In a nutshell This article compares the use of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and a robotic method of treatment using directed radiation to liver metastases from colorectal cancer which have been deemed not suitable for surgical treatment. The study shows robotic radiation treatment is safe and comparable to RFA, with a trend towards being better...
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In a nutshell This laboratory based study investigates the use of compounds which block TGF-β signalling in triple negative breast cancer cells. They show that inhibiting this process prevents the development of paclitaxel resistance and the recurrence of cancers following paclitaxel treatment. Some background Triple negative...
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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...
Read MoreThis article outlines current guidelines regarding nutrition and physical activity for cancer survivors. 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 activity improve quality of life and may...
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In a nutshell The present study evaluated factors associated with residual or recurrent disease in patients with colorectal adenocarcinomas developed from adenomas initially treated endoscopically. Some background A colorectal adenoma is a benign (non-cancerous) abnormal growth in the inner lining of the large intestine (colon and rectum) also...
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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 assess the use of colonoscopic ultrasound in the evaluation of residual disease and local lymph nodes after polypectomy (removal of polyps). The results show that high-frequency ultrasound is beneficial for the assessment of colorectal malignant (cancerous) polyps (abnormal tissue growth). Some background...
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In a nutshell In patients with recurrent breast cancer, knowledge of regional lymph node involvement serves as an important guide for disease prognosis and treatment decisions. The study presented here investigates the feasibility of “repeat sentinel node biopsy” (SNB) as a prognostic indicator instead of the more invasive “axillary...
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In a nutshell This study looks at the use of panitumumab and irinotecan as a combination treatment in patients with KRAS wild-type (non-mutated) metastatic colorectal cancer which has continued to progress while on standard chemotherapy (oxaliplatin, fluoropyrimidines, irinotecan, bevacizumab). Some background Cancer cells can have...
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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 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 study aimed to determine the rate of cancer cases in patients with polyps that were removed surgically. Factors that predict the presence of cancer in these polyps were also investigated. The results confirm the fact that the best therapeutic option for polyps that cannot be removed endoscopically is radical surgery. Some background...
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