible is often preferred. This type of surgery is called breast...
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...
Read MoreIn a nutshell In this study, researchers examined two methods of delivering radiation therapy as a treatment for breast cancer. They compared the cosmetic outcomes of breasts treated with targeted intraoperative radiotherapy (TARGIT) or external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). Some background Medical and technological improvements have enhanced survival...
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In a nutshell This trial compared the survival of lung cancer patients, between patients receiving standard radiation therapy and those receiving radiation therapy given on alternative schedules (hyperfractionated or accelerated). Some background This research was prompted by recent findings that suggest a benefit with hyperfractionated or...
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In a nutshell This article reviewed current developing trends in the field of immunotherapy for the treatment of lung cancer. Some background Immunotherapy is a relatively new way of fighting cancer, and employs the body's own defenses to attack tumor cells. This is done by stimulating certain molecules that regulate immune cell activity, and...
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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)...
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In a nutshell This article evaluated the effects of chemotherapy after the surgical removal of liver and lung metastases on survival in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Some background Metastatic CRC is cancer that has spread from the large intestine to distant organs or tissues in the body. The parts of the body mainly affected by...
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In a nutshell The aim of this study was to examine the association between recreational physical activity and leisure time spent sitting before and after diagnosis with survival in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Some background There is growing evidence that exercise is safe and well-tolerated by patients with cancer during and after the...
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