Breast cancer-related lymphedema in postmastectomy patients receiving adjuvant irradiation: A prospective study.

CONTEXT: In India, most breast cancer patients present with advanced stage requiring postmastectomy radiotherapy. Lymphedema is a long-term side effect that causes both physical and psychological distresses. AIMS: The present prospective study was carried out to study various factors affecting breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From January 2015 to March 2016, 100 postmastectomy patients who received adjuvant irradiation to chest wall were selected prospectively. Circumference of both arms was measured before surgery, at start, and at end of radiotherapy followed by 3 monthly intervals till last follow-up. Lymphedema was defined as a difference of ≥2 cm from the baseline in the arm circumference on the side of surgery. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 24 months, the cumulative incidence of BCRL was 13%. On multivariate analysis, risk of BCRL was significantly associated with higher body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.004), greater number of lymph nodes (LNs) dissected (P = 0.005), higher nodal ratio (P = 0.006), and regional LN radiation (RLNR) (P = 0.048) but not with the type of fractionation (P = 0.094). CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant RLNR, higher BMI, greater number of LNs dissected, and higher nodal ratio significantly increases the risk of development of BCRL. There was no significant difference in the lymphedema with the type of fractionation. Females receiving RLNR should be prospectively monitored for lymphedema to ensure early detection and possible intervention.

Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Palliation in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer.

CONTEXT: In India, a considerable proportion of patients with head and neck cancer present with locoregionally advanced disease. Symptom palliation becomes a major objective in these cases when they could not be considered for a curative approach. AIMS: The aim of this study is to assess the role of palliative radiotherapy for symptom control in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a retrospective study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between July 2015 and June 2016, 98 patients with stage IV head and neck cancer were treated with palliative radiotherapy 25 Gray (Gy)/4 fractions (fr)/1 fraction (6.25 Gy)/week. Presenting symptoms were noted. The primary end point was relief of symptoms in the 4th week after radiotherapy. Percentage symptom relief was quantified by the patient using a rupee scale. Treatment response was noted using the WHO criteria. Acute toxicity was graded as per the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) criteria. RESULTS: The most common presenting symptom was pain. At 4 weeks after radiotherapy completion, all patients had >50% pain relief. Dysphagia was improved in 82% of patients. Respiratory distress was improved in all the symptomatic patients. Tumor complete response (CR) was seen in 2 patients, partial response in 89, stable disease in 3, and progressive disease in 4. RTOG Grade 2 and 3 acute skin and mucosal toxicities were seen in 29% and 27% cases, respectively. No patient had Grade 4 adverse effect. CONCLUSIONS: Hypofractionated radiation could provide effective symptom palliation in advanced head and neck cancers. The weekly schedule was well tolerated and found convenient by the patients.

Seizure following chemotherapy (paclitaxel and cisplatin) in a patient of carcinoma cervix.

Cisplatin and paclitaxel both can cause peripheral neurotoxicity as an adverse effect; however, central nervous system neurotoxicity in the form of seizures is rare. We report a case of a 36-year-old female patient of metastatic carcinoma cervix, who developed seizure shortly after cisplatin infusion. Her laboratory investigations were within normal limits. Computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain did not reveal brain primary metastasis or meningeal carcinomatosis. She had no complaints of fever, no signs and symptoms of infection, and no history of seizure nor was she on any medication predisposing to such an event. Excluding several causes, seizure was thought to be most likely related to the chemotherapy and cisplatin was the more likely agent in view of observed temporal relationship with the adverse event.