In a nutshell This study examined whether genetic mutations (abnormal genes) were linked with shorter survival time in patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the lungs (lung metastases). Some background Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide. The cancer will spread to other organs in nearly 50%...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study assessed the outcome of a reverse treatment strategy for rectal cancer patients with cancer that has spread to the liver (liver metastases). Some background The best treatment approach for patients with rectal cancer that has spread to the liver is not clear. In some cases the rectal cancer is treated first, followed...
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In a nutshell This study compared the outcomes of two surgical techniques in patients with low rectal cancer. Some background Surgery is the main option for curing patients with low rectal cancer. The standard type of surgery, abdominoperineal excision, involves removal of the lower rectum and a small amount of surrounding tissue....
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study analyzed whether the drug bevacizumab is linked with increased rates of surgical complications. Some background In locally advanced rectal cancer the cancer has spread beyond the lining of the rectum or has spread to the nearby lymph nodes. The standard treatment for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer is...
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In a nutshell This study assessed the safety, feasibility, and cancer specific outcomes of extended sacropelvic resection (ESR) for locally recurrent (cancer that has returned at or near its original site) rectal cancer. Some background Despite improvements in treatment, local recurrence following surgery for rectal cancer remains a...
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In a nutshell This study summarized current data on the optimal interval between chemoradiation therapy and surgery for rectal cancer patients. Some background Locally advanced rectal cancer indicates that the cancer has spread beyond the lining of the rectum or has spread to the nearby lymph nodes. The standard treatment for low-lying locally...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study investigated the long-term outcome of patients after laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (a significant length of bowel tissue around the tumor is removed with only a minor surgical incision). Some background Surgery is the main method for treating rectal cancer. Open surgery is the original surgical method used for...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the impact of pre-surgery chemoradiotherapy on physical fitness for patients with rectal cancer. They also explored whether physical fitness affects recovery from surgery. Some background Locally advanced rectal cancer indicates that the cancer has spread beyond the lining of the rectum or has spread to the...
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In a nutshell This study examined if there is any difference in urinary or sexual function after different surgical methods. Some background The main goal of localized rectal cancer (cancer that has not spread outside the rectum) surgery is to fully remove the tumor and cure the patient. Total mesorectal excision (a significant length of bowel...
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In a nutshell This study compared patient outcomes after laparoscopic surgery (a modern, minimally-invasive technique involving very small incisions) and minilaparotomy (a larger incision is made which allows direct visualization of the surgery). Some background Surgery is the main treatment for rectal cancer. Open surgery is the original surgical...
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In a nutshell The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of primary tumor removal and lymph node dissection on disease outcome in metastatic colorectal cancer. Some background Approximately 15-20% of patients with colorectal cancer are diagnosed with distant metastasis (spread of the cancer) despite widespread screening. While in some...
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In a nutshell The meta-analysis assessed whether a longer interval between the end of neo-adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy and surgery leads to better outcomes in treatment of rectal cancer. Some background Rectal cancer involves the final part of the large intestine, or rectum. The first choice for treatment of rectal cancer is usually surgery....
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