Contralateral Nodal Relapse in Well-lateralised Oral Cavity Cancers Treated Uniformly with Ipsilateral Surgery and Adjuvant Radiotherapy With or Without Concurrent Chemotherapy: a Retrospective Study

AIMS

To evaluate the incidence and pattern of contralateral nodal relapse (CLNR), contralateral nodal relapse-free survival (CLNRFS) and risk factors predicting CLNR in well-lateralised oral cavity cancers (OCC) treated with unilateral surgery and adjuvant ipsilateral radiotherapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients of well-lateralised OCC treated between 2012 and 2017 were included. The primary endpoint was incidence of CLNR and CLNRFS. Univariable and multivariable analyses were carried out to identify potential factors predicting CLNR.

RESULTS

Of the 208 eligible patients, 21 (10%) developed isolated CLNR at a median follow-up of 45 months. The incidence of CLNR was 21.3% in node-positive patients. CLNR was most common at level IB (61.9%) followed by level II. The 5-year CLNRFS and overall survival were 82.5% and 57.7%, respectively. Any positive ipsilateral lymph node (P = 0.001), two or more positive lymph nodes (P < 0.001), involvement of ipsilateral level IB (P = 0.002) or level II lymph node (P < 0.001), presence of extranodal extension (P < 0.001), lymphatic invasion (P = 0.015) and perineural invasion (P = 0.021) were significant factors for CLNR on univariable analysis. The presence of two or more positive lymph nodes (P < 0.001) was an independent prognostic factor for CLNR on multivariable analysis. CLNR increased significantly with each increasing lymph node number beyond two compared with node-negative patients.

CONCLUSION

The overall incidence of isolated CLNR is low in well-lateralised OCC. Patients with two or more positive lymph nodes have a higher risk of CLNR and may be considered for elective treatment of contralateral neck.

A Comparative Evaluation of Collagen in Ameloblastoma and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma using Picrosirius Red Staining with Polarizing Microscopy and CD44v6 Immunoreactivity

Background

Solid multicystic ameloblastoma (SMA) is a locally aggressive, benign odontogenic tumor of odontogenic origin with greater rate of recurrence. Epithelial-mesenchymal interaction plays an important role in tooth morphogenesis that shows complete differentiation of epithelial and ectomesenchymal components to the level of tooth formation. Tumor stroma in ameloblastoma is normal mature collagen that prevents differentiation to the level of tooth formation. Current study evaluates the role of stromal elements in aggressive behavior of SMA using picrosirius red staining with polarizing microscopy and CD44v6 immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Objectives

To compare nature of collagen using picrosirius red staining under polarized microscope and IHC expression of CD44v6 marker in SMA and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

Thirty blocks were retrieved from departmental archives and subjected to picrosirius red staining and CD44v6 IHC staining. Slides stained with picrosirius red were observed under polarized microscope to report the birefringence pattern. IHC slides were annotated for intensity of staining of tumor cells.

Results

In contrast to OSCC's 40% red, 40% yellowish-red, and 20% greenish-yellow birefringence, SMA displayed 87% red, 13% yellowish-red, and 0% greenish-yellow. Compared to OSCC, which had tumor cells stained 9% strongly, 64% moderately, 27% mildly, and 0% negatively, SMA revealed 0% strong, 10% moderate, 60% weak, and 30% negative staining.

Conclusion

As opposed to OSCC, which exhibited a greater quantity of greenish-yellow birefringence of immature collagen, SMA showed predominantly red birefringence, which is suggestive of mature collagen with a lack of metastasis. Comparing SMA to OSCC, the lack of significant CD44v6 positivity suggests that there has not been perineural invasion or regional metastases in SMA.

Serum Raman spectroscopy: Prognostic applications in oral cancers

BACKGROUND

Loco-regional recurrences attributable to field cancerization and minimal residual cancer, remain prime causes of mortality in oral cancer (OC) subjects. The current study evaluates potential of serum Raman spectroscopy (SRS) to identify recurrence-prone OC subjects.

METHODS

Raman spectra of serum from eight healthy subjects (H) and 57 OC subjects (with-recurrence [R], without-recurrence [NR], and with suspicious-lesions [S]), before (BS) and after (AS) surgical excision of tumor were recorded. OC subjects were followed-up for 7-years.

RESULTS

DNA and protein alterations were observed in AS sera of all groups. 4-, 3-, and 2-model multivariate analyses were used to stratify BS and AS groups. H spectra were 100% distinguishable from all other groups. AS, R and NR were distinguished with high accuracy (84%) in all models. No stratification (~50%) was observed BS.

CONCLUSION

SRS shows potential to identify recurrence prone subjects, post-surgery, using serum collected as early as 1 week after surgery.

A comparative clinical evaluation of Herbal and synthetic dentifrices in dentinal hyper-sensitivity

Background: Dentin hypersensitivity could be defined as a short, sharp pain arising from exposed dentin in response to stimuli typically thermal, evaporative, tactile, osmotic, or chemical and which cannot be ascribed to any other form of dental defect or pathology. In Ayurveda Dentinal Hypersensitivity can be compared with Dantaharsha. When teeth are sensitized to cold/breeze, hot, dry and sour eatables and have pain and shaky feeling, the condition is called ‘Dantaharsha’. Toothpastes are the most widely used dentifrices for delivering over-the-counter desensitizing agents. The aim study was to evaluate the effect of Herbal dentifrices in Dentinal hypersensitivity. The objective of this study was to prepare palatable formulation of Herbal Dentifrices to maintain oral health and prevent oral pathologies Materials and Methods: In this open-labelled, randomized, controlled study, 60 assenting patients between 18-40 years of age were enrolled and randomized into trial and control groups, after obtaining EC approval and informed consent. Those in the trial group received Herbal dentifrices, control group participants received Synthetic dentifrices. Herbal and synthetic dentifrices given to apply twice a day for 3 wks. Follow up was taken after second week and third week.The duration of treatment was of 21 days. Dentifrice was prepared under all hygienic conditions and safety precautions in GMP certified pharmacy.  Effect in Dentinal hypersensitivity was assessed by scored using VAS on air stimulus and cold-water stimulus and Air Blast Stimulation Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale. Appropriate statistical tests applied to the data to obtain results  Results: On analysis of data generated through clinical assessment, improvement was seen in dentinal hypersensitivity in both the groups. Though synthetic dentifrice showed better results than the herbal one, the trial drug exhibited a promising output in the study. Statistically Group B shows better results in the median Hypersensitivity score on VAS and Air blast stimulation compared to Group A.   Conclusion: In present study, improvement was seen in dentinal hypersensitivity in both the groups. Synthetic dentifrice showed better results than the herbal one. Although the results in the trial group were not disappointing. The results were encouraging enough to use the drug for further research.  

Two – Arm, Randomized, Open Labeled, Comparative, Prospective Clinical Study to Assess the Efficacy of Amalaki Ghrita Aashchyotana versus Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Eye Ointment in Dry Eye Syndrome with special reference to Shushkaakshipaka

Background: Increased computer work hours, reduced blinking and effect of light rays and radiation lead to raised number of cases of dry eye. Amalaki Ghrita Aashchyotana can be useful in the management of dry eye. Objectives: to compare the clinical efficacy of Amalaki Ghrita Aashchyotana with Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) eye ointment as a surface lubricant in dry eye syndrome with special reference to Shushkaakshipaka. Methods: In an open labeled, comparative, randomized, prospective clinical study, 60 patients of Dry eye syndrome were randomly selected randomly and categorized into 2 groups, each comprising 30 patients each. Patients in trial group were given Amalaki Ghrita Aashchyotana while patients in the control group were given local application of HPMC eye ointment for consecutive 90 days. Patients were assessed on various clinical parameters before and after the treatment. The data generated through clinical study was subjected to appropriate statistical tests. Results: On treatment of Amalaki Ghrita Aashchyotana in trial group and HPMC eye ointment in control group for 90 days showed significant difference in all objectives as well as subjective parameters on intra-group comparison. The statistically insignificant inter-group comparison shows that both the treatments were equivalent. No adverse events during or after the completion of study in any of the groups. Conclusion: Amalaki Ghrita Aashchyotana is equally efficient as HPMC eye ointment in Dry eye syndrome and has more advantage over HPMC ointment, as it also can help to improve visual acuity.

A nationwide analysis of cardiac sarcoidosis and related in-hospital outcomes

Introduction

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disorder characterized by an autoimmune response to an unidentified antigen in genetically susceptible persons. Despite clinically detectable cardiac manifestations of sarcoidosis occurring in approximately 5% of patients, recent studies have revealed cardiac involvement to be at 25% in patients with the disease, highlighting the fact that cardiac involvement in sarcoidosis is much more common than was once thought to be.

Purpose

With cardiac involvement in sarcoidosis being increasingly recognized due to the availability of advanced cardiac imaging, large scale data regarding in-hospital mortality and clinical outcomes of patients admitted with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is lacking. Our study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by analyzing demographics and in-hospital outcomes of a large cohort of patients admitted with CS across the United States (US).

Methods

We analyzed data from the national inpatient sample (NIS) database between October 2015 to December 2018 to identify patients who had been admitted with primary and secondary diagnoses of CS. The NIS is an administrative database sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality consisting of data from 46 participating states, representing more than 95% of the US population and providing nationwide estimates of over 35 million hospitalizations annually. The NIS uses de-identified hospital discharges as samples and hence no additional ethical committee approval was required. International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code D86.85 was used to identify hospitalizations with CS in patients aged 18 years or older. SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute, Inc, Cary, NC) was used for statistical analyses.

Results

A total of 4275 patients were included in the analysis. A higher proportion of patients with CS were females (62.43% vs. 37.57%). Hypertension was the most common comorbidity (43.99%), followed by hyperlipidemia (39.21%) and chronic kidney disease (26.95%). All-cause in-hospital mortality was 2.57%. Atrial fibrillation (AF) was the most common arrhythmia (28.12%), followed by ventricular tachycardia (VT) (22.52%). About 16% of CS patients underwent implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation during hospital stay. About 42% of patients had concurrent heart failure, out of whom 33.84% had heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Mean length of hospital stay was 5 days (3–8 days), and the mean cost of hospitalization was $14,177 ($7,121–35,993).

Conclusion

Given the low prevalence of CS, most of the available studies have been retrospective in nature, based on small sample sizes. Despite being retrospective and cross-sectional, our study has the advantage of being based on a nationally representative sample population, providing key formation on the demographics and in-hospital outcomes of patients with CS.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Improving Vibrational Spectroscopy Prospects in Frontline Clinical Diagnosis: Fourier Transform Infrared on Buccal Mucosa Cancer

We report a novel method with higher than 90% accuracy in diagnosing buccal mucosa cancer. We use Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis of human serum by suppressing confounding high molecular weight signals, thus relatively enhancing the biomarkers’ signals. A narrower range molecular weight window of the serum was also investigated that yielded even higher accuracy on diagnosis. The most accurate results were produced in the serum’s 10–30 kDa molecular weight region to distinguish between the two hardest to discern classes, i.e., premalignant and cancer patients. This work promises an avenue for earlier diagnosis with high accuracy as well as greater insight into the molecular origins of these signals by identifying a key molecular weight region to focus on.

Development of Validated Stability-indicating High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography Method for Estimation of Rabeprazole Sodium and Aceclofenac in Bulk Drug

Objective: To develop a validated stability-indicating high performance thin layer chromatography method for the estimation of Rabeprazole Sodium (RZL) and Aceclofenac (ACF) in bulk drugs. Methods: A high performance thin layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method has been developed for the separation of RZL & ACF on plates precoated with aluminium back silica gel 60 F254. Different mobile phases were used on trial and error basis for separation of two drugs. The final mobile phase selected for analysis was toluene: ethyl acetate: methanol: acetic acid: ammonia in the ration of 6:4:1:0.2:0.1 (v/v). Both the drugs showed maximum absorbance at 279 nm which was selected as the detection wavelength throughout the experimental work. Developed method was validated as per ICH guidelines. Forced degradation of drugs was carried out under various stress conditions and HPTLC method was used for analysing the stability of drugs. Results: HPTLC method was successfully developed for separation of RZL and ACF with clear separation of bands of the drugs. Method validation after assessment of various parameters indicated low % RSD within an acceptable limit of < 2.0 and the stability studies indicated the satisfactory separation of both the drugs from that of degraded products with considerable % recovery profile. Conclusion: The developed method is rapid, reliable, precise, and reproducible and demonstrates the suitability of the method for stability determination of rabeprazole and aceclofenac.

Salivary Raman Spectroscopy: Standardization of Sampling Protocols and Stratification of Healthy and Oral Cancer Subjects

Minimally invasive cancer detection using bio-fluids has been actively pursued due to practical limitations, though there are better suited noninvasive and online in vivo methods. Saliva is one such clinically informative bio-fluid that offers the advantages of easy and multiple sample collection. Despite its potential in cancer diagnostics, saliva analysis is challenging due to its heterogeneous composition. Recently, there has been an upsurge in saliva exploration using optical techniques. Forms of saliva such as precipitate and supernatant have been monitored, but this sampling method needs to be standardized due to the obvious loss of analytes in processing. In that context, present work details the comparison of four different saliva sampling methodologies, i.e., air-dried, lyophilized, pellet, and supernatant using Raman spectroscopy collected from 10 healthy samples. Composition-driven spectral features of all forms were compared and classified using principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis. Analysis was carried out on all four groups in the first step. In the second step, groups of pellet and supernatant , and air-dried and lyophilized were analyzed. Findings suggest that pellet and supernatant exhibit discrete spectroscopic features and demonstrate high classification efficiency, which is indicative of their distinctive biochemical composition. On the other hand, air-dried and lyophilized forms showed overlapping spectral features and low classification, suggesting these forms retain majority spectroscopic features of whole saliva and are less prone to sampling losses. Thus, this study indicates air-dried and lyophilized forms may be more appropriate for saliva sampling using Raman spectroscopy providing the comprehensive information required for cancer diagnosis. Furthermore, the method was also tested for the classification of oral cancer and healthy subjects (n = 27) which yielded 90% stratification. The findings of the study indicate the utility of minimally invasive salivary Raman-based diagnostics in oral cancers.

Impact of catheter ablation for atrial flutter on mortality and hospital readmission rates in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction

Background

The effectiveness of catheter ablation as a management modality amongst patients with coexisting atrial flutter (AFL) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is scarcely studied.

Methods

Appropriate ICD 10 codes were applied to the 2016 and 2017 National Readmission Database (NRD) to isolate patients having coexistent AFL and HFrEF including who had undergone an ablation. All-cause mortality at the end of 1 year was used as a primary outcome. Readmission due to AFL, heart failure (HF) and other causes were secondary outcomes. The hazard ratios were generated using Cox regression analysis while the time to event analysis was demonstrated with the Kaplan Meier curves.

Results

Out of a total of 9966 patients with AFL and HFrEF, 1980 (24.79%) patients underwent catheter ablation. The primary outcome, all-cause mortality (2.8% vs. 4.6%, HR: 0.610, 95% CI: 0.460–0.808, p=0.001) at the end of 1 year was significantly lower. Significant difference was also noted amongst two groups when it came to secondary outcomes such as readmissions due to AFL (1.6% vs. 6.3%, HR: 0.247, 95% CI: 0.173–0.354, p&lt;0.001), HF (8.2% vs. 11.4%, HR: 0.693, 95% CI: 0.587–0.819, p&lt;0.001) and other causes (29.4% vs. 37.1%, HR: 0.735, 95% CI: 0.673–0.804, p&lt;0.001)

Conclusion

Ablative intervention amongst AFL patients with concomitant HFrEF showed a significant reduction in all-cause mortality. It also leads to significant reductions in readmissions due to AFL, HF and other causes at the end of one year.

Outcomes of AFL and HFrEF

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Impact of catheter ablation for atrial flutter on mortality and hospital readmission rates in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction

Background

The availability of real-world data regarding the impact of the catheter ablation in patients with concomitant atrial flutter (AFL) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is limited.

Methods

2016 and 2017 National Readmission Database (NRD) was subjected to appropriate ICD-10 codes to identify and extract patients having coexistent atrial flutter and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction including who had undergone ablation. At 1 year, all-cause mortality was utilized as the primary outcome while readmissions due to AFL, heart failure (HF) and any other causes were designated as secondary outcomes. Kaplan Meier curves were used for a time to event analysis. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to generate hazard ratios.

Results

Out of a total 6099 patients with AFL and HFpEF, 906 (14.85%) underwent catheter ablation. At 1 year all cause mortality (3%, vs. 4.4%, HR: 0.661, 95% CI: 0.444–0.985, p=0.042) and readmissions due to AFL (2.3% vs. 5.3%, HR: 0.424, 95% CI: 0.272–0.661, p&lt;0.001) were significantly less among ablation group. Readmission due to HF (9.3% vs. 9.7%, HR: 0.938, 95% CI: 0.745–1.182, p=0.587) and other causes (37% vs.40.3%, HR: 0.926, 95% CI: 0.825–1.040, p=0.193) did not show any significant difference in outcomes at the end of 1 year.

Conclusion

The utilization of catheter ablation amongst AFL patients with concomitant HFpEF showed a significant reduction in all-cause mortality and readmission due to AFL. However, it did not show any significant changes in readmissions due to HF or other causes at the end of one year.

Outcomes of AFL and HFpEF

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Enhanced absorption, and efficacy of oral self-assembled paclitaxel nanocochleates in multi-drug resistant colon cancer

Chemotherapy in drug-resistant cancers remains a challenge. Owing to associated poor bioavailability, oral administration of hydrophobic anticancer drugs like paclitaxel has been quite challenging, with the scenario being further complicated by Pgp efflux in drug-resistant tumours. We developed a novel nanocochleates (CPT) system encapsulating paclitaxel (PTX) to treat resistant colon cancer by oral administration. PTX encapsulated nanocochleates (PTX-CPT), made up of phosphatidylserine in size range of 350-600 nm with -20 ± 5.2 mV zeta potential were protected from degradation at acidic gastric pH and showed sustained PTX release over 48 h under intestinal pH condition. In vitro cytotoxicity studies on HCT-116 & HCT-15 cells (multi-drug resistant) established IC50 value of <10 and 69 nM, respectively, which was significantly lower when compared to commercial Taxol formulation. Further, the in vivo efficacy with five oral doses of 30 mg/kg PTX-CPT in an HCT-15 drug-resistant colon cancer xenograft mouse model showed more than 25 fold reduction in the tumour growth inhibition as compared to intravenous Taxol which showed just 1.94% inhibition. Interestingly, PTX-CPT treated mice also showed significantly lower proliferation index and microvessel density when compared to Taxol treated mice. Nanocochleates showed lower toxicity with at LD-50 value greater than 300 mg/kg as described in OECD 423 guideline. The enhanced efficacy of PTX-CPT speculated due to its internalization by active endocytosis, ability to escape Pgp efflux, and due to a combined effect of the pro-apoptotic and antiangiogenic role. Taken together, the results suggested the PTX-CPT a promising strategy for efficiently treating drug-resistant colon cancer orally.

Cardiac MRI for the evaluation of cardiac neoplasms

Primary cardiac neoplasms are extremely rare and are far outnumbered by metastases. These are difficult to diagnose and differentiate clinically due to lack of specific clinical manifestations. Technological advances have revolutionised cardiac imaging, with the cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) showing promising results in the non-invasive evaluation of cardiac masses. Further, CMRI may envisage the malignant potential of a lesion based on its location, morphology, and signal characteristics, in addition to determining its impact on cardiac function. With the ever-increasing application of CMRI in the evaluation of neoplasms, comprehensive knowledge of their imaging characteristics becomes crucial.

Mapping of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), an autoimmune disorder, is becoming widespread with approximately 97,700 children in India and 490,000 children worldwide affected. There are various etiological factors contributing to the expansion of its incidence on different geographical locations. Hence, the articles published in reputed journals were studies and data were collected for analyzing the etiology and prevention of T1DM. It has been observed that hybrid insulin peptides act as key antigens for the autoreactive T cells and cause the loss of self-tolerance in humans. The association of coxsackievirus B has been observed with the onset of T1DM. Accurate identification of the trigger can lead to the development of appropriate preventive measures. It can become a base for advance studies to prevent T1DM in humans. This review will highlight the causes and some preventive actions which can be considered to eliminate T1DM.

P5703The anterior interventricular crux: anatomic basis for ablation below the left sinus of valsalva (LSOV) of varied ECG morphology PVCs

Background

Outflow tract premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) may be ablated at sites where the local electrogram is early. We describe ablation of PVCs of varying morphology at a cruciate structure extending from the inflection of the great cardiac vein to the junction of the distal RVOT and from the left ventricular (LV) inflow myocardium through the aortic mitral continuity (AMC) to the right coronary sinus of Valsalva centered below LSOV, termed the LV crux.

Purpose

Evaluate a novel target for ablation of PVCs with varied QRS morphologies.

Methods

A series of 51 patients undergoing ablation for PVCs between 2013–2018 was identified. In all cases, ICE-guided ablation occurred at the center of the LV crux.

Results

All patients had high PVC burden >20% (28±8%); EF<50% in 40/51 (78%). QRS morphology of PVCs is summarized in Table 1. 50% had prior ablation attempted at early sites. Mapping and ICE-guided ablation at the LV crux (Figure 1 A-B) revealed early activation with near-field ventricular or fascicular signal in 31 (61%), while others had early sites at extensions of the crux. PVCs were eliminated in 50/51 (98%) with continued suppression at 3-months. EF normalized in all 51.

Table 1. ECG charactaeristics ECG characteristics Number of patients (%) Inferior morphology 51/51 (100%) Lead I morphology   Monophasic R 8/51 (16%)   Rs 9/51 (18%)   rS 34/51 (66%) Precordial transition   Positive across precordium 40 (78%)   V2 transition 7 (14%)   V3 transition 4 (8%) Maximum deflection index   <0.55 37 (73%)   >0.55 14 (27%)

Figure 1. Mapping and ablation

Conclusions

A cruciate interventricular multidimensional crux centered below the LSOV is a site for successful ablation of varied PVC morphologies and should be considered for detailed mapping and ablation, particularly when multiple morphologies are present or prior ablation at early sites is unsuccessful. Ventricular myocardial architecture along with conduction system remnants may be the basis for this phenomenon.

Cancer-Free Drive in Rural India: Constituency Wise Initiatives by Member of Legislative Assembly

Background and context: Reducing the rate of cancer through awareness and prevention programs as well improvements in screening and treatment techniques is paramount. Citizen especially in rural India tend to neglect health due to routine chores of family life. The nonavailability of facilities worsen the issue. Tobacco habits leads to potentially malignant disorders and oral cancers. There is increasing trend of breast cancer, uterine and cervical cancers and also oral cancers. In India oral cancers are main cancers in males. Member of legislative assembly is public representative to represent state of Maharashtra. Cancer Free Constituency Drive was for creating awareness and screening for villagers. Katol is a rural constituency. There are 288 constituencies in Maharashtra state. Aim: 1) To create public awareness of all types of cancers. 2) To provide diagnosis and investigations and treatment to affected population. 3) Capacity building of young medical and dental professionals in cancer diagnosis and paramedical workers in screening all types of cancers. Strategy/Tactics: 72,056 house visits by 220 Asha workers and 129 nursing students and 30 dental interns to sensitize about 3,00,000 people through well designed brochure for all cancers. Self-Mouth mirror examination was designed for oral cancers and awareness against tobacco. The persons with complaints were told to visit camps on scheduled dates at 10 primary health centers. Program/Policy process: The mammography facilities and Papanicolaou test examination, dental examination in mobile vans and self-mouth mirror examination for oral cancers with trained professional carried out diagnosis in 10 primary health centers with the help of experts in medical and dental professionals. Suspeced cases were referred to tertiary referral medical hospitals. Outcomes: 5100 (males 2216 and females 2954) with complaints visited. Total 813 patients suspected to have cancers were examined by specialists from gynecology(84) general surgery (374) otorhinolaryngology (77) pediatrics (37) dermatology (19) and dentistry (131). 38 abnormal on mammography in 132 females, 55 abnormal reports from Pap smears in 472 females were evaluated, however no cancer detected in three months span. Twelve cases of oral cancers were detected and treated. Six breast cancers were detected and treated. Seven other cancers were reported by medicine and pediatric specialists. 150 cases of potentially malignant disorders were also identified. 90 had the oral submucous fibrosis (inability to open the mouth) caused due to areca quid chewing. The self-mouth mirror examination helped to create awareness against tobacco. What was learned: Awareness of cancer leading to early detection and treatment is possible in rural areas through “Cancer-Free Constituency”. The concept will help to pave the way for improved strategies and policies to better control occurrence and treatment of cancer and to address tobacco related health disparities across cancer care continuum.

Community-Based Cancer Screening Program: The DESH (Detect Early Save Her, Him) Initiative of Piramal Swasthya

Background and context: Two-thirds of global cancer deaths are from less developed countries. Late stage presentation and inability to access care are observed to be higher in lower and middle-income countries resulting in avoidable deaths and disability. Kamrup district in Assam has the fourth highest incidence of cancers in India. Detect Early Save Her, Him (DESH) initiative by Piramal Swasthya in Kamrup district focuses on reducing late-stage diagnosis and mortality. Aim: To reduce the proportion of late-stage diagnosis and mortality from breast, cervical and oral cancers through a community based screening and referral program. Strategy: 1. Community level interventions to increase awareness, improve knowledge, alter attitudes and motivate and mobilize people to undergo screening. 2. Evidence based highly sensitive screening and referral through mobile cancer screening unit. 3. Partnering with a regional cancer care institute (Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute - BBCI) to ensure end to end care to the patients. Program: DESH initiative in partnership with BBCI was launched in November 2017. The Mobile Cancer Screening Unit (MCSU) is fully equipped with state-of-the-art cancer screening facilities including a mammography unit. It is staffed by trained medical doctor, two nurses, a radiographer, two community mobilization officers, a counselor, a driver and a helper. Apart from the driver and the helper, the entire staff is women. In consultation with community networks, a schedule is prepared to conduct awareness programs at the community level. Subsequently, the MCSU visits the village and the staff screen the adult population over the age of 30 years for the presence of oral, breast and cervical cancer. A vehicle ferries those who are screened positive, to BBCI for diagnostic tests. The program is also supported by a helpline, which provides tele-counseling for suspected cases of cancer. Outcomes: A total of 1750 beneficiaries have been screened for oral, breast and cervical cancers through 43 screening clinics in 18 villages of Kamrup district from November 2017 through March 2018. Of them, 57% were females. 57 beneficiaries (3.25%) were screen-positive. Majority were positive for oral cancers (n=50) followed by breast and cervical cancers. Out of the 15 beneficiaries who visited BBCI, 3 were confirmed to have oral cancer. What was learned: Rural community of Kamrup district has been very receptive of the screening program with 1750 people screened in a short duration of time. Many screen-positive patients have not yet to visited the hospital for diagnostic tests, due to their financial difficulties. With financial support from the government through a special scheme, the number of screen-positive patients reaching the hospital for diagnostic tests is expected to increase substantially. DESH initiative aims to screen 15,000 individuals in the next 12 months and the results will provide better insights about the scalability and impact of the program.

Self-Mouth Mirror Examination: A Boon to Tobacco-Related Potentially Malignant Lesions and Oral Cancer

Background and context: The tobacco related potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer occupies the major burden of diseases caused by smokeless and smoking tobacco in general in southeast Asia and in particular India. The major challenge is due to lack of awareness about ill effects of tobacco especially in rural India. Community awareness is adopted as a measure to reduce mortality and morbidity of oral cancer and also other cancers caused by tobacco. In developing countries like India, the problem is magnified because of low literacy levels and lack of logistics and IEC material. The qualified human resource especially professionals to assist is also another road block. Intervention is designed to create awareness about ill effects of tobacco through a simplified IEC pictorial brochure called Self-Mouth Mirror Examination (SELFMEE). Aim: To aware public about ill effects of tobacco and how to notice the disorders caused at early stages. Capacity building of dental and paramedical and nursing workers toward tobacco control. Strategy/Tactics: Young dental and medical professional and paramedical workers such as nursing students and ancillary workers were trained to educate public about self-mouth mirror examination. Thus spreading awareness against tobacco and promoting health by counseling and treatment of diseases diagnosed. Program/Policy process: Village constituency of a elected legislative member from rural India (katol) was considered to implement policy of SELFMEE. 75,000 homes coming under the ten primary health centers were surveyed nearly covering 200,000 population. The procedure was explained through visual demonstration of brochure. Sign and symptoms were explained and the sensitized populations was screened at primary health centers. Outcomes: 5100 citizens reported to have complaints which were examined by young dental and medical professionals mainly residents. 900 citizens were found to have oral diseases. Majority of the 800 showed the signs and symptoms of a potentially malignant disorder caused by smokeless tobacco and areca nut mixture (gutkha/kharra). Ten oral cancer cases were detected. Eight early cancers were treated at tertiary medical college centers. Two inoperable cases were given palliative treatment. The oral submucous fibrosis cases were advised tobacco and areca quid cessation. What was learned: Mouth mirror examination performed by self-helped tobacco users to observe the ill effects of tobacco habits by themselves thus becoming active partner in tobacco control. The self-motivation to quit habits is effective. Young dental and medical professions were trained in effective cancer control.