An assessment of childhood cancer care services in India - gaps, challenges and the way forward.

Background: Childhood cancers are emerging as an essential concern in India where there is lack of a specific programme component or policy to address childhood cancer control. There is limited information on the status and quality of childhood cancer care services in India. This paper describes the childhood cancer care services available at secondary and tertiary-level hospitals in India through a cross sectional study design. Methods: The survey was conducted in 137 tertiary-level and 92 secondary-level hospitals in 26 states and 4 Union Territories (UTs), ensuring a uniform representation of public and private care hospitals. The study tool collected data on the organisational infrastructure, type of oncology services, health workforce, equipment, treatment and referral protocols, and treatment guidelines. Descriptive statistics was used to primarily present the health service status and data on childhood cancer care services in proportions and mean. Findings: A dedicated pediatric oncology department was available in 41.6% of the public, 48.6% of private, and 64% Non Government Organization (NGO) managed tertiary-level hospitals. In 36 (39%) of the 92 hospitals providing secondary care, childhood cancer care was provided. The availability of bone (41.5%) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans (25.9%) was lower in public tertiary hospitals, whereas histopathology, computerised tomography (CT scan), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were lower in public secondary hospitals than private and NGO managed hospitals for the corresponding level of care. Most tertiary hospitals had the required supportive care facilities except for play therapy and hospice care. Less than 50% of the public tertiary hospitals had stocks of the four categories of cancer-treating drugs and essential infrastructure for radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Most secondary-level hospitals not treating childhood cancer had referral linkages with tertiary hospitals. Interpretation: The situational analysis of childhood cancer care services in India showed the concentration of availability of childhood cancer care services at the tertiary level of health care. There were gaps in the availability of specialised pediatric oncology care in all the tertiary hospitals. The availability of childhood cancer care services was higher in private and NGO-managed hospitals than in public hospitals. Integration of childhood cancer as a part of the national cancer control response should be taken up as a matter of priority. The need of the hour is to formulate a childhood cancer policy that will enable timely access to care universally. Funding: World Health Organization, India provided funding and technical support.

Detailed study of survival of patients with renal cell carcinoma in India.

PURPOSE: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for approximately 90% of all renal malignancies. The rates of kidney cancers are high in developed countries and low in eastern countries and Africa. The objective was to conduct a survival study among Indian population following nephrectomy for RCC as there was a paucity of Indian studies in medical literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a follow-up study of eighty RCC patients who had nephrectomy between January 2003 and December 2010. These patients had pathological diagnosis after nephrectomy. The follow-up was done up to December 2015. The survival statistics were compiled according to Kaplan-Meier survival curves. RESULTS: The overall survival of eighty patients was 77%. The patients with tumor size ≤7 cm and the patients with tumor size> 7 cm showed significant statistical difference at 5-year survival (P < 0.0001). The patients with low nuclear grade (1 and 2) and the patients with high nuclear grade (3 and 4) showed significant statistical difference at 5-year survival (P < 0.0001). The patients with tumor node metastasis stage below T3 and the patients with clinical stage above or equal to T3 showed significant statistical difference at 5-year survival (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated the importance of factors such as tumor size, nuclear grade, and stage in the assessment of prognosis of RCC patients. More studies in India with more patients are needed to demonstrate the importance of these prognostic factors.

Laparoscopic reconstruction of ureteral strictures involving solitary renal units-1 year and 5 year outcomes.

CONTEXT: Long-term outcome following a laparoscopic reconstruction of ureteral strictures (US) involving solitary renal units (SRU) are scarcely reported. AIMS: The aim was to report short-term (1 year) and long-term (5 years) outcomes following a laparoscopic reconstruction of US in a solitary kidney. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of patients operated for similar scenarios between January 2004 and January 2014 were evaluated. Clinical, biochemical and radiological profile were noted. Operative and post-operative profile were recorded. Follow-ups were scheduled at regular intervals (3 months post-procedure, 6 monthly for 2 years and yearly thereafter. Imaging was repeated at yearly intervals). Outcome was assessed by comparing pre-operative and post-operative clinical, biochemical, and radiological parameters. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: SAS software 9.2 version. A P < 0.05 was inferred as statistically significant. RESULTS: Seven patients underwent a laparoscopic reconstruction. Stricture location was upper ureter (n = 1), mid ureter (n = 2), lower ureter (n = 4). Surgeries performed were ureteroureterostomy, Boari flap ureteroneocystostomy and ureteroneocystostomy with psoas hitch. Four patients reported prior contralateral nephrectomy. Three patients underwent prior endoscopic correction. Four patients presented with elevated serum creatinine (>1.4 mg/dl). Till last follow-up, improvement in symptomatology and improvement or stabilisation of serum creatinine was perceived in all. Ureteral patency with resolution of hydronephrosis was observed in five patients at 1 year follow-up. Two patients revealed ureteral patency with persistence of hydronephrosis. Clinical, biochemical and radiological outcomes were maintained till long-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic reconstruction of US in SRU offers impressive short- and long-term outcome.

Laparoscopic nephrectomy for autosomal dominant polycystic kidneys in patients with end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis: 10-year single surgeon experience from an Indian center.

CONTEXT: Pure laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with ADPKD (autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease) and ESRD (end-stage renal disease) on MHD (maintenance hemodialysis) is challenging with high incidence of complications. Limited experiences from India has been reported in these scenarios. AIMS: To present a 10-year single surgeon experience from India in laparoscopic nephrectomy in autosomal dominant polycystic kidneys (ADPKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of records of similar subset of patients who were offered laparoscopic nephrectomy between 2003 and 2012. Preoperative, operative and postoperative parameters were recorded. Few technical modifications were adopted over the years. Patients were sub-classified into two groups (Group I: 2003-2006, Group II: 2007-2012) based on surgical technique. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: SAS software 9.1 version. RESULTS: 75 patients (84 renal units, Group I: 31, Group II: 53) were included in this analysis. Unilateral procedure was performed in 66 and bilateral staged or simultaneous procedure in 9. Despite larger kidneys in Group II (mean longitudinal renal length 25.7 ± 3.4 vs 17.5 ± 2.7 centimeters, P <0.001), improved operative and postoperative profile were noted in Group II in several parameters-mean total operative time (205 ± 11.5 vs 310 ± 15.3 min, P = 0.00), time for specimen retrieval (30.5 ± 3.5 vs 45 ± 4.1 min, P = 0.02), postprocedure drop in hemoglobin (1.1 ± 0.1 vs 2.27 ± 0.03 grams/deciliter, P = 0.00). Conversion rates, intraoperative and postoperative events were also considerably less in Group II. CONCLUSIONS: Despite existence of comorbidities and technical difficulties, laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with ADPKD with ESRD and on MHD is a feasible option. Technical modifications with increasing surgeon's experience allows successful conductance of this approach in more complex cases with better outcome.

Energy drink usage among university students in a Caribbean country: Patterns of use and adverse effects.

OBJECTIVE: There has been little inquiry addressing whether or not concerns about adverse effects of energy drink usage are relevant in the Caribbean. This survey investigated energy drink usage and adverse consequences among tertiary level students in Trinidad and Tobago. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 1994 students from eight institutions was conducted using a de novo questionnaire based on findings from a focus group of students. Chi-squared analyses and logistic regression were used to assess relationships between energy drink usage, adverse effects and other factors affecting energy drink use, and to verify predictors of energy drink use. RESULTS: Prevalence of use was 86%; 38% were current users. Males were more likely to use, used more frequently and at an earlier age. Energy drinks were used most commonly to increase energy (50%), combat sleepiness (45%) and enhance academic performance (40%), and occurred during sports (23%) and mixed with alcohol (22.2%). The majority (79.6%) consumed one energy drink per sitting; 62.2% experienced adverse effects, most commonly restlessness (22%), jolt and crash (17.1%) and tachycardia (16.6%). Awareness of adverse effects was associated with no use (p=0.004), but adverse effects were not a deterrent to continued use. CONCLUSION: Energy drink usage is prevalent among students. The use is not excessive, but associated with high rates of adverse effects and occurs in potentially dangerous situations like during exercise and with alcohol. There is a need to educate students about the potential adverse effects of energy drinks.

Laparoscopic management of recurrent ureteropelvic junction obstruction following pyeloplasty.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to analyze the operative, postoperative and functional outcome of laparoscopic management of previously failed pyeloplasty and to compare operative and postoperative outcome with laparoscopic pyeloplasty for primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients who underwent laparoscopic management for previously failed dismembered pyeloplasty were analyzed in this study. Detailed clinical and imaging evaluation was performed. Transperitoneal approach was followed to repair the recurrent UPJO. Operative, postoperative, and follow-up functional details were recorded. Operative and postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic redo pyeloplasty were compared with that of laparoscopic primary pyeloplasty. RESULTS: A total of 16 patients were managed with laparoscopic approach for previously failed pyeloplasty. Primary surgical approach for dismembered pyeloplasty was open in 11, laparoscopy in four patients and robotic assisted in one patient. Fifteen were treated with redo pyeloplasty and one with ureterocalicostomy. Mean operative time was 191.25 ± 24.99 min, mean duration of hospital stay was 3.2 ± 0.45 days and mean follow-up duration was 29.9 ± 18.5 months with success rate of 93.3%. Operative time was significantly prolonged with redo pyeloplasty group compared with primary pyeloplasty group (191.25 ± 24.99 vs. 145 ± 22.89, P = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic redo pyeloplasty is a viable option with a satisfactory outcome and less morbidity.

Ex-vivo nephron-sparing surgery and autotransplantation for renal tumours: Revisited.

INTRODUCTION: We studied the feasibility of ex-vivo nephron-sparing surgery and autotransplantation for complex renal tumours. We also studied the role of laparoscopy in these situations. METHODS: All patients who underwent renal autotransplantation for renal tumour at our centre were included in this retrospective study. Patient profiles were recorded in detail. Operative and postoperative details were also recorded. RESULTS: Our series includes 3 patients. Two patients had complex renal cell carcinoma and 1 patient had bilateral large angiomyolipoma. In first 2 patients, laparoscopic approach was used for nephrectomy. Operative time for case 1, 2 and 3 was 5.5, 4.5, 8 (right side) and 6 (left side) hours, respectively. Cold ischemia time was 110, 90, 150 and 125 minutes, respectively. One patient required temporary postoperative hemodialysis. CONCLUSION: Ex-vivo nephron-sparing surgery and autotransplantation still remain a viable option for complex renal tumours. It offers satisfactory renal functional outcome with acceptable morbidity. The laparoscopic approach should be used whenever possible to reduce morbidity.

Spectrum of pediatric brain tumors: a report of 341 cases from a tertiary cancer center in India.

Brain tumors are the second most common cancers after hematological malignancies accounting for approximate 21% of all childhood malignancies in children between ages of 0 and 14 y. The present study was undertaken to determine the spectrum of the brain tumors diagnosed in a tertiary cancer center in South India. A retrospective analysis of the data of pediatric brain tumors diagnosed between 2003 and 2009 was done and data was classified according to the age, gender and histology types. Out of 2,844 pediatric patients, 341 (11.99%) were diagnosed as having brain tumors. Most of the patients were in the age group of >5-14 y. Male to female ratio was 1.58:1. The most common pediatric brain tumor was medulloblastoma followed by astrocytoma and ependymoma. Glioblastoma multiforme was the most common subtype of astrocytoma. Other common tumors were glioma, oligodendroglioma, periphereral neuroectodermal tumor and germ cell tumor. As compared to western data, incidence of brain tumors in children was found to be less in the present study.

Laparoscopic extirpation of giant adrenal ganglioneuroma.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the standard of care for management of adrenal neoplasms. However, large sized adrenal lesions are considered as relative contraindication for laparoscopic extirpation. We report laparoscopic excision of giant ganglioneuroma of adrenal gland in a 33-year-old female patient. Patient was presented with left loin pain of 2 months duration. Computed tomography (CT) scan was suggestive of non-enhancing left suprarenal mass measuring 17 × 10 cm. Preoperative endocrine evaluation ruled out functional adrenal tumor. Patient underwent transperitoneal excision of suprarenal mass. The lesion could be completely extirpated laparoscopically. Duration of surgery was 250 minutes. Estimated blood loss was 230 milliliters. Specimen was extracted through pfannenstiel incision. No significant intraoperative or postoperative happenings were recorded. Microscopic features were suggestive of ganglioneuroma of adrenal gland.

ß-Carotene Attenuates Angiotensin II-Induced Aortic Aneurysm by Alleviating Macrophage Recruitment in Apoe(-/-) Mice.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common chronic degenerative disease characterized by progressive aortic dilation and rupture. The mechanisms underlying the role of α-tocopherol and ß-carotene on AAA have not been comprehensively assessed. We investigated if α-tocopherol and ß-carotene supplementation could attenuate AAA, and studied the underlying mechanisms utilized by the antioxidants to alleviate AAA. Four-months-old Apoe(-/-) mice were used in the induction of aneurysm by infusion of angiotensin II (Ang II), and were orally administered with α-tocopherol and ß-carotene enriched diet for 60 days. Significant increase of LDL, cholesterol, triglycerides and circulating inflammatory cells was observed in the Ang II-treated animals, and gene expression studies showed that ICAM-1, VCAM-1, MCP-1, M-CSF, MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-12 were upregulated in the aorta of aneurysm-induced mice. Extensive plaques, aneurysm and diffusion of inflammatory cells into the tunica intima were also noticed. The size of aorta was significantly (P = 0.0002) increased (2.24±0.20 mm) in the aneurysm-induced animals as compared to control mice (1.17±0.06 mm). Interestingly, ß-carotene dramatically controlled the diffusion of macrophages into the aortic tunica intima, and circulation. It also dissolved the formation of atheromatous plaque. Further, ß-carotene significantly decreased the aortic diameter (1.33±0.12 mm) in the aneurysm-induced mice (ß-carotene, P = 0.0002). It also downregulated ICAM-1, VCAM-1, MCP-1, M-CSF, MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-12, PPAR-α and PPAR-γ following treatment. Hence, dietary supplementation of ß-carotene may have a protective function against Ang II-induced AAA by ameliorating macrophage recruitment in Apoe(-/-) mice.

Cell-free epstein-barr viral loads in childhood hodgkin lymphoma: a study from South India.

Cell-free Epstein-Barr viral (EBV) DNA is detectable in plasma of patients with EBV-related lymphomas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of plasma EBV DNA as a biomarker of EBV association in childhood Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Furthermore, an attempt was made to evaluate the effectiveness of viral quantitation for assessing response to chemotherapy. Thirteen cases of childhood HL were included in this study. All 13 cases were EBV associated as reflected by expression of EBV LMP1 in the tumor specimen. Eighty-five percent had detectable EBV DNA levels; viral loads ranging from 2.9 to 156.2 × 10³ copies/ml (mean 29 × 10³ copies/ml); while in 2 patients and 30 controls tested, viral DNA was undetectable. In four patients, follow-up samples were available after three cycles of chemotherapy; all had EBV DNAemia prior to chemotherapy but undetectable EBV DNA posttherapy. This corroborated with complete response in these four patients. Plasma EBV viral load quantification maybe a useful tool for detecting EBV association with lymphomas and in monitoring response to treatment in childhood HL in centers with limited resources, more so in India where majority of childhood HL is likely to be EBV associated. This is the first Indian study estimating plasma EBV viral loads in HL.

Laparoscopic reconstruction for obstructive megaureter: single institution experience with short- and intermediate-term outcomes.

PURPOSE: To narrate our experience with laparoscopic reconstruction of obstructive megaureter (MGU) and assess the intermediate-term outcome achieved. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were evaluated in detail including presenting complaints, biochemical profile, and imaging (ultrasonography [USG], diuretic renography [DR], magnetic resonance urography [MRU], and voiding cystourethrography [VCUG]). All patients with a diagnosis of obstructive MGU and salvageable renal unit were offered laparoscopic reconstruction. The standard laparoscopic exercise included ureteral adhesiolysis until the pathologic segment, dismemberment, straightening of the lower ureter, excisional tapering, and a nonrefluxing ureteroneocystostomy. Operative and postoperative parameters were recorded. Patients were evaluated postprocedure on a 3-month schedule. Follow-up imaging included USG and VCUG at 6 months and 1 year postprocedure and then at yearly intervals. MRU and DR were repeated at 1 year postprocedure. RESULTS: Twelve patients (13 units-11 unilateral, and 1 bilateral) underwent laparoscopic tailoring and reimplantation for obstructive MGU. Mean age was 98.6 months. All patients were male. Mean body mass index was 17.69 kg/m(2). Presenting complaints were flank pain (n=8) and recurrent urinary infection (n=12). All procedures were completed via a laparoscopic approach. Mean operation duration was 183 minutes, and mean blood loss was 75 mL. Mean duration of hospital stay was 2.1 days. No major intraoperative or postoperative happenings were recorded. All patients were asymptomatic at follow-up with stable renal profile. Follow-up MRU revealed a decrease in ureteral and upper tract dilatation with satisfactory drainage in all. Follow-up VCUG demonstrated grade I vesicoureteral reflux in one patient. Eight patients completed 3-year follow-up with a satisfactory outcome. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic reconstruction of obstructive MGU offers satisfactory immediate- and intermediate-term outcome without undue prolonged morbidity.

Transperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty in unusual circumstances--is the outcome comparable to that achieved in familiar pathologies?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the operative outcome, morbidity profile, and functional outcome after transperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in unusual circumstances (intrinsic pathology in anomalous kidneys or unusual extrinsic pathologies; group 1) to the outcome after this procedure in familiar pathologies (normally located kidneys with intrinsic dysfunctional segment or extrinsic compression due to a crossing vessel; group 2). METHODS: The patients were evaluated in detail. All patients underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty. The operative and postoperative parameters were recorded. Patients were followed up after the procedure on a 3-month protocol. Imaging was repeated at 1 year. No intervention during the follow-up period (ie, nephrostomy, ureteral stenting, or redo pyeloplasty) and improvement in the hydronephrosis grade and diuretic renogram parameters was interpreted as procedural success. The operative, postoperative, and follow-up parameters in the 2 groups were compared. RESULTS: Group 1 included 17 patients with intrinsic pathologic features and renal anomalies with ureteropelvic junction obstruction due to unusual extrinsic pathology. All procedures were successfully completed with the laparoscopic approach. A significant difference was noted in the mean operative duration (group 1, 196.9 ± 10.3 minutes; group 2, 125.44 minutes, P = .00). The other operative and postoperative parameters were comparable. No significant operative or postoperative events were noted. A total of 14 patients (group 1) completed the 1-year follow-up protocol. The success rate was 92.9% (13 of 14) in group 1 and 97.9% (44 of 45) in group 2 (P = .42). CONCLUSION: The procedural duration for laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty in unusual circumstances is longer than in familiar pathologies. However, the morbidity profile and functional outcome in these 2 scenarios were comparable.

Upper ureteric obstruction secondary to entrapment between twin segments of inferior vena cava--an unusual occurrence.

A retrocaval ureter is a rare congenital cause of upper ureteric obstruction that results from entrapment of the upper ureter by the inferior vena cava (IVC) as it courses posterior to the cava. We report an interesting scenario of upper ureteric obstruction secondary to entrapment between twin segments of IVC.

Retropubic radical prostatectomy: Clinicopathological observations and outcome analysis of 428 consecutive patients.

AIM: We report the outcome analysis of retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) performed in 428 patients in terms of pathological findings, complications, and survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systematically recorded case reports forms of consecutive 428 RRPs done over a 14-year period were analyzed using the SPSS 14 software. Secondary analysis was done to evaluate era specific (pre and post 2002) changes in clinical features and survivals. RESULTS: Seven-year overall survival (OAS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and event-free survival (EFS) was 83.2%, 82.8%, and 69.8% respectively in our series. Era-specific survival showed higher CSS post 2002, and there was an increase in presentation with organ-confined disease. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed statistically significant impact on era specific outcome. With the improvement in techniques decrease in complications rate and increase in quality of life was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Our series spanning over decade demonstrates that RRP is viable option to offer cure to organ-confined carcinoma prostate. Further, there is evidence of stage migration and improvements in outcome in post 2002 patients. Although our series is modest in number, the success rates and outcome data matches those reported in the literature.

Differential gene expression and clonal selection during cellular transformation induced by adhesion deprivation.

BACKGROUND: Anchorage independent growth is an important hallmark of oncogenic transformation. Previous studies have shown that when adhesion dependent fibroblasts were prevented from adhering to a substrate they underwent anoikis. In the present study we have demonstrated how anoikis resistant cells gain the transformation related properties with sequential selection of genes. We have proposed this process as a model system for selection of transformed cells from normal cells. RESULTS: This report demonstrates that some fibroblasts can survive during late stages of anoikis, at which time they exhibit transformation-associated properties such as in vitro colony formation in soft agar and in vivo subcutaneous tumour formation in nude mice. Cytogenetic characterisation of these cells revealed that they contained a t (2; 2) derivative chromosome and they have a selective survival advantage in non adherent conditions. Gene expression profile indicated that these cells over expressed genes related to hypoxia, glycolysis and tumor suppression/metastasis which could be helpful in their retaining a transformed phenotype. CONCLUSION: Our results reveal some new links between anoikis and cell transformation and they provide a reproducible model system which can potentially be useful to study multistage cancer and to identify new targets for drug development.

Absence of Wharton's jelly around the umbilical arteries.

Wharton's jelly is a specialized tissue which acts as supportive and protective structure substituting for the adventitia of the umbilical vessels. Absence of Wharton's jelly around the umbilical arteries is very rare and an unusual cause of perinatal mortality. We report a case of absent Wharton's jelly around the umbilical arteries with patent vitellointestinal duct--a rare association.