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...
Read MoreTreatment(s) already received-Chemotherapy Posts on Medivizor
Evaluating relapse patterns in stage III melanoma patients
In a nutshell The present article evaluated the time interval and site of relapse (return of the cancer) as well as survival rates in stage III melanoma patients who were considered cured after treatment. Some background Stage III melanoma is skin cancer that has spread to the nearby lymph nodes. Further classification (III A, III B and III...
Read MoreAddition of Aflibercept to FOLFIRI improves survival rates in patients previously treated with Oxaliplatin
In a nutshell This study investigated the use of the chemotherapy regimen known as FOLFIRI with or without the addition of Aflibercept (Zaltrap) to treat metastatic colorectal cancer. Results showed that adding Aflibercept significantly increased the length of time patients survive and the length of time they survive without any disease...
Read MorePostoperative lymph node radiotherapy versus observation for melanoma patients with a high risk of cancer relapse
In a nutshell The present article evaluated the benefits of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) compared to observation alone after therapeutic lymphadenectomy (TL) for melanoma patients with a high risk of lymph node relapse (return of cancer to the lymph nodes). Some background Patients with a history of melanoma are at increased risk of developing...
Read MoreAbiraterone shows increased survival in patients with metastatic prostate cancer
In a nutshell The present study evaluated the effect of Abiraterone acetate (AbAc) on survival and disease progression, when given to patients with metastatic prostate cancer (mPC) that is resistant to hormone therapy (castration-resistant). Some background Prostate cancer (PCa) growth is fueled by male hormones like...
Read MoreOperative versus non-operative treatment for recurrent rectal cancer: impact on long-term survival
In a nutshell The present paper compares long-term survival rates of surgery versus non-operative treatments in patients with recurrent rectal cancer (RRC). Some background Rectal cancer is cancer in the final section of the large intestine, or rectum. Surgery to remove the cancer is the first choice of treatment, but chemotherapy with or...
Read MoreBosutinib: a new drug that increases progression free survival in patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer
In a nutshell This paper presents the results of a clinical study which looked at the use of a new drug called Bosutinib (Bosulif) for the treatment of breast cancers diagnosed as being stage III or IV. In patients previously treated with chemotherapy, Bosutinib showed promising efficacy in delaying cancer progression. Some background Locally...
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 MoreThe association between insulin blood levels and risk of death in breast cancer patients
In a nutshell The present study evaluated the relationship between high insulin levels in the blood stream and the risk of cancer-related mortality. Its authors report that women with higher-than-normal insulin levels are at higher risk of death due to breast cancer. Some background Breast cancer has been shown to be more common in people who...
Read MoreSugar-rich foods and colorectal cancer recurrence
In a nutshell This study investigated whether diets rich in carbohydrates influence recurrence rates in patients treated for colorectal cancer. The main finding was that a higher glycemic (sugar) load and carbohydrate intake were associated with a greater risk of cancer recurrence. Some background Dietary factors, as well as body...
Read MoreCombining Bevacizumab with chemotherapy for advanced colorectal cancer: efficacy evaluation
In a nutshell The present study evaluated whether combining Bevacizumab (Avastin) with chemotherapy for patients with stage IV (metastatic) colorectal cancer (CRC) has any benefits in the terms of survival and quality of life. Main findings: Bevacizumab may be beneficial only as part of certain chemotherapy regimens. Some...
Read MoreBenefits of 10-year versus 5-year Tamoxifen treatment
In a nutshell Tamoxifen treatment is given to many breast cancer patients after surgery to prevent recurrences and improve survival. It is usually given for a maximum of 5 years. This study determined that longer treatments offer further survival benefit. Some background Tamoxifen is a drug used against breast cancers which produce...
Read More