In a nutshell In this study, researchers examined whether levels of a blood marker called microRNA-21 could help predict colorectal cancer (CRC) recurrences. Such information may help select which patients require more intensive follow-up after treatment. Some background MicroRNA consists of small pieces of RNA, a molecule that tells the...
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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 MoreIn 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 MoreIn a nutshell This study explored whether cetuximab (erbitux) can benefit patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases. The ability to perform surgery to remove part or all of the tumor growth in the liver (the resection rate) was compared between patients receiving cetuximab in combination with chemotherapy, to those receiving chemotherapy...
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In a nutshell This study examined how often surveillance colonoscopies should be performed following curative surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC). Some background In the years following curative surgery for colorectal cancer (surgery to remove all of the tumor and nearby affected tissues) surveillance tests such as colonoscopies and imaging scans...
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In a nutshell This study looked at survival and recurrence rates among patients with localized rectal cancer (one that has not spread beyond the rectum). The researchers tried to identify patients at a higher risk that might benefit from more aggressive treatment. Some background Node negative (or N0) rectal cancer is a cancer that has not yet...
Read MoreIn a nutshell The present study compared the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic surgery (LS) and open surgery (OS) in patients with rectal cancer. The study found that LS was as safe and effective as OS in selected patients with rectal cancer. Some background Rectal cancer is cancer in the lower part of the large intestine (rectum). Most patients...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This phase III trial aims to determine the benefits of using the drugs eflornithine and sulindac (Clinoril) in the prevention of high risk adenomas and secondary colorectal cancers. Researchers will look at the number of recurrences over a 3 year period while administering the drugs. The details Patients previously treated for...
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