Saturday, December 15, 2001

Total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer linked with improved sexual function
NEW YORK, 12/12/2001 (Reuters Health) - Rectal cancer surgery with total mesorectal excision (TME) preserves male sexual function better than surgery without TME, according to a recent report by Swiss investigators.
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Computer model suggests stem cell overproduction leads to colon cancer
WESTPORT, CT, 12/06/2001 (Reuters Health) - Stem cell overproduction appears to be the initiator of adenoma development in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), according to computer simulation of normal-appearing FAP crypts.
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Gene expression levels predict survival after colon cancer treatment
WESTPORT, CT, 12/06/2001 (Reuters Health) - Expression levels of the thymidylate synthase (TS) and the excision cross-complementing (ERCC1) genes can predict the survival of metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with fluorouracil/oxaliplatin, according to a report in the Dec. 1 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
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Saturday, December 01, 2001

Clinical Trials Information Resource

An Introduction to Clinical Trials
What is a clinical trial? Why are there clinical trials? What are the different types of clinical trials? What are the phases of clinical trials?

Participating in a Clinical Trial: Is It Right For Me?
Should I take part in a clinical trial? What are the potential benefits and risks of trials? How are participants protected? What is informed consent? Could I receive a placebo? Who is eligible to participate in a clinical trial? Who pays for the patient care costs on a clinical trial?

How is a Clinical Trial Planned and Carried Out?
Where are the trials conducted? Where do ideas for trials come from? The plan for a trial: what is a protocol? Who sponsors
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Participants, investigators often have misconceptions about cancer trials
WESTPORT, CT (Reuters Health) - While most cancer trial participants are satisfied with the informed consent process, most do not have a clear understanding of the trial's purpose or the treatment involved, according to a report in the November 24th issue of The Lancet. Even physicians involved in these trials often have misconceptions.
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