Barriers in quest for cancer care access in two states of northeast India.

Background: The cancer burden in northeast India is high, with low survival and low case detection. Despite the availability of cancer institutes in the region, existing literature remarks on the increasing travel outside the region for cancer care. However, research is sparse on identifying impediment factors to the access of state cancer institutes.

Current Opinion on Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Treatment: a Survey of the Indian Society of Peritoneal Surface Malignancies (ISPSM).

Purpose: Patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) are increasingly treated with multidisciplinary combined approaches. The study aim was to assess current practice and perceptions of treatment modalities of PC.

Methods: Indian Society of Peritoneal Surface Malignancies (ISPSM) members were invited to complete an online survey.

Effectiveness of Three Prognostic Scoring Systems in Predicting the Response and Outcome in Pediatric Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Chronic Phase on Frontline Imatinib.

Introduction: The Sokal and Hasford (Euro) scores were developed in the chemotherapy and interferon eras and are widely used as prognostic indicators in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Recently, European Treatment and Outcome Study (EUTOS) scoring system was introduced. Data on risk stratification in pediatric CML population was lacking due to its rarity (<3%).

The Unique Issues With Brachytherapy in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Gynecologic carcinomas, including cervical cancer, present a significant burden on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Brachytherapy plays an integral role in the treatment of gynecologic carcinomas, as it is essential for both curative and palliative treatment. However, there are numerous geographic and economic barriers to providing brachytherapy to cancer patients in LMICs.

Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in the Treatment of Choroidal Metastases from Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Background: Choroidal metastases being the sole presenting feature of lung cancer is rare. Erlotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), is used in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma where tumor cells exhibit epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. We report a case of metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with choroidal metastasis, which was the sole presenting feature and which responded to erlotinib.

Creation of Minimum Standard Tool for Palliative Care in India and Self-evaluation of Palliative Care Programs Using It.

Background: It is important to ensure that minimum standards for palliative care based on available resources are clearly defined and achieved.

Aims: (1) Creation of minimum National Standards for Palliative Care for India. (2) Development of a tool for self-evaluation of palliative care organizations.

Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma neck with occult primary: A retrospective analysis.

Introduction: Metastatic carcinoma in the lymph nodes of the neck from an unknown primary is relatively rare, accounting for about 3% of all head and neck cancers. Management of secondary neck of undetermined primary is controversial.

Materials And Methods: The case records of all the patients treated in the Department of Radiotherapy, Chatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University, from Oct 1999 to Sep 2004, were studied and the patients with secondary neck without a known primary tumor were analyzed in detail to elucidate the outcome of various treatment modalities in various stages of the disease.

A comparative study of different graft materials used in myringoplasty.

Two hundred twenty cases of unilateral chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) with dry central perforation were chosen for this study and myringoplasty were done. Age group ranged from 13 to 48 years. Four types of autogenous tissues were used as graft material.

Free jejunal transfer for pharyngo-esophageal reconstruction.

During the course of head and neck surgery for cancer the reconstructive surgeon is involved in replacement of pharyngeal mucosal defects. Siedenberg (7) first reported free transplantation in 1959 using a segment of jejunum, Roberts (5) using jejunum, Nakayama (3) using colon and Jurkiewicz (4) using ileum and jejunum. Green (2) in 1966 using microsurgical techniques demonstrated 100% survival of free transfers of jejunum and also patches of jejunum in dogs.

Caudal trapezius composite island flap for extensive shoulder defects.

The trapezius composite flap was first described by Demergasso in 1979 (2). The caudal trapezius island flap was described by Mathes and Nahai (4), in head and neck cancer reconstruction. Baek and Biller (1) described the descending branch of the transverse cervical artery, as a dominant blood supply.

One stage reconstruction of extensive abdominal wall defect with bilateral tensor fascia lata (TFL) flaps.

An extensive anterior abdominal wall defect, measuring 20cm x 20cm following a wide excision for recurrent abdominal wall tumor, was reconstructed with extended bilateral TFL flaps. Minimal sequelae have been observed in three year follow-up. Inspite of both sides TFL used for the reconstruction, patient has no difficulty in walking and day-to-day activities.