In a nutshell This article evaluated how surveillance colonoscopies (SC) were used in colorectal cancer patients previously treated with surgery. The main finding was that many patients who had curative surgery (complete removal of the cancer) underwent SC more often than recommended by the guidelines. Some background Patients who undergo curative...
Read MoreTreatment(s) already received-Surgery Posts on Medivizor
Regorafenib is a new drug for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer after failure of previous therapies
In 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...
Read MoreMetastatic colorectal cancer: the benefit of combining cetuximab with chemotherapy
In a nutshell The present study investigated if patients with spread colorectal cancer that have mutations in the KRAS gene benefit from Cetuximab treatment. Some background Cancer that originates in the colon or rectum (parts of the intestine) is called colorectal cancer (CRC). If the cancer has spread from its original location, beyond the...
Read MoreTreating tumors of the appendix to reduce the risk of spread to the abdominal cavity
In a nutshell The present study classified tumors of the appendix and reviewed treatments that aim to prevent cancer spread to the abdominal cavity. Some background Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare condition caused by the production of too much mucin (a protein that is secreted in mucus). PMP affects women more than men and symptoms...
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 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 MoreEvaluating the benefits of postoperative chemotherapy for patients with stage II colorectal cancer
In a nutshell This study tested whether chemotherapy after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) extends survival and reduces the risk of cancer recurrence in patients with stage II colorectal cancer (CRC). Some background Stage II colorectal cancer (cancer in the colon or rectum) is confined to the digestive tract. It is usually treated with surgery...
Read MoreDo elderly or younger patients with stage II colon cancer benefit from adding Oxaliplatin to adjuvant chemotherapy?
In a nutshell This study tested whether chemotherapy after surgery ('adjuvant chemotherapy') including Oxaliplatin and FL (altogether called FOLFOX4) has any benefits in stage II and in elderly patients with colon cancer (CC). The main finding was that the addition of Oxaliplatin to FL as adjuvant...
Read MoreOxaliplatin improves survival in different groups of patients with stage III colon cancer.
In a nutshell The present article compared survival rates of adjuvant chemotherapy regimens with and without Oxaliplatin in patients with stage III colon cancer. This article shows that Oxaliplatin improved survival in large clinical trials. Some background Treatment for patients with stage III colon cancer consists of surgery to...
Read MoreHow soon after surgery for colorectal cancer should chemotherapy be started?
In a nutshell The present study evaluated the association between time until initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy and survival in colorectal cancer patients. The main findings were that a shorter time until adjuvant chemotherapy improves survival rates in patients with resected colorectal cancer. Some background Colorectal cancers that are within...
Read MoreWhat is the preferred duration of post-operative chemotherapy for stage II and III colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the main causes of cancer related deaths. Patients diagnosed with CRC are treated with surgery to remove the tumor and affected tissue. If the tumor affects the entire thickness of the colon or rectal wall it is referred to as being stage II; if the local lymph nodes are also affected the cancer is referred to as being a...
Read More
