In a nutshell This paper studied the effectiveness of lapatinib (Tyverb) plus vinorelbine (Navelbine) in treating women with HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer. Some background Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive breast cancer (elevated levels of HER2 protein in cells) is associated with worse cancer outcome....
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In a nutshell This paper studied factors that might influence prostate-specific antigen (PSA) nadir levels following high-intensity ultrasound treatment in patients whose cancer has not spread beyond the prostate. Some background High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a primary treatment in prostate cancer that targets and removes damaged or...
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In a nutshell This paper studied the outcomes of a skin-sparing mastectomy procedure. Some background More and more people are undergoing skin-sparing mastectomies. This is a treatment for breast cancer where breast tissue is removed, but the overlying skin is preserved as much as possible. It also allows for immediate breast...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study attempted to examine the contribution of different components of prostate cancer on the outlook of patients diagnosed with metastatic disease despite treatment. Some background In some cases of prostate cancer, the primary treatment does not cure the disease, and metastases (cancer lesions in other body parts)...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study examined the benefits of local therapies for patients with EGFR mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has progressed despite tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment. Some background Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells may contain different genetic mutations that cause these cells to divide and spread...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This large analysis determined the risk of CNS metastases as the first site of recurrence in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer who received trastuzumab (herceptin). Some background Breast cancer recurrence (return of the cancer) may occur near the site of the original cancer, or at other distant locations. The central nervous...
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In a nutshell This study tested the effect of complete axillary lymph node removal, on survival without recurrence of the cancer (called disease free survival or DFS) in patients with breast cancer. Some background Lymph nodes are small organs which are part of the immune system. They filter fluid called lymph. Lymph can be thought of as the...
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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...
Read MoreIn a nutshell The present study evaluated the efficacy of a new drug, Regorafenib, for the treatment of refractory (progressing despite several lines of treatment) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Some background Many of the patients with colorectal cancer do not present any symptoms in the early stages of the disease so the cancer...
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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 MoreIn a nutshell This study evaluated if strategies to prevent cancer recurrence are associated with prolonged survival 15 years after treatment. Their main findings were that postoperative radiation managed to prevent cancer recurrence and was associated with higher rates of long-term survival. Some background Early breast cancer is often treated...
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Colorectal cancer (CRC) often presents with peritoneal metastases, which have a poor outcome. This means that cancer cells have spread from the colon, appendix, or rectum to the peritoneum (a sheath that covers the abdominal organs). This article argues the pros and cons of a combined treatment for patients with peritoneal metastases from CRC. This...
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