Research Briefs

Medicine · Oncology

Colorectal Cancer Surgical Treatments

Log in to follow
Abstract editorial illustration accompanying the article: Trial reports outcomes after local rectal surgery following chemoradiotherapy
Health & Medicine
Moderate evidenceHuman study

Trial reports outcomes after local rectal surgery following chemoradiotherapy

A prospective, multicenter phase II trial examined whether removing only the treated tumor area through the anus could preserve the rectum in people with locally advanced rectal cancer who responded well to chemoradiotherapy. Among 80 participants, three-year disease-free survival was 84.8%, and local recurrence occurred in 5.0% during the reported follow-up. Because everyone received local excision and there was no comparison group, the findings do not establish that this approach is as effective as more extensive surgery.

·41 views
Abstract editorial illustration accompanying the article: Trial reports 40% complete response with added drugs in high-risk rectal cancer
Health & Medicine
Moderate evidenceHuman study

Trial reports 40% complete response with added drugs in high-risk rectal cancer

Researchers studied 96 people with high-risk, locally advanced rectal cancer in a single-center phase II clinical trial. The treatment combined chemotherapy, short-course radiation, and a targeted drug selected for each study cohort. Overall, 40% had a complete response, but the study did not establish how this approach compares with other treatments.

·48 views
Abstract editorial illustration accompanying the article: Review examines how biology may refine pancreatic cancer surgery decisions
Health & Medicine
Moderate evidenceReview

Review examines how biology may refine pancreatic cancer surgery decisions

This structured narrative review examined whether biological features of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma can add information to imaging when considering surgery. It reports that some tumors that appear operable may still have aggressive disease, but several proposed biomarkers require further prospective testing and standardization.

·48 views