In a nutshell This phase 3 trial is examining the effectiveness and safety of low dose rate (LDR) vs high dose rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy (BT) for patients with prostate cancer (PC). The main outcome to be measured will be the quality of life in terms of urinary symptoms. This trial is recruiting in British Columbia,...
Read MoreTreatment(s) now being considered-Radiation Posts on Medivizor
Patient-reported outcomes after breast-conserving treatment: what is the impact of radiotherapy?
In a nutshell This study investigated patient-reported outcomes related to radiotherapy (RT) for breast cancer. They found that patients were dissatisfied with outcomes after RT but this was not a long-term effect. Some background Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. A number of strategies are used to treat BC. A lot of BC cases...
Read MoreRadiation after mastectomy in patients with breast cancer and positive lymph nodes
In a nutshell This study wanted to find out if performing radiation therapy on patients with breast cancer who have had surgery results in a lesser quality of life. The study found that the patients who had radiotherapy had a higher chance of having pain, swelling, skin problems and sensitivity in the area of the breast. Some background Breast cancer...
Read MoreA review of adolescent Hodgkin lymphoma.
In a nutshell This study reviewed how the research on pediatric and adult Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) could be applied to adolescent HL. The main finding was that treatments for pediatric and adult HL have similar effects in adolescent HL. Some background About 8500 people are diagnosed with HL in the US each year. There are 2 main types of HL:...
Read MoreLymphocyte count reduction is associated with better rectal cancer outcomes
In a nutshell This study investigated the relationship between lymphocyte (a type of white blood cells) counts and treatment outcomes for patients with rectal cancer. Researchers suggested that lymphocyte count reduction may be caused by rectal cancer treatment and is associated with better tumor response. Some background Colorectal cancer is the...
Read MoreLong term results discussing radiotherapy and hormone therapy treatments for patients with prostate cancer
In a nutshell This study aimed to evaluate whole pelvic radiotherapy (WPRT) compared to prostate only radiotherapy (PORT) with hormonal therapy (HT) before or after radiation for patients with intermediate- or high-risk prostate cancer. This study found that HT before radiotherapy and WPRT had superior long-term survival without cancer growing or...
Read MoreEvaluating optimal duration of androgen deprivation therapy in high risk prostate cancer
In a nutshell This study aimed to investigate the effect of the length of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) when used with radiotherapy in patients with prostate cancer. This study found that 18 months ADT led to similar overall survival and better quality of life as compared to 36 months in these patients. Some background...
Read MoreCan white blood-cell levels predict tumor response in rectal cancer?
In a nutshell This study investigated if a change in white blood cell (WBC) levels before or during chemotherapy and radiation therapy are associated with rectal tumor response. Researchers suggested that a decreased level of WBC is associated with improved tumor response in patients with rectal cancer. Some background Chemotherapy and radiation...
Read MoreBleomycin and the risk factors for lung problems in Hodgkin lymphoma.
In a nutshell This study investigated the risk factors of developing lung problems after bleomycin (Blenoxane) treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). It was found that older age may increase the risk of developing lung problems. Some background Bleomycin is an anti-cancer drug, used to treat many types of cancer. Bleomycin is commonly...
Read MoreRadiotherapy improves cancer outcomes in patients with advanced colorectal cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of radiotherapy in patients with metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) colorectal cancer (mCRC). Researchers suggested that radiotherapy could be a safe option for the treatment of these patients. Some background Colorectal cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer....
Read MoreUsing atorvastatin to help prevent side effects from radiation therapy in breast cancer
In a nutshell This study wanted to find out if using a cream containing atorvastatin (Lipitor) on the skin of women who had radiation treatment for breast cancer would help with some of the negative side effects. The study found that using atorvastatin reduced itching, swelling and pain in patients receiving radiation therapy for breast cancer. Some...
Read MoreCyroablation for the treatment of early stage prostate cancer
In a nutshell This study evaluated the long-term safety and effectiveness of cryoablation (a process that uses extreme cold to destroy tissue) for patients with early prostate cancer. This study found that cryoablation is safe and effective for early-stage prostate cancer. Some background Cryoablation is a treatment option for early-stage prostate...
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