What is the benefit for patients suffering from metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) after bevacizumab-based regimen (BBR), cetuximab-based regimen (CBR), and panitumumab (P)?

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Background: Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) management has been clearly improved by targeted therapies such as anti VEGF and /or anti-HER1 drugs. The evaluation of the use of targeted therapies in the real world is strategic to assess health politics. OMIT Bretagne-Pays de la Loire is a network of private and public cancer centers that has been leading cohort studies evaluating Folfiri-bevacizumab treatment, the cost of targeted therapies and the succession of targeted therapies.

Methods: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the benefit and safety of three consecutive targeted therapies in patients with KRAS wild-type unresectable mCRC. Sex, age, localization of the primary tumor site, successive chemotherapeutic regimens, toxicities, response rates, progression free survival and overall survival have been studied.

Results: 34 patients (22 men, 12 women, median age 63 years [43-82]) have been prospectively recruited between 2003 and 2010. All of them received bevacizumab specially in association with FOLFIRI, cetuximab in association with irinotecan, panitumumab as monotherapy and others chemotherapies than FOLFOX, FOLFIRI, XELOX. The primary tumor site was colon (71%), junction (5%), and rectum (24%). 22 patients had metastatic colorectal tumor, 28 were operated on their primary tumor and 12 underwent resection after one line of treatment. Patients received successively 3 to 8 different lines of treatment for progressive mCRC. Toxicities of targeted therapies were manageable. Objective responses were observed in 38% (13) of the patients treated with BBR, 37% (11) treated with CBR and 25% (6) treated with P. Disease stabilization was achieved in 32% (11) of the patients treated with BBR, in 10% (3) with CBR and in 8% (2) with P. PFS at 80 months is 15%. Median OS from first metastatic line at death was 47.43 months (24.23-70.84). PFS and OS curves will be shown during the meeting.

Conclusions: Our study clearly shows that patients receiving successively the three schedules (BBR, CBR, P) have a high overall survival with manageable side effects.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

[Exclusive breastfeeding and mixed feeding: knowledge, attitudes and practices of primiparous mothers]

We assessed the knowledge attitudes and practices of primiparous women with regard to exclusive breastfeeding and the use of formula milk. A total of 260 women were interviewed and the results showed that 41.5% of the women breastfed exclusively while 58.5% bottle-fed only or did so together with breastfeeding. Of those who breastfed, 43.0% did not do so soon after giving birth and did not know about colostrum. Overall, the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the mothers were unsatisfactory concerning the golden rules for successful breastfeeding, the ideal duration of exclusive breastfeeding and the food to include when introducing complementary feeding. This might be due to a low level of schooling and information, hence the need for improving strategies for maternal care during the antenatal and postnatal periods.

[Cost effectiveness analysis of screening strategies for cervical cancer in Tunisia]

We aimed to identify the most appropriate screening strategy for cervical cancer (periodicity of 3, 5 or 10 years) for Tunisia, taking into consideration the incidence of the disease, costs of screening and economic implications. We simulated follow-up of a fictitious cohort of 1 million women 35-39 years over 30 years. Computation of yearly medical care costs was based on data from medical files of patients diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2004 at the National Institute of Cancer, Tunis. For a 60% coverage level of screening, cervical cancer reduction would be 49.2% for a 3-year periodicity. The reduction would be 40.3% and 33.1% for 5 and 10 years periodicity respectively. Considering cost-effectiveness, 10-year screening gave the lowest annual cost to avoid 1 cervical cancer case.

Health and behaviours of Tunisian school youth in an era of rapid epidemiological transition

To assess youth health behaviours and related quality of life in urban Tunisia, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of 699 secondary-school students. The overweight rate was 20.7%. Most of the sample had an insufficient level of physical activity and were unfamiliar with the recommended frequency of moderate physical activity. Norm-based scores of psychological state were about average, slightly better for boys than girls. Girls perceived themselves to be more stressed than boys. Of all students, 35% declared having smoked a cigarette and 14% having drunk alcohol at least once in their lives. The main sources of health education were mass media (59%) and medical staff (36%).

[Breast cancer in Tunisia: epidemiologic characteristics and trends in incidence]

The goal of this study is to analyze certain epidemiologic characteristics of breast cancer in Tunisia and to foresee the consequences that will arise from the trends in incidence of this cancer. Data obtained from the North-Tunisia Cancer Registry (NTCR) and from the Salah AZAIZ Institute (SAI) Registry is used to estimate the different incidence rates and to compare these rates with those of other countries. In 15 years the crude incidence rate for breast cancer in the North Tunisia almost doubled to reach 21.5 cases/100,000 women per year during 1994-1998. The high rate of this cancer among women younger than 35 years (11%) could be related to a relatively low incidence among post-menopausal women. The clinical profile of breast cancer remains quite alarming: 40.2% of cases have a tumor with a clinical diameter equal or greater than 5 cm. Birth cohort effect, also know as the generation effect, is expected to lead to an increase of cancer incidence in the future. The rather high number of young cases is a source of additional cost on social and financial level. The priority is now to solve the problem of late diagnosis it has aggravated the prognosis of this cancer in Tunisia.

[Breast cancer prognosis in Salah Azaiez Institute of Cancer, Tunis]

We estimated survival rate at 9 years of all (470) women with breast cancer diagnosed at Salah Azaïez Institute of Cancer in Tunis to identify the main prognosis factors. Data were collected on residence, socioeconomic level, circumstances of discovery of the tumour, histological type, tumour size, presence of metastases, extension of the tumour, treatment and survival. Comparison of survival curves was done with Log Rank test. Cox model was used for multivariate adjustments and calculation of the hazard ratio (HR) (relative risk of death). There was a survival rate of 61% at 5 years and of 51% at 9 years. Tumour size >5 cm was significantly associated with lower survival as was capsular rupture. After stratification for tumour size and age, only surgery and radiotherapy were significantly associated with improved survival.

[Epidemiological transition and health impact of cardiovascular disease in Tunisia]

OBJECTIVE

We aim at analysing the increase of CVDs in the Tunisian hospitals in order to assess the burden of NCDs in the transitional context.

METHODS

Data are recorded through the Tunisian National Morbidity and Mortality Survey (TNMMS). In order to assess the CVDs (CHDs vs RHDs) trend, two representative samples of Cardiology Departements patients were compared one is selected from the TNMMS and the second from the hospitalisations recorded in 1992. Causes, stay duration, status at the end of the hospitalisation, transfer to another hospital and patients socio-demographic characteristics are recorded and compared for the two periods. All the diagnosis are coded referring to the DMC 10. To analyze the determinant of the epidemiological transition, we have elaborated the CVD causal pattern and we have documented all their determinants.

RESULTS

CHD rate has dramatically increased, while RHD has decreased especially on men. In 1992, 39.2% of men and 11.8% of women were admitted for CHD. In 2002, these rate are respectivly 58.8% and 38.2% while RHD rates were, in 1992, 11.8% on men and 25.3% on women vs 4.4% and 11.7% respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study has confirmed that so far controlling transmitted diseases seems to be successful, Tunisian people are about to face a new problems as hypertension, obesity, diabetes and tobacco smoking. The new challenge with the burden of diseases requires the implementation of a national strategy relevant to the epidemiological, social and economical transition. Population needs and cost effectiveness of interventions assessment is crucial to set the national priorities.

[The first Tunisian cardiovascular diseases register: processes and results]

BACKGROUND

In Tunisia, cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death (30%) and a few studies conducted in the population have demonstrated that the level of their risk factors is increasing. For policy makers, the health system impact of these diseases is currently a crucial issue. The National Public Health Institute has identified the implementation of a morbidity register as a priority.

METHODS

A CVD morbidity register is implemented since 2001, in 3 different geographical populations having contrasted levels of health status (Tunis, Ariana and Ben Arous). The 3 regions are covering about 2 millions inhabitants which is the fifth of the overall Tunisian population. All coronary heart events occurring among adults 25 years old and above in the 3 populations are recorded. The diagnosis of events, case fatality and classification are defined according to MONICA criteria. The data are recorded from public and private hospitals, death certificates and autopsies.

RESULTS

During the year 2001, the total number of myocardial infarction events was estimated at 942: in men, the age-standardized rates were 163.8/100000 in Tunis population vs. 161.9 in Ariana and 170.5 in Ben Arous. In women, the rates were respectively 43.4, 61.1 and 44.6. Medical causes of death registration was the most crucial problem in spite of the implementation of the death certificate designed according to WHO model. Specific surveys for clinical assessment and surveillance of risk factors were conducted in the register populations.

CONCLUSION

It is the first time that data on coronary heart disease incidence and fatality are available in Tunisia through this experience which highlights the practical difficulties experienced in registering and coding coronary events in a developing country. The data source quality should be improved and the register should be integrated in the local health system.

[Smoking dependence and symptoms of anxiety and depression among Tunisian smokers]

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of depression and anxiety, and their relationship with smoking dependence, in patients attending a Tunisian smoking cessation clinic.

METHODS

We studied 72 Tunisian smokers attending the smoking-cessation clinic at the Charle Nicolle Hospital in Tunis. Nicotine dependence was assessed by the Fageström Test for Nicotine Dependence. Anxiety and depression symptoms were measured using the HAD (Hospital Anxiety Depression) Scale.

RESULTS

The prevalence of anxiety and depression was 22.9% (16 patients) and 20% (14 patients) respectively with four patients (7.1%) exhibiting symptoms of both. Overall, 50% of the group had emotional morbidity with high HAD scores for depression or anxiety, or both. Smokers with symptoms of anxiety and/or depression had higher physical and psychological dependence, smoked more at times of stress, had a reduced quitting rate and endured more withdrawal symptoms than those smokers without anxiety or depression.

CONCLUSIONS

The data of this survey from Tunisia, a country that has just put in place a tobacco control strategy, underline the high rates of anxiety and depression that exist in patients attending a smoking cessation clinic. It confirms the association between anxio-depressive disorders and a high level of smoking dependence.

[Knowledge and practice of doctors and midwives working in primary health care regarding screening for cervical and breast cancers]

We assessed the knowledge and practices of breast and cervical cancer of 286 physicians and 126 midwives working in primary health care in Tunis who responded to an anonymous questionnaire. Questions were related to knowledge of the epidemiology and survival rates in the early stages of breast and cervical cancers, to training in this domain and to the degree of involvement in this screening. The knowledge of the two cancers was relatively modest among both physicians and midwives. The systematic practice of Pap smear was significantly more frequent among midwives than physicians. The same result was observed for systematic clinical breast examination. Lack of training about carrying out Pap smears and the large number of consultations were the main factors negatively associated with systematic Pap smear and clinical breast examination practice.

[Knowledge,attitudes and behaviours of women towards breast cancer screening]

L’objectif de ce travail était de décrire les connaissances, attitudes et comportements des femmes vis-à-vis des méthodes de dépistage du cancer du sein dons deux régions du nord de la Tunisie. Ainsi 936 femmes résidant à l’Ariana [région urbanisée] et 993 femmes résidant à Zaghouan [région rurale] ont été choisies et ont répondu à un questionnaire sur leur perception de la gravité du cancer du sein, la vulnérabilité des femmes, l’efficacité du dépistage et le recours au dépistage. Le recours au dépistage était significativement plus fréquenta l’Ariana pour l’examen physique des seins et la mammographie mais demeure assez modeste. Ce faible recours au dépistage du cancer du seln contraste avec une attitude positive vis-à-vis des méthodes de dépistage de ce cancer. Les facteurs associés positivement au recours au dépistage sont la résidence en milieu urbain, l’âge compris entre 35 et 49 ans, le niveau d’instruction et la perception des progrès accomplis dans le domaine du traitement des cancers en Tunisie

[Life years lost and epidemiological transition in the Sfax region (Tunisia)]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the burden of disease in the Sfax region and identify the main diseases that are the cause of lost life years due to premature death.

METHODOLOGY

The calculation of lost life years due to premature death was conducted using the demographic mortality data for the region obtained from the National Institute of Statistics combined with data on the classification of the causes of death collected through a survey on these causes conducted through a random sample taken from half of the deaths in the region. As described by Murray and Lopez, years of life lost as a result of premature death represent the difference between the age of death and an age corresponding to life expectancy falling between 65 and 85 years.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 52,316 life years lost that were recorded 27,902 were in the male population and 24,414 in the female. The main diseases found in males which cause lost life years are accidents (24.9%), cardiovascular diseases (17.3%), communicable diseases (17%), respiratory diseases (10.8%), prenatal problems (59.5%), and cancer (7.5%). For women the main causes were cardiovascular diseases (26.5%), respiratory illness (15.5%), accidents (11.5%), communicable diseases (10.3%) and cancer (9.5%).

RECOMMENDATIONS

These results marking the epidemiological transition in the region should serve to steer decision-makers to better rationalize and plan for health care costs and expenditure.

[Knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of women towards breast cancer screening]

The objective of this study was to describe knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of women towards breast cancer screening methods in two regions of north Tunisia. Thus 936 women from Ariana (urban region) and 993 women from Zaghouan (rural region) were selected and answered a questionnaire on their perception of the gravity of breast cancer, the vulnerability of women, the efficacy of screening and their use of screening. The use of screening was significantly more frequent in Ariana for both clinical breast examination and mammography, but screening use was modest. This low use of breast cancer screening contrasts with a positive attitude to breast cancer screening methods. The factors positively associated with use of screening were urban residence, age between 35 and 49 years, educational level and the perception that cancer treatment had advanced in Tunisia.

[Tunisian health profile: present state and trends]

We will try to value the Tunisian Health Profile, its present state and its tendencies. Data have been collected by various sources, in particular international and national organism. The total fertility rate passed from 8 in 1966 to 2.01 in 1999. Besides a light ageing of the population is started (9% of the population are aged of more than 60 years in 1999). Death rates recorded a decrease, mainly of the infantile mortality (140%@1000 in 1966 against 24.7%@1000 in 1999) and the maternal mortality (68.9 per 100,000 living births in 1994 against 220 in 1980-1984). The life expectancy at birth passed from 51 years in 1966 to 72.4 years in 1999. According the morbidity we attend the receding of the majority of transmitted diseases. Resources injected in the system of cares also evolved: The medical density passed from 1 per 6700 inhabitants in 1966 to 1 per 1300 in 1999. Tunisia recorded the most elevated scores for the preventive activities in particular at the vaccinal coverage. The global evolution of the Tunisian health profile is marked by the epidemiological transition buy which pass the country currently. This phase is delicate because it's generating of a growth of care expenses. Decision-makers must be careful to consider advantage priorities and the profitability of the investments.

[Mortality due to smoking in Tunisia in 1997]

In Tunisia, in spite of the high prevalence of the cigarette smoking among males, there consequences in term of mortality were not until evaluated. These last can be estimated from tobacco consumption data, mortality statistics and estimates of risks observed among populations of smokers in cohort studies. Numbers of deaths by causes have been estimated from WHO for 1998 year. Smoking prevalence have been estimated from a national survey conducted in 1996 by l'Institut National de Santé Publique and the National League against the Tuberculosis and the Respiratory Illness. Mortality attributable to tobacco in Tunisia has been estimated 6430 deaths. The effect of smoking are a lot more important at the man (5580 deaths), contributing to 22% of male deaths, that at the woman (850 deaths) contributing at 4% of the female deaths. The present mortality to tobacco is similar to certain developed countries as France or Canada. The consumption of cigarettes even though it recorded a light decrease during these last years, remain even elevated notably at the young. Then it is waited to see an increase of tobacco related deaths during the future decades. It is urgent to conduct an efficient politics against this tobacco epidemic by helping the smoker to stop smoking and preventing teenagers to begin to smoke.

[Medical studies in Tunisia]

In this report, the author analyses the Tunisian medical studies following their main stages of evolution, since the creation of the first medical university (1963), and focus on the major reforms. A great interest was designed to evaluate the comity findings reforms, held during the 1990, which has lead to undertake many measures for the medical studies. The author expose the measures applied, since 1990 in his report.

[Epidemiology and prevention of smoking in Tunisia: current situation and perspectives]

This paper describes the trends in tobacco sales and smoking prevalence in the Tunisian population, estimates the consequences of smoking on mortality of this population, and discusses anti-tobacco actions: educational actions, legislative measures and price increases. Sales Data were collected from the Tunisia tobacco company. Smoking prevalence data from surveys, conducted by several institutes, and numbers of deaths by causes have been estimated from WHO for the year 1998. Tobacco sales increased from 4.96 g per adult per day in 1981, to 6.3 g, in 1993, then decreased widely. The proportion of smokers was 30% in 1996. 55% among men versus 5.6% among women. Among 17 to 24 years old young adults, the proportion of smokers was 29.2% in 1994 (50% among men versus 3.9%, among women). Mortality attributable to tobacco in Tunisia has been estimated to 6430 deaths in 1997 (5580 among men versus 850 among women). These deaths represent 22% of the total male deaths and 4% of the female ones. Anti-tobacco measures have been reinforced by the enactment of anti-tobacco law. Proportion of young smokers remaining elevated, it is expected that consequences of the tobacco addiction in Tunisia, in term of mortality, will be even heavier in the next two decades, if efficient anti-tobacco actions are not implemented.

[Cost effectiveness of cervical cancer screening strategies in Tunisia]

Cervical cancer is a public health problem in developing countries and is the first cancer among women in several of these countries. Screening using the Pap test is the principle control strategy for this cancer. The aim of this study is to identify the highest cost-effectiveness strategy of Pap test screening, according to age group (20-64 years, 35-64 years and 40-64 years) and the frequency of this test (every 3 years or every 5 years). Number of cases avoid by screening and mean cost to prevent one case were used to compare these screening strategies. The principles results showed that the number of cervical cancer cases avoid increase with the coverage level of the screening and age group size, and decrease with the frequency of the Pap tests. The screening strategy interesting age group "40-64 years" every 5 years observed the highest cost-effectiveness ratio (19 MD); however cost is 23 MD for age grovy 35-64 years. These results lead to choice a frequency of Pap tests every 5 years. However, for determination of age group, other factors, as psycho-social ones, should be taken into account besides economic criterias.

Trends in tobacco consumption in Tunisia

Because tobacco-related diseases are a growing health problem, we assessed tobacco smoking in Tunisia since 1970 using different sources. The average consumption of tobacco calculated over the period of 10 years [1981-90] was 1493 g per person and per year; equivalent of 75 packets of cigarettes. Cigarettes are the most popular form of tobacco smoking. Cigarette smoking increased from 1981 to 1993 but since has decreased slightly. According to a national study of respiratory diseases conducted in 1996, the current prevalence of tobacco smoking is 30.4% for both sexes: around 52% for males and 6% for females. Average consumption is 17.7 cigarettes/day, irrespective of sex. For young people, the prevalence is 29.21%: 50% for males and 3.9% for females. Young people who attend school smoke less than those who do not [18.1% versus 38.4%]. Most started smoking between 14 years and 18 year