Effect of KRAS mutational status in advanced colorectal cancer on the outcomes of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Emerging data suggest that somatic KRAS mutation in advanced colorectal cancer is a strong predictor of non-response to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibody (anti-EGFR) therapy.

Patients And Methods: A comprehensive search through March 2010 identified randomized controlled trials in metastatic colorectal cancer that evaluated chemotherapy regimens or best supportive care, with and without anti-EGFR therapy. Outcomes included progression-free survival (PFS), median overall survival (OS), and predictive test performance.

Impact of initial surgical margins and residual cancer upon re-excision on outcome of patients with localized breast cancer.

Background: A significant proportion of patients undergoing breast conservation therapy require additional operations to obtain clear margins. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of initial margins and residual carcinoma found on second surgery on the outcomes of breast cancer patients.

Methods: In this retrospective study, Cox proportional-hazard regression analysis was performed to evaluate data from 437 patients with stage I to IIIA breast cancer who underwent initial breast-conserving surgery between 1994 and 2004.