In a nutshell This study examined the effect of specialized radiation treatments on patient-reported rectal bleeding. The authors found very low rates of rectal bleeding immediately after treatment and at 2 years. Some background Radiation therapy is a common treatment of localized (confined) prostate cancer. Radiation therapy involves...
Read MoreTreatment(s) now being considered-Radiation Posts on Medivizor
Are end-of-treatment PET scans necessary?
In a nutshell This study investigated whether end-of-treatment PET scans could be left out if the mid-treatment scans were negative (no cancer activity). The authors concluded that the end-of-treatment scans were essential, even in patients with negative interim results. Some background Positron emission tomograpy (PET) scans are used to...
Read MoreComparing the benefits of different local therapies before hormone therapy
In a nutshell This study compared the benefit of combining different local therapies with hormone therapy for metastatic prostate cancer. Researchers reported a survival benefit for patients treated with surgery or intensity modulated radiation therapy (a type of radiation therapy) before hormone therapy. Some background Hormone therapy is...
Read MorePET-scans and treatment options in early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma
In a nutshell This trial examined the need for radiotherapy among early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma patients who responded well to chemotherapy. The authors concluded that in these patients, progression-free survival rates were high overall, but were slightly higher with additional radiation. Some background Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer...
Read MoreBleomycin lung toxicity is not associated with the risk of radiation lung injury in Hodgkin lymphoma
In a nutshell This study investigated whether or not there was an increased risk of radiation pneumonitis (RP, radiation-induced lung injury) in Hodgkin lymphoma patients treated with the chemotherapy bleomycin. The authors concluded that there was no association between bleomycin lung effects and RP. Some background...
Read MoreEffective and safe neoadjuvant therapy to treat locally advanced rectal cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of pre-surgery combined chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin (5-FU/OX) and radiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Researchers suggested that this combined treatment could be beneficial for LARC patients. Some background The standard treatment for...
Read MoreExamining surgery as a primary treatment for high-risk prostate cancer
In a nutshell This study examined evidence for the role of prostate surgery in treating high-risk prostate cancer. Authors concluded that surgery is an effective primary treatment option for men with high-risk disease. Some background Localized prostate cancer is cancer that is confined to the prostate gland. Men with high-risk localized prostate...
Read MoreChemotherapy and radiation therapy in lower third rectal cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated the outcomes of lower third rectal cancer patients treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy (CRT). Researchers suggested that CRT could be beneficial for lower rectal cancer patients. Some background The most adequate treatment for lower rectal cancer is still a challenge. Prior studies suggested...
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 MoreThe effect of different radiation therapy schedules on erectile function
In a nutshell This study compared the side effects of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and hypofractioned EBRT (H-EBRT) on erectile and sexual function. Researchers reported similar effects of EBRT and H-EBRT on erectile and sexual function up to 3 years after treatment. Some background Radiation therapy is a common treatment for localized...
Read MoreNot just for headaches: Aspirin use during pre-surgery chemoradiation in rectal cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated whether aspirin has an effect against rectal cancer during pre-surgery chemotherapy and radiation therapy (CRT). Researchers reported that the use of aspirin is associated with a better outcome and survival. Some background Pre-surgery CRT has been shown to improve the rate of local recurrences (when the...
Read MoreComparing surgery and radiation therapies for high-risk prostate cancer
In a nutshell This study compared prostate surgery and radiation therapy in treating high-risk prostate cancer. Authors reported similar survival benefits with both treatments. However, high doses of total radiation combined with hormone therapy was associated with the lowest risk of disease progression. Some background Prostate surgery and...
Read More
