In a nutshell This study examined the benefits of administering local therapies before chemotherapy for prostate cancer. Researchers reported lower mortality risks for men treated with local therapies before chemotherapy. Some background Local therapies, such as surgery or radiation, are first-line treatments for localized (confined) prostate...
Read MoreTreatment(s) now being considered-Chemotherapy Posts on Medivizor
XELOX combined with cetuximab is an effective treatment option for metastatic colorectal cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of the chemotherapy XELOX combined with cetuximab (Erbitux) as treatment for metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) colorectal cancer. Researchers suggested that this combination was effective in these patients with manageable side effects. Some background Colorectal...
Read MoreCetuximab improved survival compared to bevacizumab when combined with FOLFIRI in metastatic colorectal cancer
In a nutshell This study compared the effectiveness of the chemotherapy FOLFIRI plus cetuximab (Erbitux) and FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab (Avastin). Researchers suggested that FOLFIRI plus cetuximab is associated with a higher effectiveness in treating metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) colorectal cancers. Some background FOLFIRI is...
Read MoreIs chemotherapy and short-course radiotherapy followed by delayed surgery an efficient treatment option for patients with advanced rectal cancer?
In a nutshell This study investigated the benefits of chemotherapy and short-course radiotherapy (SCR) followed by surgery in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) with metastasis (spread to other parts of the body). Researchers suggested that this treatment approach is an effective and safe option for LARC patients with operable...
Read MoreCould EGFR-TKIs be used as first line treatment of advanced NSCLC?
In a nutshell This trial aimed to assess the effectiveness of using erlotinib (Tarceva) to treat EGFR-mutation positive advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. The study concluded that erlotinib had an overall survival (OS) benefit comparable to first line chemotherapy. Some background Genetic mutations (changes) in the epidermal growth factor...
Read MoreIntermittent and continuous chemotherapy with docetaxel – a summary of findings
In a nutshell This review examined intermittent and continuous docetaxel (Taxotere) treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Researchers concluded that intermittent docetaxel treatment can be a feasible treatment option in the management of mCRPC. Some background Chemotherapy with docetaxel is often the first-line...
Read MoreCan some chemotherapies help you live longer?
In a nutshell This study looked at the survival of patients with non-small cell lung cancer treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. Some background Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer. Currently, the most up-to-date treatment for NSCLC that has advanced or spread to other parts of the body...
Read MoreBody fat and docetaxel treatment in advanced prostate cancer
In a nutshell The authors determined how body weight could influence patient outcome following docetaxel (Taxotere) treatment in patients with metastatic cancer (that has spread) prostate cancer. Some background Advanced prostate cancer is cancer that has spread outside the prostate gland to different organs. Many advanced...
Read MoreEffect of sentinel lymph node biopsy on circulatory systems of melanoma patients
In a nutshell The authors analyzed the effect of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB – a surgical procedure) on the circulatory system of skin melanoma patients. Some background In primary cutaneous malignant melanoma (PCMM) the cancer tends to spread from the skin to other parts of the body. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) is the...
Read MoreTreatment options in prostate cancer patients with biochemical relapse
In a nutshell The authors determined the benefit of docetaxel (Taxotere), bevacizumab (Avastin) and hormone therapy in treating prostate cancer patients with biochemical recurrence. Some background Biochemical recurrence can occur in prostate cancer patients after primary treatment. This means there is an increase in PSA. PSA...
Read MoreLong-term survival in advanced melanoma–benefit of ipilimumab and dacarbazine
In a nutshell The authors analyzed the 5-year survival rate in advanced melanoma patients treated with a combination of ipilimumab (Yervoy) and dacarbazine (DTIC, DTIC-Dome) in a phase III clinical trial. Some background In advanced melanoma (stage III/IV), cancer spreads from the skin to other parts of the...
Read MoreLung disease from chemotherapy – am I at risk?
In a nutshell This study looked at whether certain risk factors could identify patients who may experience severe lung disease from the chemotherapy used to treat their lung cancer. Some background Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a scarring of the lung tissue, which makes it hard to breathe. Some patients who already have ILD are at...
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