In a nutshell This meta-analysis (an analysis of data combined from several similar studies) compared the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation versus liver resection in patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases. Some background Colorectal cancer liver metastasis refers to cancer that has spread to the liver. Liver...
Read MoreType(s) of colorectal cancer (CRC)-Carcinoid of the colon Posts on Medivizor
KRAS mutations and the effectiveness of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy
In a nutshell This study evaluated survival benefit with the use of oxaliplatin (Eloxatin) in relation to KRAS gene status among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Some background Metastatic colorectal cancer (cancer that has spread from the large intestine to distant organs and tissues) is often treated by a combination of chemotherapy...
Read MoreARID3A expression predicts good prognosis in colorectal cancer
In a nutshell This study evaluated the effect of AT-rich interactive domain 3A (ARID3A) expression on colorectal cancer survival. Some background AT-rich interactive domain 3A (ARID3A) is a protein that has recently been identified as an important regulator of cell growth. Recent studies have reported that ARID3A protein levels are markedly...
Read MoreDoes a more thorough analysis of the lymph nodes improve survival?
In a nutshell This study evaluated the outcomes of patients with colon cancer (cancer of the large intestine) who underwent a procedure called sentinel lymph node microscopic analysis. Some background The lymphatic system is composed of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes which drain the lymphatic fluid, and specialized cells of the immune system....
Read MoreWhat is the role of conversion chemotherapy?
In a nutshell This study assessed the survival rates and characteristics of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with liver-limited disease (LLD) who underwent conversion chemotherapy. Some background Colorectal cancer patients may develop metastases (spread of the cancer to other distant organs and tissues of the body) and the liver is one...
Read MoreEarly surveillance after surgery
In a nutshell This study evaluated the value of early surveillance using computed tomography (CT) after surgery to remove stage II or III colorectal cancer. Some background Treatment of colorectal cancer involves resection surgery, in which the tumor is removed along with neighboring parts of the colon or rectum. However, over half of the patients...
Read MoreNew and current second-line treatments
In a nutshell This review discusses current second-line treatment options for metastatic colorectal cancer, as well as new advances in colorectal cancer therapy. Some background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the world, and up to 40% of CRC patients will experience metastasis, or spread, of the disease. Advances in...
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 MoreSmoking and surgery
In a nutshell This study examined the impact of smoking on the results of colorectal surgery. Some background Surgery for the removal of colorectal cancer, like any surgical intervention, carries the risk of serious complications. Smoking has been found to be a risk factor for complications in several types of major surgery. This is presumably due...
Read MoreCan biology of the cancer predict survival?
In a nutshell This study investigated whether the biology of the cancer called mucinous histology can be used to predict the outcomes of patients with colorectal cancer. The study also evaluated the association between mucinous adenocarcinoma and microsatellite instability. Some background Mucinous histology (MH) is a microscopic observation of...
Read MoreCD166 and the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer
In a nutshell In this meta-analysis (an analysis of data combined from several similar trials), researchers examined the presence of CD166 in cancer cells and its relationship with disease prognosis. The relationship between CD166 and tumor size, stage, and patient survival after diagnosis was analyzed. Some background In order to devise the best...
Read MoreObesity does not influence outcomes in patients treated for appendix and colon cancer that has spread to the abdominal cavity
In a nutshell This study evaluated whether obesity has any influence on survival in patients with peritoneal surface disease from colon or appendix cancers undergoing hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy after cytoreductive surgery. Some background Peritoneal surface disease (PSD) is a condition where cancer has spread to many spots on the...
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