In a nutshell This study evaluated whether microRNA expression was predictive of treatment success in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (late stage cancer that has spread to distant sites). Some background MicroRNA’s are small messengers that help to regulate expression of genes. Recent studies have shown that dysregulation of...
Read MoreType(s) of colorectal cancer (CRC)-Adenocarcinoma of the rectum Posts on Medivizor
Increased fatigue and cognitive dysfunction in patients with colorectal cancer
In a nutshell This study examined whether patients with colorectal cancer have cognitive dysfunction or increased fatigue (tiredness). Some background Cognitive function refers to a person’s ability to think or process information. Cognitive dysfunction can include problems with memory, learning new information, reading or...
Read MoreDoes administration of capecitabine and oxaliplatin both before and alongside radiotherapy improve cancer outcomes?
In a nutshell The authors evaluated the short term effectiveness and safety of capecitabine and oxaliplatin administered prior to and then alongside radiotherapy for high-risk locally advanced rectal cancer. Some background Although neoadjuvant (before surgery) chemoradiotherapy has signifcantly reduced the risk of local...
Read MoreSecond-line treatment with panitimumab-FOLFIRI in metastatic colorectal cancer
In a nutshell This study reports the long term data on the use of panitimumab-FOLFIRI in metastatic colorectal cancer. Some background Many agents are now available for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. FOLFIRI is a treatment method consisting of 5-flurouracil (slows or stops cell growth), leucovorin (Fusilev;...
Read MoreDo circulating tumor cell markers of have both prognostic and predictive values?
In a nutshell This study evaluated markers of circulating tumor cells as prognostic factors and predictive factors in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Some background Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is cancer whereby tumor cells have spread from the colon or rectum to other organs and tissues. The cells that escape from...
Read MoreDoes chemotherapy-induced neutropenia improve survival in metastatic colorectal cancer?
In a nutshell This study investigated whether chemotherapy-induced neutropenia improves survival of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Some background Metastatic colorectal cancer is colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. For unresectable (cannot be surgically removed) metastatic colorectal cancer, chemotherapy is...
Read MoreIncreasing response to treatment with statins
In a nutshell This study examined whether statin use during cancer treatments can increase response rates and outcomes among rectal cancer patients before surgery. Some background Chemoradiation (chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy) is often used among rectal cancer patients before undergoing surgery (referred to as neoadjuvant therapy). Neoadjuvant...
Read MoreNSAIDs and cancer
In a nutshell This review analyzed a number of studies which evaluated the effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on cancers of the gastrointestinal system, such as colorectal cancer. Some background NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil), are a class of drugs commonly used for pain relief and fever reduction. NSAIDs exert...
Read MoreThe cardiac risks of bevacizumab treatment in combination with chemotherapy
In a nutshell This study investigated the effects of bevacizumab (avastin) in combination with chemotherapy on the risk of cardiac related events, such as heart failure and cardiac related death. Some background Bevacizumab is a drug which targets a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). By binding to VEGF-A...
Read MoreThe addition of ganitumab or conatumumab to chemotherapy in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer
In a nutshell This study compared the ability of two drugs, ganitumab and conatumumab, to treat patients with metastatic colorectal cancer when added to chemotherapy. Some background Cancer cells express various structures on their surface (called receptors) that may stimulate growth and help avoid destruction by the immune system. Drugs that...
Read MoreComparing combined versus sequential chemotherapy for patients with advanced colorectal cancer
In a nutshell This trial compared the effect on disease progression and survival of different chemotherapy combinations used in the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Some background Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is cancer that has spread from the large intestine to other organs and tissues. Chemotherapy...
Read MoreComparing the outcomes of laparoscopic versus open surgery in patients with colorectal cancer
In a nutshell This study compared the short- and long-term outcomes of two types of surgery for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC): open surgery (OS) versus laparoscopic surgery (LS). LS led to less pain following surgery, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, and improved survival rates. Some background CRC is very common,...
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