In a nutshell This study determined the impact of cancer-related fatigue on Hodgkin-Lymphoma patients and survivors. The authors concluded that fatigue particularly affected social integration. Some background Hodgkin-Lymphoma (HL) patients and survivors can experience persistent cancer-related fatigue. Reports of fatigue occur 2.5 to 3...
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Who should receive radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery for ductal carcinoma in situ?
In a nutshell This study investigated the rate of loco-regional recurrence (LRR) when breast-conserving surgery (BSC) was not followed by radiotherapy. This study concluded that the rate of LRR was low in patients who did not undergo radiation after BCS, but that age and margin width were risk factors for LRR. Some background BCS is a surgery...
Read MoreCould immunotherapy be more beneficial than chemotherapy at treating some types of NSCLC?
In a nutshell This trial determined whether pembrolizumab (Keytruda) is more effective at treating advanced NSCLC than chemotherapy in patients with high levels of a specific protein called PD-L1. The authors concluded that, for this subgroup of patients, pembrolizumab was more effective and safer than chemotherapy. Some background In some...
Read MoreSearching for men with low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer to test precise radiation therapy guided by an imaging technique
In a nutshell This trial aims to examine stereotactic radiosurgery guided by an imaging technique in treating low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer. The main outcome to be investigated is treatment-related side effects and treatment response. The trial is recruiting in Ohio (USA). The details Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) uses a specially...
Read MoreImpact of nivolumab on health-related quality of life in advanced melanoma
In a nutshell This study investigated the effect of nivolumab (Opdivo) on health-related quality of life in patients with advanced melanoma. Researchers suggested that nivolumab is associated with an increased long-term quality of survival. Some background Treatment of advanced melanoma has changed since the approval of new medicines, such as PD-1...
Read MoreWatching but not treating (active surveillance) low-risk prostate cancer
In a nutshell The authors determined the benefits and pitfalls of active surveillance (AS). The authors concluded that AS may reduce over-treatment in low-risk prostate cancer patients without compromising 10-year prostate cancer survival. Some background AS is a form of non-treatment used in prostate cancer patients who are low-risk. This...
Read MoreXELOX combined with bevacizumab in older metastatic colorectal cancer patients
In a nutshell This study investigated the safety and efficacy of chemotherapy (capecitabine and oxaliplatin, or XELOX) combined with bevacizumab (Avastin) as treatment for metastatic (spread to other areas of the body) colorectal cancer in patients 75 or more years old. Researchers suggested that XELOX plus bevacizumab was effective in patients aged...
Read MoreSearching for men undergoing active surveillance for low risk prostate cancer
In a nutshell This phase III trial aims to evaluate if metformin (Glucophage) can delay the time to progression in men with low-risk prostate cancer. The main outcome to be investigated is disease progression based on the need for treatment or biopsy results. The trial is recruiting in several locations in Canada. The details Metformin is a drug...
Read MoreA comparison of drug regimens for patients with advanced colorectal cancer
In a nutshell This study compared the efficacy and safety of two drug regimens in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Some background Cetuxima (Erbitux) prolongs survival of patients with metastatic (spread beyond the original location of the tumor) colorectal cancer. The effects of cetuximab in combination with chemotherapy regimens that...
Read MoreCan hormone therapy increase the risk of diabetes in prostate cancer?
In a nutshell The authors determined whether hormone therapy increased the risk of diabetes in localized (confined to the prostate) prostate cancer. Some background Hormone therapy is a common treatment in prostate cancer. It targets the male sex hormones active in prostate cancer, such as testosterone. Further studies are required to...
Read MoreCould the frequency of chemotherapy treatment alter breast cancer survival?
In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine both the effectiveness and toxicity of a type of chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. Some background Adjuvant chemotherapy is a course of chemotherapy that patients often receive after their main treatment. Chemotherapy can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence (the cancer returns) and improve...
Read MoreCancer in post-menopausal women; determining outlook
In a nutshell The authors aimed to assess the prognostic (treatment outlook) factors associated with breast cancer in post-menopausal women with specific tumor characteristics. Some background Lymph nodes are tiny bean shaped organs and are often the first site to which cancer will spread. This is known as lymph node involvement. Adjuvant...
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