ANDRE M. KALLAB, M.D.

Plain English
In this study, researchers looked at blood samples from 96 patients with colorectal cancer to see if the genetic information they could find in the blood matched what they found in the patients' tumor tissue samples. They discovered that in 80% of cases, they detected tumor DNA in the blood, and when the tissue and blood samples were collected less than 30 days apart, the accuracy of matching the genetic information was perfect at 100%. This matters because it shows that blood tests can provide reliable insights into a patient's cancer, helping doctors tailor treatments when getting a tissue biopsy isn't possible. Who this helps: This helps patients with colorectal cancer, especially those who cannot undergo a tissue biopsy.

Plain English
This study looked at how a combination of two cancer treatments, 4-hydroxytamoxifen (an antiestrogen) and mifepristone (an antiprogestin), affects human breast cancer cells. The researchers found that using both drugs together made the cancer cells die more effectively compared to using either drug alone; specifically, the combination therapy led to a significant reduction in the retinoblastoma protein (Rb) levels, which is linked to promoting cell death. This is important because it shows that combining these treatments could boost their effectiveness against estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Who this helps: Patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer may benefit from this combination therapy.

Plain English
This study looked at a 43-year-old woman with a severe form of cancer called aggressive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLCL), who did not respond to standard treatments. After she received 8 treatments with a drug called Rituximab, she has been cancer-free for over 2.5 years. This shows that Rituximab can provide long-lasting remission for patients whose cancer does not respond to other therapies. Who this helps: This finding benefits patients with refractory aggressive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.