In a nutshell This study investigated whether laparoscopic conversion (LC) was associated with an increased complication rate when compared to planned open colon surgery. Researchers suggested that this treatment method is not associated with an increased risk of negative side effects. Some background Laparoscopic surgery is a less invasive method. It...
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In a nutshell This study investigated how age and other illnesses affected the survival of patients with cancer of the colon or rectum. It was found that survival decreases with age and the presence of other illnesses. Some background Roughly 70% of colorectal cancer patients are above the age of 65. 21% are aged over 80. However, few...
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In a nutshell This study looked at the original site of cancer and whether the area it may spread to can be predicted. Some background The location of metastases (where cancer has spread) is an important predictor for survival. It also helps determine the treatment strategy used. If metastases are not detected, it is most often surgery...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for patients with colorectal lung metastases (cancer that has spread from the colon or rectum to the lung). Some background Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. For up to 25% of patients the colon or rectal cancer will have spread to...
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In a nutshell This study investigated whether treatment for colorectal cancer (stage II and stage III) can affect female patients’ periods. Some background Stage II/III colorectal cancer indicates that the cancer has spread through the initial layers of the bowel or has invaded the lymph nodes or nearby organs, but has not spread to distant...
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In a nutshell This study examined whether any factors can predict early relapse in colorectal cancer patients treated for peritoneal metastases. Some background Peritoneal metastasis indicates that the cancer has spread to the peritoneum, the lining of the abdomen. At least 10% of patients with colorectal cancer develop peritoneal metastases...
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In a nutshell This article summarized what is known about colorectal cancer: age groups most at risk, nationalities most at risk, treatment and prevention. Some background Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide and an important cause of cancer related death. Roughly 1.2 million new cases are diagnosed and 600,000 people die...
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In a nutshell The study evaluated whether levels of cathepsin X can be used to predict if colorectal cancer patients would benefit from chemotherapy. Some background Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in Europe and the US. The availability of biomarkers (measurable indicators of a biologic state or...
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In a nutshell This study examined if genetic analysis can predict when FOLFOX or FOLFIRI chemotherapy would be more useful. Some background The treatment of choice for colon cancer is surgical resection (removal of part of the intestine). However, if the cancer has spread (metastasized), chemotherapy is often the only option. Two drug...
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In a nutshell The authors examined whether miR-21 levels are linked to patient survival rates. They also examined whether the levels of miR-21 could predict if patients will benefit from adjuvant therapy. Some background Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality (death from cancer). Adjuvant...
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In a nutshell This study focused on the effectiveness of bevacizumab (Avastin) in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Some background Colorectal cancer is any cancer that involves the colon, rectum, or both. It has a tendency to spread to other organs, frequently the liver. This phenomenon is called metastatic colorectal cancer....
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In a nutshell The authors suggest that the risk of disease recurrence of early-stage colon cancer can be predicted by a panel of microRNA’s that are measurable in the circulation at the time of cancer diagnosis. Some background Outcomes for patients with early-stage colorectal cancer differ widely between patients. Approximately 1 in 4...
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