Chondroblastoma associated with aneurysmal cyst of the navicular bone: a case report

Chondroblastoma is a rare tumor. It is usually benign; however, it can have an aggressive course before or after operative treatment, even resulting in pulmonary metastases. The foot is a rare location for chondroblastoma, and to our knowledge, chondroblastoma occurring in the navicular bone has not been reported previously in the English literature. We describe a case of navicular chondroblastoma case associated with an aneurysmal bone cyst. Treatment consisted of aggressive curettage, phenolization, and bone allograft. The patient was able to resume normal activities after treatment, and there was no recurrence of the chondroblastoma during a follow-up of 3 years.

via World Journal of Surgical Oncology

Fatigue before cancer treatment impacts fatigue afterwards

Individuals who survive cancer are significantly more likely to develop severe persistent fatigue a year after treatment if they were fatigued before and shortly after treatment, indicate Dutch study findings.

via Med Wire News

Local excision in elderly poor for rectal cancer survival

Swedish data suggest that older patients with early rectal cancer should not be selected for local excision solely on the basis of their age.

via Med Wire News

Routine use of positron emission tomography/computed tomography for staging of primary colorectal cancer: Does it affect clinical management?

Background: The use of positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) for the preoperative staging of patients with colon and rectal cancer has increased steadily over the last decade. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PET/CT on the preoperative staging and clinical management of patients with colorectal cancer. Methods: Between December 2010 and February 2012, 64 consecutive patients with colorectal cancer were evaluated with both PET/CT scans and conventional preoperative imaging studies. We prospectively recorded the medical reports of these patients. The PET/CT findings were compared with conventional imaging studies and the rate of over-staging or down-staging and changes in clinical management were evaluated. The correlation of the PET/CT with the conventional imaging was compared by a kappa agreement coefficient. Differences in the accuracy for N and T staging were assessed by chi2 and related-samples marginal homogeneity tests. Results: Thirty-nine (60.9%) patients had rectal cancer and 25 (39.1%) had colon cancer. Based on PET/CT, additional lesions were found in 6 (9.4%) of the patients: hilar and paratracheal lesions in 4 patients, hepatic in 1 and supraclavicular in 1 patient. In four of six patients, detailed imaging studies or biopsies revealed chronic inflammatory changes. Hepatic and supraclavicular involvement was confirmed in two patients. Therefore, the false positivity rate of PET/CT was 6.25%. Based on the additional PET/CT, 2 (3.2%) patients had a change in surgical management. A chemotherapy regimen was administered to the patient with a 1.5 cm hepatic metastasis near the right hepatic vein; for another patient with an identified supraclavicular lymph node metastasis, a simultaneous excision was performed. Conclusions: Routine use of PET/CT for preoperative staging did not impact disease management for 96.8% of our patients. The results of our study conclude that PET/CT should not be routinely used for primary staging of colorectal cancer. More studies are required for identifying the subgroup of patients who might benefit from a PET/CT in their initial staging.

via World Journal of Surgical Oncology

Establishment and characterization of clear cell renal cell carcinoma cell lines with different metastatic potential from Chinese patients

Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) cell lines with distinct metastatic potential are essential to study the mechanism of ccRCC metastasis. However, none of them originated from Chinese. Methods: Primary cell cultures were performed using a primary tumor of a 49-year-old male ccRCC patient and a metastatic tumor of a 62-year-old male patient who had received nephrectomy to excise primary ccRCC 10 years ago. Cell growth, microstructure, cytogenetics, cytometry, expression of metastasis-associated molecules, tumorigenesis and metastasis were subsequently characterized. Results: Two successive cell lines named NRCC from the primary ccRCC and MRCC from the metastatic ccRCC were established, respectively. Compared to NRCC, MRCC exhibited stronger anchorage-independent growth and invasion potentials and contained more glycogen granules in the cytoplasm. Gains of chromosomes and some translocations were the major chromosomal aberrations in both cell strains. CD24 expression was more frequent in MRCC than in NRCC and the same was true for CD56. The transcriptional levels of TNFalpha, IL-6, VEGF, HIF2alpha, MMP2, and RhoC were significantly higher in MRCC than in NRCC. Cytosolic IkappaBalpha protein was more degraded in MRCC than in NRCC following TNFalpha treatment. Both cell lines had strong tumorigenicity in athymic nude mice. However, MRCC had strong potential in generating metastasis to lung and hemorrhagic ascites than NRCC following orthotopic transplantations. Conclusions: Cancer cells isolated from metastatic ccRCC have more malignant and metastatic potential than those from the primary tumor from the patients who shared the similar race background. Establishment of MRCC and NRCC may provide suitable models with which to investigate molecular mechanisms of ccRCC metastasis.

via Cancer Cell International

Metastasis of osteosarcoma to stomach made clinically evident by hematemesis: a case report

Background: Gastric metastasis from osteosarcoma is very rare and its clinical features are not well recognized.Case presentationA 73-year-old man was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and treated with 4 cycles of preoperative chemotherapy with ifosfamide and doxorubicin followed by wide resection. Two cycles of postoperative chemotherapy with ifosfamide and doxorubicin and 10 cycles of chemotherapy with carboplatin and etoposide were administered. Eleven months after the surgery, he vomited fresh blood. Unusual progression of anemia was observed with the hematemesis. Biopsy was performed by gastrointestinal endoscopy, and the stomach tumor was diagnosed as metastasis of osteosarcoma. Conclusion: Even though gastric metastasis from osteosarcoma is very rare, all three previous reports and our case showed the presence of ulcer on the surface of the gastric lesion. We should consider the possibility of gastric metastasis in patients with osteosarcoma in whom progression of anemia or gastric hemorrhage is observed.

via World Journal of Surgical Oncology

Tobacco control in the WHO South-East Asia Region

PK Singh



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):319-320







via Indian Journal of Cancer

Best practices in tobacco control in the South-East Asia Region

BC Zolty, PK Sinha, DN Sinha



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):321-326



The tobacco epidemic is an increasing threat to public health with the tobacco burden particularly high in WHO's South-East Asia Region (SEAR). The Region has many obstacles to tobacco control, but despite these challenges, significant progress has been made in many countries. Although much work still needs to be done, SEAR countries have nevertheless implemented strong and often innovative tobacco control measures that can be classified as "best practices," with some setting global precedents. The best practice measures implemented in SEAR include bans on gutka, reducing tobacco imagery in movies, and warning about the dangers of tobacco. In a time of scarce resources, countries in SEAR and elsewhere must ensure that the most effective and cost-efficient measures are implemented. It is hoped that countries can learn from these examples and as appropriate, adapt these measures to their own specific cultural, social and political realities.



via Indian Journal of Cancer

Involvement of health professionals in tobacco control in the South-East Asia Region

S Venkatesh, DN Sinha



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):327-335



Tobacco use is widely entrenched in the South-East Asia (SEA) Region leading to high morbidity and mortality in this region. Several studies revealed that tobacco use is widespread among youth and school children. Exposure to second-hand smoke was reported as around 50% or more in three countries - Myanmar (59.5%), Bangladesh (51.3%), and Indonesia (49.6%). Health profession students encompassing medical, dental, nursing and pharmacy disciplines, and even qualified health professionals are no exception from tobacco use. While they are regarded as role models in tobacco cessation programs, their tobacco addiction will carry a negative impact in this endeavour. A mere inquiry about the smoking status of patients and a brief advice by doctors or dentists increases quit rates and prompts those who have not thought about quitting to consider doing so. Evidence from some randomized trials suggests that advice from motivated physicians to their smoking patients could be effective in facilitating cessation of smoking. However, the low detection rate of smokers by many physicians and the small proportion of smokers who routinely receive advice from their physicians to quit have been identified as a matter of concern. This paper describes the role and issues of involvement of health professionals in tobacco control. Data from a variety of sources is used to assess the status. Although there are some differences, tobacco use is widespread among the students and health professional students. Exposure to second hand smoke is also a matter of concern. Tobacco-related problems and tobacco control cut across a vast range of health disciplines. Building alliances among the health professional associations in a vertical way will help synergize efforts, and obtain better outcomes from use of existing resources. Health professional associations in some countries in the SEA region have already taken the initiative to form coalitions at the national level to advance the tobacco control agenda. In Thailand, a Thai Health Professional Alliance against Tobacco, with 17 allies from medical, nursing, traditional medicine, and other health professional organizations, is working in a concerted manner toward promoting tobacco control. Indian Dental Association intervention is another good example.



via Indian Journal of Cancer

Banning smokeless tobacco in India: Policy analysis

M Aroral, R Madhu



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):336-341



India is the second largest producer and third largest consumer of tobacco. According to GATS India Report (2009-10), the users of only smokeless tobacco (SLT) are more than double than that of smokers. SLT use is an imminent public health problem, which is contributing to high disease burden in India. It is a "unique" tobacco product due to its availability in myriad varieties, easy access, and affordability especially for adolescents. It has been studied to be a gateway product and facilitates initiation. Currently, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have prohibited the use of tobacco and nicotine in any food products; yet, the implementation of a permanent ban on SLT across India is still pending. This paper examines how multiple legislations have failed to effectively control or regulate SLT in India and regionally; thus, there is need to strengthen SLT control efforts as "no ordinary product."



via Indian Journal of Cancer

Prevalence of smokeless tobacco use among adults in WHO South-East Asia

DN Sinha, PC Gupta, Cecily Ray, PK Singh



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):342-346



Smokeless tobacco (SLT) use is an understudied problem in South-East Asia. Information on SLT use among the adult population was collected from various available sources. SLT use prevalence varies among countries in the region. The prevalence of SLT use is known for all countries at national level in the region with the exception of Bhutan and DPR Korea. For Bhutan, data pertains to Thimphu only. There is no available data on SLT use for DPR Korea. Using all available data from Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, SLT use was found to be higher among males as compared to females; however, in Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Thailand, SLT use was higher among females as compared to males. Among males, prevalence of SLT use varied from 51.4% in Myanmar to 1.1% in Thailand. Among females, the prevalence of SLT use varied from 27.9% in Bangladesh to 1.9% in Timor-Leste. The prevalence also varies in different parts of countries. For instance, the prevalence of current use of SLT in India ranges from 48.7% in Bihar to 4.5% in Himachal Pradesh. In Thailand, prevalence of current use of tobacco use varies from 0.8% in Bangkok to over 4% in the northern (4.1%) and northeastern (4.7%) region. Among all SLT products, betel quid was the most commonly used product in most countries including Bangladesh (24.3%) and Thailand (1.8%). However, Khaini (11.6%) chewing was practiced most commonly in India. Nearly 5% of the adult population used tobacco as dentifrice in Bangladesh and India. SLT is more commonly used in rural areas and among disadvantaged groups. Questions from standard "Tobacco Questions for Surveys (TQS)" need to be integrated in routine health system surveys in respective countries to obtain standardized tobacco use data at regular intervals that will help in providing trends of SLT use in countries.



via Indian Journal of Cancer

Smokeless tobacco use in Myanmar

NN Kyaing, T Sein, AA Sein, MM Than Htike, A Tun, NN Shein



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):347-351



Smokeless tobacco (SLT) use in various forms is highly prevalent in Myanmar. The aim of this paper is to study the socio-cultural background of SLT use and products of SLT in Myanmar and the prevalence of SLT based on surveys and from other published data bases. Information was obtained from the literature review and through search on PubMed and Google. The use of SLT is deep rooted in Myanmar culture, and there is also wide-spread belief that it is not as dangerous as smoking. SLT use is growing in Myanmar. About 9.8% of the 13-15-year-old school children and 20.8% adults use SLT; it is many-fold higher among men. The use of SLT is prevalent using many different types of tobacco and forms of its use in Myanmar. The socio-cultural acceptance and the myths were compounded by the lack of specific SLT control component in the National Tobacco Control Legislation adopted needs to be addressed as a priority through intensified community awareness programs, public education programs, and advocacy campaigns. Effective enforcement of the law and amendment to include specific components of SLT in the provisions of the law is highly recommended. The prevalence of SLT is high among school children and adults (especially in men) in Myanmar. Betel quid and tobacco is a common form of SLT use. Although control of smoking and consumption of tobacco product law exists, its implementation is weak.



via Indian Journal of Cancer

Smokeless tobacco use in Nepal

DN Sinha, B Bajracharya, BB Khadka, S Rinchen, VB Bhattad, PK Singh



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):352-356



Tobacco use is widely prevalent in different forms in Nepal. These habits are deeply rooted among different age groups and gender. There is no information available on all aspects of smokeless tobacco (SLT) use and its implications in Nepal. To review the types of SLT products available in Nepal, prevalence of SLT use, correlates of SLT use, SLT-related harm, and existing gaps in information and policy implications. This review is mainly based on information from literature, and some WHO and other documents. The prevalence of smokeless tobacco use is high, particularly among males and disadvantaged groups. SLT users have multiple habits of tobacco chewing, smoking and drinking. Despite SLT products being manufactured in the unorganized sector, they are also largely imported from India. People have easy access to various SLT products. There is a general lack of information on the health hazards of SLT use to the population. This calls for research on the issue. In order to succeed in reducing SLT use in Nepal, addressing the challenges of enforcing the Tobacco Control Act through a multisectoral approach and developing capacity of sectors other than health is of vital importance.



via Indian Journal of Cancer

Smokeless tobacco use in Sri Lanka

LC Somatunga, DN Sinha, P Sumanasekera, K Galapatti, S Rinchen, A Kahandaliyanage, FR Mehta, JD Nishirani Lanka



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):357-363



To comprehensively review the issues of smokeless tobacco use in Sri Lanka . This review paper is based on a variety of sources including Medline, WHO documents, Ministry of Health and Nutrition, Colombo and from other sources. Results: The prevalence of smokeless tobacco (SLT) use in Sri Lanka has been reported high, especially among rural and disadvantaged groups. Different smokeless tobacco products were not only widely available but also very affordable. An increasing popularity of SLT use among the youth and adolescents is a cause for concern in Sri Lanka. There were evidences of diverse benign, premalignant, and malignant oral diseases due to smokeless tobacco use in the country. The level of awareness about health risks related to the consumption of smokeless tobacco products was low, particularly among the people with low socio-economic status. In Sri Lanka various forms of smokeless tobacco products, some of them imported, are used. At the national level, 15.8% used smokeless tobacco products and its use is three-fold higher among men compared to women. Betel quid is by far the traditional form in which tobacco is a general component. Other manufactured tobacco products include pan parag/pan masala, Mawa, Red tooth powder, Khaini, tobacco powder, and Zarda. Some 8.6% of the youth are current users of smokeless tobacco. There are studies demonstrating the harmful effects of smokeless tobacco use, especially on the oral mucosa, however, the level of awareness of this aspect is low. The highest mean expenditure on betel quid alone in rural areas for those earning Rs. 5,000/month was Rs. 952. The core issue is the easy availability of these products. To combat the smokeless tobacco problem, public health programs need to be intensified and targeted to vulnerable younger age groups. Another vital approach should be to levy higher taxation.



via Indian Journal of Cancer

Chemistry and toxicology of smokeless tobacco

RA Bhisey



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):364-372



In most parts of the world, tobacco is used for smoking, whereas, in India, tobacco is used for smoking as well as in diverse smokeless forms. Absorption of toxic and carcinogenic chemicals in tobacco and other ingredients added to various products are causally associated with several non-communicable diseases including cancer, especially oral cancer, which is the leading cancer among men and the third most common cancer among women in India. This article highlights the toxicity, mutagenecity and carcinogenic effects of hazardous chemicals present in smokeless tobacco products. This endeavor was based on the extensive review of literature from various sources. The SLT products have influence on cellular metabolism, ability to cause DNA damage, and cancer in experimental animals. It is, therefore, essential to consider the collective role of chemical constituents of SLT products in the causation of adverse effect on human health.



via Indian Journal of Cancer

MPOWER and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control implementation in the South-East Asia region

PK Singh



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):373-378



The 11 member states of WHO's South-East Asia Region share common factors of high prevalence of tobacco use, practice of several forms of tobacco use, increasing prevalence of tobacco use among the youth and women, link of tobacco use with poverty, and influence of tobacco advertisements in propagating the use of tobacco, especially among young girls and women. The effects of tobacco use are many-fold, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates as well as loss of gross domestic product (GDP) to respective countries. The WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia has been actively involved in curbing this menace essentially by way of assisting member states in implementing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). This paper gives an overview of these activities and discusses the opportunities and challenges in implementing the FCTC and possible practical solutions.



via Indian Journal of Cancer

Tobacco use, exposure to second-hand smoke, and cessation training among the third-year medical and dental students in selected Member States of South-East Asia region: A trend analysis on data from the Global Health Professions Student Survey, 2005-2011

DN Sinha, S Rinchen, KM Palipudi, Nang Naing Naing Shein, P de Silva, BB Khadka, M Pednekar, G Singh, S Pitayarangsarit, VB Bhattad, KA Lee, S Asma, PK Singh



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):379-386



Background: The Medical and Dental Global Health Professions Student Surveys (GHPSS) are surveys based in schools that collect self-administered data from students on the prevalence of tobacco use, exposure to second-hand smoke, and tobacco cessation training, among the third-year medical and dental students. Materials and Methods: Two rounds of medical and dental GHPSS have been conducted in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, among the third-year medical and dental students, between 2005 and 2006 and 2009 and 2011. Results: The prevalence of any tobacco use among third-year male and female medical students did not change in Bangladesh, India, and Nepal between 2005 and 2006 and 2009 and 2011; however, it reduced significantly among females in Myanmar (3.3% in 2006 to 1.8% in 2009) and in Sri Lanka (2.5% in 2006 to 0.6% in 2011). The prevalence of any tobacco use among third-year male dental students did not change in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Thailand between 2005 and 2006 and 2009 and 2011; however, in Myanmar, the prevalence increased significantly (35.6% in 2006 to 49.5% in 2009). Among the third-year female students, a significant increase in prevalence was noticed in Bangladesh (4.0% in 2005 to 22.2% in 2009) and Thailand (0.7% in 2006 to 2.1% in 2011). It remained unchanged in the other three countries. Prevalence of exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) both at home and in public places, among medical students, decreased significantly in Myanmar and Sri Lanka between 2006 and 2009 and in 2011. Among dental students, the prevalence of SHS exposure at home reduced significantly in Bangladesh, India, and Myanmar, and in public places in India. However, there was an increase of SHS exposure among dental students in Nepal, both at home and in public places, between 2005 and 2011. Medical students in Myanmar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka reported a declining trend in schools, with a smoking ban policy in place, between 2005 and 2006 and 2009 and 2011, while proportions of dental students reported that schools with a smoking ban policy have increased significantly in Bangladesh and Myanmar. Ever receiving cessation training increased significantly among medical students in Sri Lanka only, whereas, among dental students, it increased in India, Nepal, and Thailand. Conclusion: Trends of tobacco use and exposure to SHS among medical and dental students in most countries of the South-East Asia Region had changed only relatively between the two rounds of GHPSS (2005-2006 and 2009-2011). No significant improvement was observed in the trend in schools with a policy banning smoking in school buildings and clinics. Almost all countries in the SEA Region that participated in GHPSS showed no significant change in ever having received formal training on tobacco cessation among medical and dental students.



via Indian Journal of Cancer

Predictors of tobacco smoking and smokeless tobacco use among adults in Bangladesh

KM Palipudi, DN Sinha, S Choudhury, MM Zaman, S Asma, L Andes, S Dube



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):387-392



Introduction: To examine predictors of current tobacco smoking and smokeless tobacco use among the adult population in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: We used data from the 2009 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) in Bangladesh consisting of 9,629 adults aged ΃15 years. Differences in and predictors of prevalence for both smoking and smokeless tobacco use were analyzed using selected socioeconomic and demographic characteristics that included gender, age, place of residence, education, occupation, and an index of wealth. Results: The prevalence of smoking is high among males (44.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 42.5-47.0) as compared to females (1.5%, 95% CI: 1.1-2.1), whereas the prevalence of smokeless tobacco is almost similar among both males (26.4%, 95% CI: 24.2-28.6) and females (27.9%, 95% CI: 25.9-30.0). Correlates of current smoking are male gender (odds ratio [OR] = 41.46, CI = 23.8-73.4), and adults in older age (ORs range from 1.99 in 24-35 years age to 5.49 in 55-64 years age), less education (ORs range from 1.47 in less than secondary to 3.25 in no formal education), and lower socioeconomic status (ORs range from 1.56 in high wealth index to 2.48 in lowest wealth index. Predictors of smokeless tobacco use are older age (ORs range from 2.54in 24-35 years age to 12.31 in 55-64 years age), less education (ORs range from 1.44 in less than secondary to 2.70 in no formal education), and the low (OR = 1.34, CI = 1.0-1.7) or lowest (OR = 1.43, CI = 1.1-1.9) socioeconomic status. Conclusion: Implementation of tobacco control strategies needs to bring special attention on disadvantaged group and cover all types of tobacco product as outlined in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and WHO MPOWER to protect people's health and prevent premature death.



via Indian Journal of Cancer

Profile of dual tobacco users in India: An analysis from Global Adult Tobacco Survey, 2009-10

PC Gupta, CS Ray, SS Narake, KM Palipudi, DN Sinha, S Asma, G Blutcher-Nelson



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):393-400



Introduction: Individuals who use both smoked and smokeless tobacco products (dual tobacco users) form a special group about which little is known. This group is especially relevant to India, where smokeless tobacco use is very common. The aim of this study was to characterise the profile of dual users, study their pattern of initiation to the second product, their attitudes toward quittingas well as their cessation profile. Methods and Materials: The GATS dataset for India was analyzed using SPSS; . Results: In India, dual tobacco users (42.3 million; 5.3% of all adults; 15.4% of all tobacco users) have a profile similar to that of smokers. Some 52.6% of dual users started both practices within 2 years. The most prevalent product combination was bidi-khaini (1.79%) followed by bidi-gutka (1.50%), cigarette-khaini (1.28%), and cigarette-gutka (1.22%). Among daily users, the correlation between the daily frequencies of the use of each product was very high for most product combinations. While 36.7% of dual users were interested in quitting, only 5.0% of dual users could do so. The prevalence of ex-dual users was 0.4%. Conclusion: Dual users constitute a large, high-risk group that requires special attention.



via Indian Journal of Cancer

Social disparities in tobacco use in India: The roles of occupation, education and gender

B Prabhakar, SS Narake, MS Pednekar



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):401-409



Background: Identifying social disparities in patterns of tobacco use with regard to education, occupation, and gender characteristics can provide valuable insights into the tobacco use patterns of the population. Aim: We assessed social disparities in tobacco use, smoking, and smokeless tobacco use by examining occupation-, education-, and gender-specific patterns. Setting: About 69,030 Indian residents ΃15 years in 29 States and 2 Union Territories (UT). Design: Three-stage sampling in urban areas and two-stage sampling in rural areas for selection of households. Materials and Methods: Data has been derived from GATS 2009-2010, wherein the sample was collected through household interviews. Statistical Analysis: Percentages, proportions, adjusted odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported. Results: As a person entered adulthood, the prevalence of ever tobacco use increased by 51.5% among men and 28.8% among women. Prevalence was 2.5 times higher in men (mainly smoking) as compared to women (predominantly smokeless form). ORs for tobacco use were higher among illiterate respondents as compared to the college educated (male OR = 4.23, female OR = 8.15). Unemployed, able to work (male OR = 1.50, female OR = 1.23) showed highest risk, while students (male OR = 0.35, female OR = 0.52) showed the least. The combined effect of occupation and education showed synergistic interaction among females and antagonistic interaction among males. Conclusion: The study clearly underscores the individual and joint effects of education and occupation on tobacco use besides discussing variations based on gender. This can have far-reaching policy implications in addressing disparities in tobacco use.



via Indian Journal of Cancer

Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke among adults in Myanmar

AA Sein, MM Than Htike, DN Sinha, NN Kyaing



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):410-418



Background: Second-hand smoke (SHS) is a threat to people's health particularly in South-East Region including Myanmar. Aim: To describe the exposure to SHS among the adult population of Myanmar. Materials and Methods: The analysis was done based on the data relating to SHS exposure from 2009 Noncommunicable Risk Factor Survey conducted in Myanmar. A total of 7,429 respondents aged 15-64 from a nationally representative household-based cross-sectional multi-stage probability sample were used. Gender-specific estimates of the proportion of adults exposed to SHS were examined across various socio-demographic characteristics. Results: The exposure to SHS was 55.6% (52% among males and 57.8% among females) at home, 63.6% (71.9% among males and 54.7% among females) in indoor places and 23.3% (38.8% among males and 13.6% among females) in public places. SHS exposure at home was more common among females. However, males were more likely to be exposed at work and public places than females. SHS exposure at home and public places decreased with age in both sexes. In these settings, SHS exposure was related to education, residence, employment status, marital status, and income level. At workplaces, it was mainly related to educational attainment and occupational status. Conclusion: Exposure was significantly high in settings having partial ban as compared with settings having a complete ban. The solution is simple and straightforward, smoke-free environments. The findings emphasize the need for continuing efforts to decrease the exposure and to increase the knowledge of its harmful effects.



via Indian Journal of Cancer

Determinants of exposure to second-hand smoke at home and outside the home among students aged 11-17 years: Results from the Mumbai Student Tobacco Survey 2010

LJ Raute, MS Pednekar, R Mistry, PC Gupta, SA Pimple, SS Shastri



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):419-424



Background: While no level of exposure to Second-hand smoke (SHS) is free of risk, 37% of students from South-East Asia region were exposed to SHS. Aims: To estimate the prevalence of exposure to SHS and identify predictors of exposure to SHS at home and outside the home among 1,511 school students aged 11-17 years. Setting: The City of Mumbai. Study Design: This study used a two-stage cluster sampling design. Materials and Methods: Mumbai Student Tobacco Survey (MSTS) was a cross-sectional study, using anonymous self-administered structured questionnaire among students. The probability of schools being selected was proportional to the enrolment into grades 8 to 10. The study aimed to sample around 60 students from selected classes in each chosen school. Statistical Analysis: Proportions, 95% confidence interval and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were used. Results: About 79.9% students were aware about the current smoking ban at public places and 88.1% were knowledgeable about the deleterious influence of SHS on them. Overall, 16.5% of students were exposed to SHS at home, and 39.9% outside of the home. Students from families where at least one parent used tobacco were at the greatest risk of SHS exposure at home in addition to outside the home exposure. Those students who were not aware about the smoking ban in public places were at a significantly higher risk of SHS exposure outside the home. Conclusion: Self-reported tobacco use status, age, parents' tobacco use, close friends' smoking, and the route they take to school were significant determinants of exposure to SHS at home and outside the home.



via Indian Journal of Cancer

Tobacco use and cessation counseling in India-data from the Global Health Professions Students Survey, 2005-09

NS Surani, MS Pednekar, DN Sinha, G Singh, CW Warren, S Asma, PC Gupta, PK Singh



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):425-430



Context: Tobacco use by health professionals reflects the failure of healthcare systems in protecting not only beneficiaries of the system but also those involved in health care delivery. Aim: The aim of this study was to report findings from the Global Health Professions Students Survey (GHPSS) conducted in medical, dental, nursing and pharmacy schools in India. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Indian dental and medical schools (in 2009), nursing (in 2007), and pharmacy (in 2008) schools. Materials and Methods: Anonymous, self-administered GHPSS questionnaire covering demographics, tobacco use prevalence, secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure, desire to quit smoking and training received to provide cessation counseling to patients was used. Statistical Analysis: Proportions and prevalence were computed using SUDAAN and SPSS 15.0. Results: Current cigarette smoking and other tobacco use ranged from 3.4-13.4% and 4.5-11.6% respectively, in the four health professional schools, with the highest numbers for medical schools and males. Enforcement of smoking ban in medical schools was low (53%) compared to nursing (86.4%), pharmacy (85.5%), and dental (90.8%) schools. Ninety percent students thought health professionals have a role in giving smoking cessation advice to their patients. Three out of five current smokers wanted to quit. However, one out of two reported receiving help/advice to quit. Although all expressed the need, 29.1-54.8% students received cessation training in their schools. Conclusion: Tobacco control policy, cessation training and initiatives to help students quit smoking should be undertaken.



via Indian Journal of Cancer

Intention to quit among Indian tobacco users: Findings from International Tobacco Control Policy evaluation India pilot survey

NS Surani, PC Gupta, TG Fong, MS Pednekar, AC Quak, M Bansal-Travers



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):431-437



Introduction: Tobacco users face barriers not just in quitting, but also in thinking about quitting. The aim of this study was to understand factors encouraging intention to quit from the 2006 International Tobacco Control Policy (TCP) Evaluation India Pilot Study Survey. Materials and Methods: A total of 764 adult respondents from urban and rural areas of Maharashtra and Bihar were surveyed through face-to-face individual interviews, with a house-to-house approach. Dependent variable was "intention to quit tobacco." Independent variables were demographic variables, peer influence, damage perception, receiving advice to quit, and referral to cessation services by healthcare professionals and exposure to anti-tobacco messages. Logistic regression model was used with odds ratio adjusted for location, age, gender, and marital status for statistical analysis. Results: Of 493 tobacco users, 32.5% intended to quit. More numbers of users who were unaware about their friends' tobacco use intended to quit compared to those who were aware (adjusted OR = 8.06, 95% CI = 4.58-14.19). Higher numbers of users who felt tobacco has damaged their health intended to quit compared to those who did not feel that way (adjusted OR = 5.62, 95% CI = 3.53-8.96). More numbers of users exposed to anti-tobacco messages in newspapers/magazines (adjusted OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.02-3.03), restaurants (adjusted OR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.37-4.46), radio (adjusted OR=4.84, 95% CI = 3.01-7.78), cinema halls (adjusted OR = 9.22, 95% CI = 5.31-15.75), and public transportation (adjusted OR = 10.58, 95% = 5.90-18.98) intended to quit compared to unexposed users. Conclusion: Anti-tobacco messages have positive influence on user's intentions to quit.



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An assessment of the effectiveness of tobacco control measures on behavior changes related to tobacco use among adolescents and young adults in a district in Sri Lanka

WD De Silva, DN Sinha, A Kahandawaliyanag



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):438-442



Introduction: Sri Lanka became a signatory to the WHO Frame Work Convention on Tobacco Control in September 2003, and this was ratified in November 2003. With a view to reduce the use of tobacco in Sri Lanka, the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act (NATA) No. 27 of 2006 was implemented. Aim: To assess the behavior changes related to tobacco use among adolescents and young adults following exposure to tobacco control measures were implemented by NATA. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted on 42 adolescent (aged 13-19 years) and 156 young adult (aged 20-39 years) men living in Anuradhapura Divisional Secretary area in Sri Lanka. Cases (current quitters) and controls (current smokers) were compared to ascertain the outcome following the exposure to tobacco control measures. A self-administered questionnaire and focus group discussions were used to ascertain the exposure status in cases and controls. Confounding was controlled by stratification and randomization. Univariate analysis was performed by Backward Stepwise (Likelihood Ratio) method. Results: Among 198 respondents, 66 (27.3% adolescents and 72.7% young adults) were quitters, while 132 smokers (18.2% adolescents and 81.8% young adults) were current smokers. Exposure to the anti-smoking media messages revealed that TV was the strongest media that motivated smokers to quit smoking. Majority (66%) of cases and control were not exposed to tobacco promotion advertisements, while 47% of the cases and 50% of the control had never seen tobacco advertisements during community events. All cases (66) as well as 89% (118) of the control had not noticed competitions or prizes sponsored by tobacco industry during last year ( P = 0.13). Conclusion: Tobacco control measures implemented by NATA had a favorable influence on behavior change related to smoking among quitters and current smokers.



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Local responses to the Maharashtra gutka and pan masala ban: A report from Mumbai

S Nair, JJ Schensul, S Bilgi, V Kadam, S D'Mello, B Donta



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):443-447



Background: The Maharashtra government has banned the production, sale, distribution and storage of gutka, and pan masala in the Maharashtra State due to the increasing burden of cancer and reproductive health problems attributable to the use of these products. In view of this, it is important to understand the way producers', sellers' and users' are adapting to the ban. Objective: During the two months following the ban (July 19 th through Sept 30, 2012), a research team studying smokeless tobacco use and promotion in a low income community of Mumbai conducted rapid surveillance to assess the impact of the ban in the study community. Materials and Methods: Assessment involved documenting new points of sale, informal observations of tobacco use, and interviews with thirteen shop owners and eight gutka users'. Overall changes in accessibility, availability, patterns of use of tobacco products, perception of ban, social norms and surveillance activities were assessed. Results: Tobacco companies were marketing new products that resembled gutka, under similar brand logos. Surveillance, financial and social cost of selling gutka or using it in public have had an immediate effect on reducing local supply, demand and use and increasing stigma associated with its use. There was an increased recognition of ill-effects of gutka on cancer among sellers' but not overall. Conclusions : To reduce the overall consumption of tobacco in the community, it is critical to include programs that create awareness about effects of smokeless tobacco on health and sustain surveillance levels. This would maintain requirements of the ban, and sustain limits on accessibility, availability and use of these products in the community and other similar communities.



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Health consequences of smokeless tobacco use

CS Ray



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):448-448







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Tobacco control in the WHO South-East Asia Region

PK Singh



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):319-320





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Best practices in tobacco control in the South-East Asia Region

BC Zolty, PK Sinha, DN Sinha



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):321-326



The tobacco epidemic is an increasing threat to public health with the tobacco burden particularly high in WHO's South-East Asia Region (SEAR). The Region has many obstacles to tobacco control, but despite these challenges, significant progress has been made in many countries. Although much work still needs to be done, SEAR countries have nevertheless implemented strong and often innovative tobacco control measures that can be classified as "best practices," with some setting global precedents. The best practice measures implemented in SEAR include bans on gutka, reducing tobacco imagery in movies, and warning about the dangers of tobacco. In a time of scarce resources, countries in SEAR and elsewhere must ensure that the most effective and cost-efficient measures are implemented. It is hoped that countries can learn from these examples and as appropriate, adapt these measures to their own specific cultural, social and political realities.

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Involvement of health professionals in tobacco control in the South-East Asia Region

S Venkatesh, DN Sinha



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):327-335



Tobacco use is widely entrenched in the South-East Asia (SEA) Region leading to high morbidity and mortality in this region. Several studies revealed that tobacco use is widespread among youth and school children. Exposure to second-hand smoke was reported as around 50% or more in three countries - Myanmar (59.5%), Bangladesh (51.3%), and Indonesia (49.6%). Health profession students encompassing medical, dental, nursing and pharmacy disciplines, and even qualified health professionals are no exception from tobacco use. While they are regarded as role models in tobacco cessation programs, their tobacco addiction will carry a negative impact in this endeavour. A mere inquiry about the smoking status of patients and a brief advice by doctors or dentists increases quit rates and prompts those who have not thought about quitting to consider doing so. Evidence from some randomized trials suggests that advice from motivated physicians to their smoking patients could be effective in facilitating cessation of smoking. However, the low detection rate of smokers by many physicians and the small proportion of smokers who routinely receive advice from their physicians to quit have been identified as a matter of concern. This paper describes the role and issues of involvement of health professionals in tobacco control. Data from a variety of sources is used to assess the status. Although there are some differences, tobacco use is widespread among the students and health professional students. Exposure to second hand smoke is also a matter of concern. Tobacco-related problems and tobacco control cut across a vast range of health disciplines. Building alliances among the health professional associations in a vertical way will help synergize efforts, and obtain better outcomes from use of existing resources. Health professional associations in some countries in the SEA region have already taken the initiative to form coalitions at the national level to advance the tobacco control agenda. In Thailand, a Thai Health Professional Alliance against Tobacco, with 17 allies from medical, nursing, traditional medicine, and other health professional organizations, is working in a concerted manner toward promoting tobacco control. Indian Dental Association intervention is another good example.

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Banning smokeless tobacco in India: Policy analysis

M Aroral, R Madhu



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):336-341



India is the second largest producer and third largest consumer of tobacco. According to GATS India Report (2009-10), the users of only smokeless tobacco (SLT) are more than double than that of smokers. SLT use is an imminent public health problem, which is contributing to high disease burden in India. It is a "unique" tobacco product due to its availability in myriad varieties, easy access, and affordability especially for adolescents. It has been studied to be a gateway product and facilitates initiation. Currently, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have prohibited the use of tobacco and nicotine in any food products; yet, the implementation of a permanent ban on SLT across India is still pending. This paper examines how multiple legislations have failed to effectively control or regulate SLT in India and regionally; thus, there is need to strengthen SLT control efforts as "no ordinary product."

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Prevalence of smokeless tobacco use among adults in WHO South-East Asia

DN Sinha, PC Gupta, Cecily Ray, PK Singh



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):342-346



Smokeless tobacco (SLT) use is an understudied problem in South-East Asia. Information on SLT use among the adult population was collected from various available sources. SLT use prevalence varies among countries in the region. The prevalence of SLT use is known for all countries at national level in the region with the exception of Bhutan and DPR Korea. For Bhutan, data pertains to Thimphu only. There is no available data on SLT use for DPR Korea. Using all available data from Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, SLT use was found to be higher among males as compared to females; however, in Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Thailand, SLT use was higher among females as compared to males. Among males, prevalence of SLT use varied from 51.4% in Myanmar to 1.1% in Thailand. Among females, the prevalence of SLT use varied from 27.9% in Bangladesh to 1.9% in Timor-Leste. The prevalence also varies in different parts of countries. For instance, the prevalence of current use of SLT in India ranges from 48.7% in Bihar to 4.5% in Himachal Pradesh. In Thailand, prevalence of current use of tobacco use varies from 0.8% in Bangkok to over 4% in the northern (4.1%) and northeastern (4.7%) region. Among all SLT products, betel quid was the most commonly used product in most countries including Bangladesh (24.3%) and Thailand (1.8%). However, Khaini (11.6%) chewing was practiced most commonly in India. Nearly 5% of the adult population used tobacco as dentifrice in Bangladesh and India. SLT is more commonly used in rural areas and among disadvantaged groups. Questions from standard "Tobacco Questions for Surveys (TQS)" need to be integrated in routine health system surveys in respective countries to obtain standardized tobacco use data at regular intervals that will help in providing trends of SLT use in countries.

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Smokeless tobacco use in Myanmar

NN Kyaing, T Sein, AA Sein, MM Than Htike, A Tun, NN Shein



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):347-351



Smokeless tobacco (SLT) use in various forms is highly prevalent in Myanmar. The aim of this paper is to study the socio-cultural background of SLT use and products of SLT in Myanmar and the prevalence of SLT based on surveys and from other published data bases. Information was obtained from the literature review and through search on PubMed and Google. The use of SLT is deep rooted in Myanmar culture, and there is also wide-spread belief that it is not as dangerous as smoking. SLT use is growing in Myanmar. About 9.8% of the 13-15-year-old school children and 20.8% adults use SLT; it is many-fold higher among men. The use of SLT is prevalent using many different types of tobacco and forms of its use in Myanmar. The socio-cultural acceptance and the myths were compounded by the lack of specific SLT control component in the National Tobacco Control Legislation adopted needs to be addressed as a priority through intensified community awareness programs, public education programs, and advocacy campaigns. Effective enforcement of the law and amendment to include specific components of SLT in the provisions of the law is highly recommended. The prevalence of SLT is high among school children and adults (especially in men) in Myanmar. Betel quid and tobacco is a common form of SLT use. Although control of smoking and consumption of tobacco product law exists, its implementation is weak.

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Smokeless tobacco use in Nepal

DN Sinha, B Bajracharya, BB Khadka, S Rinchen, VB Bhattad, PK Singh



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):352-356



Tobacco use is widely prevalent in different forms in Nepal. These habits are deeply rooted among different age groups and gender. There is no information available on all aspects of smokeless tobacco (SLT) use and its implications in Nepal. To review the types of SLT products available in Nepal, prevalence of SLT use, correlates of SLT use, SLT-related harm, and existing gaps in information and policy implications. This review is mainly based on information from literature, and some WHO and other documents. The prevalence of smokeless tobacco use is high, particularly among males and disadvantaged groups. SLT users have multiple habits of tobacco chewing, smoking and drinking. Despite SLT products being manufactured in the unorganized sector, they are also largely imported from India. People have easy access to various SLT products. There is a general lack of information on the health hazards of SLT use to the population. This calls for research on the issue. In order to succeed in reducing SLT use in Nepal, addressing the challenges of enforcing the Tobacco Control Act through a multisectoral approach and developing capacity of sectors other than health is of vital importance.

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Smokeless tobacco use in Sri Lanka

LC Somatunga, DN Sinha, P Sumanasekera, K Galapatti, S Rinchen, A Kahandaliyanage, FR Mehta, JD Nishirani Lanka



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):357-363



To comprehensively review the issues of smokeless tobacco use in Sri Lanka . This review paper is based on a variety of sources including Medline, WHO documents, Ministry of Health and Nutrition, Colombo and from other sources. Results: The prevalence of smokeless tobacco (SLT) use in Sri Lanka has been reported high, especially among rural and disadvantaged groups. Different smokeless tobacco products were not only widely available but also very affordable. An increasing popularity of SLT use among the youth and adolescents is a cause for concern in Sri Lanka. There were evidences of diverse benign, premalignant, and malignant oral diseases due to smokeless tobacco use in the country. The level of awareness about health risks related to the consumption of smokeless tobacco products was low, particularly among the people with low socio-economic status. In Sri Lanka various forms of smokeless tobacco products, some of them imported, are used. At the national level, 15.8% used smokeless tobacco products and its use is three-fold higher among men compared to women. Betel quid is by far the traditional form in which tobacco is a general component. Other manufactured tobacco products include pan parag/pan masala, Mawa, Red tooth powder, Khaini, tobacco powder, and Zarda. Some 8.6% of the youth are current users of smokeless tobacco. There are studies demonstrating the harmful effects of smokeless tobacco use, especially on the oral mucosa, however, the level of awareness of this aspect is low. The highest mean expenditure on betel quid alone in rural areas for those earning Rs. 5,000/month was Rs. 952. The core issue is the easy availability of these products. To combat the smokeless tobacco problem, public health programs need to be intensified and targeted to vulnerable younger age groups. Another vital approach should be to levy higher taxation.

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Chemistry and toxicology of smokeless tobacco

RA Bhisey



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):364-372



In most parts of the world, tobacco is used for smoking, whereas, in India, tobacco is used for smoking as well as in diverse smokeless forms. Absorption of toxic and carcinogenic chemicals in tobacco and other ingredients added to various products are causally associated with several non-communicable diseases including cancer, especially oral cancer, which is the leading cancer among men and the third most common cancer among women in India. This article highlights the toxicity, mutagenecity and carcinogenic effects of hazardous chemicals present in smokeless tobacco products. This endeavor was based on the extensive review of literature from various sources. The SLT products have influence on cellular metabolism, ability to cause DNA damage, and cancer in experimental animals. It is, therefore, essential to consider the collective role of chemical constituents of SLT products in the causation of adverse effect on human health.

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MPOWER and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control implementation in the South-East Asia region

PK Singh



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):373-378



The 11 member states of WHO's South-East Asia Region share common factors of high prevalence of tobacco use, practice of several forms of tobacco use, increasing prevalence of tobacco use among the youth and women, link of tobacco use with poverty, and influence of tobacco advertisements in propagating the use of tobacco, especially among young girls and women. The effects of tobacco use are many-fold, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates as well as loss of gross domestic product (GDP) to respective countries. The WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia has been actively involved in curbing this menace essentially by way of assisting member states in implementing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). This paper gives an overview of these activities and discusses the opportunities and challenges in implementing the FCTC and possible practical solutions.

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Tobacco use, exposure to second-hand smoke, and cessation training among the third-year medical and dental students in selected Member States of South-East Asia region: A trend analysis on data from the Global Health Professions Student Survey, 2005-2011

DN Sinha, S Rinchen, KM Palipudi, Nang Naing Naing Shein, P de Silva, BB Khadka, M Pednekar, G Singh, S Pitayarangsarit, VB Bhattad, KA Lee, S Asma, PK Singh



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):379-386



Background: The Medical and Dental Global Health Professions Student Surveys (GHPSS) are surveys based in schools that collect self-administered data from students on the prevalence of tobacco use, exposure to second-hand smoke, and tobacco cessation training, among the third-year medical and dental students. Materials and Methods: Two rounds of medical and dental GHPSS have been conducted in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, among the third-year medical and dental students, between 2005 and 2006 and 2009 and 2011. Results: The prevalence of any tobacco use among third-year male and female medical students did not change in Bangladesh, India, and Nepal between 2005 and 2006 and 2009 and 2011; however, it reduced significantly among females in Myanmar (3.3% in 2006 to 1.8% in 2009) and in Sri Lanka (2.5% in 2006 to 0.6% in 2011). The prevalence of any tobacco use among third-year male dental students did not change in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Thailand between 2005 and 2006 and 2009 and 2011; however, in Myanmar, the prevalence increased significantly (35.6% in 2006 to 49.5% in 2009). Among the third-year female students, a significant increase in prevalence was noticed in Bangladesh (4.0% in 2005 to 22.2% in 2009) and Thailand (0.7% in 2006 to 2.1% in 2011). It remained unchanged in the other three countries. Prevalence of exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) both at home and in public places, among medical students, decreased significantly in Myanmar and Sri Lanka between 2006 and 2009 and in 2011. Among dental students, the prevalence of SHS exposure at home reduced significantly in Bangladesh, India, and Myanmar, and in public places in India. However, there was an increase of SHS exposure among dental students in Nepal, both at home and in public places, between 2005 and 2011. Medical students in Myanmar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka reported a declining trend in schools, with a smoking ban policy in place, between 2005 and 2006 and 2009 and 2011, while proportions of dental students reported that schools with a smoking ban policy have increased significantly in Bangladesh and Myanmar. Ever receiving cessation training increased significantly among medical students in Sri Lanka only, whereas, among dental students, it increased in India, Nepal, and Thailand. Conclusion: Trends of tobacco use and exposure to SHS among medical and dental students in most countries of the South-East Asia Region had changed only relatively between the two rounds of GHPSS (2005-2006 and 2009-2011). No significant improvement was observed in the trend in schools with a policy banning smoking in school buildings and clinics. Almost all countries in the SEA Region that participated in GHPSS showed no significant change in ever having received formal training on tobacco cessation among medical and dental students.

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Predictors of tobacco smoking and smokeless tobacco use among adults in Bangladesh

KM Palipudi, DN Sinha, S Choudhury, MM Zaman, S Asma, L Andes, S Dube



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):387-392



Introduction: To examine predictors of current tobacco smoking and smokeless tobacco use among the adult population in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: We used data from the 2009 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) in Bangladesh consisting of 9,629 adults aged ΃15 years. Differences in and predictors of prevalence for both smoking and smokeless tobacco use were analyzed using selected socioeconomic and demographic characteristics that included gender, age, place of residence, education, occupation, and an index of wealth. Results: The prevalence of smoking is high among males (44.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 42.5-47.0) as compared to females (1.5%, 95% CI: 1.1-2.1), whereas the prevalence of smokeless tobacco is almost similar among both males (26.4%, 95% CI: 24.2-28.6) and females (27.9%, 95% CI: 25.9-30.0). Correlates of current smoking are male gender (odds ratio [OR] = 41.46, CI = 23.8-73.4), and adults in older age (ORs range from 1.99 in 24-35 years age to 5.49 in 55-64 years age), less education (ORs range from 1.47 in less than secondary to 3.25 in no formal education), and lower socioeconomic status (ORs range from 1.56 in high wealth index to 2.48 in lowest wealth index. Predictors of smokeless tobacco use are older age (ORs range from 2.54in 24-35 years age to 12.31 in 55-64 years age), less education (ORs range from 1.44 in less than secondary to 2.70 in no formal education), and the low (OR = 1.34, CI = 1.0-1.7) or lowest (OR = 1.43, CI = 1.1-1.9) socioeconomic status. Conclusion: Implementation of tobacco control strategies needs to bring special attention on disadvantaged group and cover all types of tobacco product as outlined in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and WHO MPOWER to protect people's health and prevent premature death.

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Profile of dual tobacco users in India: An analysis from Global Adult Tobacco Survey, 2009-10

PC Gupta, CS Ray, SS Narake, KM Palipudi, DN Sinha, S Asma, G Blutcher-Nelson



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):393-400



Introduction: Individuals who use both smoked and smokeless tobacco products (dual tobacco users) form a special group about which little is known. This group is especially relevant to India, where smokeless tobacco use is very common. The aim of this study was to characterise the profile of dual users, study their pattern of initiation to the second product, their attitudes toward quittingas well as their cessation profile. Methods and Materials: The GATS dataset for India was analyzed using SPSS; . Results: In India, dual tobacco users (42.3 million; 5.3% of all adults; 15.4% of all tobacco users) have a profile similar to that of smokers. Some 52.6% of dual users started both practices within 2 years. The most prevalent product combination was bidi-khaini (1.79%) followed by bidi-gutka (1.50%), cigarette-khaini (1.28%), and cigarette-gutka (1.22%). Among daily users, the correlation between the daily frequencies of the use of each product was very high for most product combinations. While 36.7% of dual users were interested in quitting, only 5.0% of dual users could do so. The prevalence of ex-dual users was 0.4%. Conclusion: Dual users constitute a large, high-risk group that requires special attention.

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Social disparities in tobacco use in India: The roles of occupation, education and gender

B Prabhakar, SS Narake, MS Pednekar



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):401-409



Background: Identifying social disparities in patterns of tobacco use with regard to education, occupation, and gender characteristics can provide valuable insights into the tobacco use patterns of the population. Aim: We assessed social disparities in tobacco use, smoking, and smokeless tobacco use by examining occupation-, education-, and gender-specific patterns. Setting: About 69,030 Indian residents ΃15 years in 29 States and 2 Union Territories (UT). Design: Three-stage sampling in urban areas and two-stage sampling in rural areas for selection of households. Materials and Methods: Data has been derived from GATS 2009-2010, wherein the sample was collected through household interviews. Statistical Analysis: Percentages, proportions, adjusted odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported. Results: As a person entered adulthood, the prevalence of ever tobacco use increased by 51.5% among men and 28.8% among women. Prevalence was 2.5 times higher in men (mainly smoking) as compared to women (predominantly smokeless form). ORs for tobacco use were higher among illiterate respondents as compared to the college educated (male OR = 4.23, female OR = 8.15). Unemployed, able to work (male OR = 1.50, female OR = 1.23) showed highest risk, while students (male OR = 0.35, female OR = 0.52) showed the least. The combined effect of occupation and education showed synergistic interaction among females and antagonistic interaction among males. Conclusion: The study clearly underscores the individual and joint effects of education and occupation on tobacco use besides discussing variations based on gender. This can have far-reaching policy implications in addressing disparities in tobacco use.

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Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke among adults in Myanmar

AA Sein, MM Than Htike, DN Sinha, NN Kyaing



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):410-418



Background: Second-hand smoke (SHS) is a threat to people's health particularly in South-East Region including Myanmar. Aim: To describe the exposure to SHS among the adult population of Myanmar. Materials and Methods: The analysis was done based on the data relating to SHS exposure from 2009 Noncommunicable Risk Factor Survey conducted in Myanmar. A total of 7,429 respondents aged 15-64 from a nationally representative household-based cross-sectional multi-stage probability sample were used. Gender-specific estimates of the proportion of adults exposed to SHS were examined across various socio-demographic characteristics. Results: The exposure to SHS was 55.6% (52% among males and 57.8% among females) at home, 63.6% (71.9% among males and 54.7% among females) in indoor places and 23.3% (38.8% among males and 13.6% among females) in public places. SHS exposure at home was more common among females. However, males were more likely to be exposed at work and public places than females. SHS exposure at home and public places decreased with age in both sexes. In these settings, SHS exposure was related to education, residence, employment status, marital status, and income level. At workplaces, it was mainly related to educational attainment and occupational status. Conclusion: Exposure was significantly high in settings having partial ban as compared with settings having a complete ban. The solution is simple and straightforward, smoke-free environments. The findings emphasize the need for continuing efforts to decrease the exposure and to increase the knowledge of its harmful effects.

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Determinants of exposure to second-hand smoke at home and outside the home among students aged 11-17 years: Results from the Mumbai Student Tobacco Survey 2010

LJ Raute, MS Pednekar, R Mistry, PC Gupta, SA Pimple, SS Shastri



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):419-424



Background: While no level of exposure to Second-hand smoke (SHS) is free of risk, 37% of students from South-East Asia region were exposed to SHS. Aims: To estimate the prevalence of exposure to SHS and identify predictors of exposure to SHS at home and outside the home among 1,511 school students aged 11-17 years. Setting: The City of Mumbai. Study Design: This study used a two-stage cluster sampling design. Materials and Methods: Mumbai Student Tobacco Survey (MSTS) was a cross-sectional study, using anonymous self-administered structured questionnaire among students. The probability of schools being selected was proportional to the enrolment into grades 8 to 10. The study aimed to sample around 60 students from selected classes in each chosen school. Statistical Analysis: Proportions, 95% confidence interval and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were used. Results: About 79.9% students were aware about the current smoking ban at public places and 88.1% were knowledgeable about the deleterious influence of SHS on them. Overall, 16.5% of students were exposed to SHS at home, and 39.9% outside of the home. Students from families where at least one parent used tobacco were at the greatest risk of SHS exposure at home in addition to outside the home exposure. Those students who were not aware about the smoking ban in public places were at a significantly higher risk of SHS exposure outside the home. Conclusion: Self-reported tobacco use status, age, parents' tobacco use, close friends' smoking, and the route they take to school were significant determinants of exposure to SHS at home and outside the home.

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Tobacco use and cessation counseling in India-data from the Global Health Professions Students Survey, 2005-09

NS Surani, MS Pednekar, DN Sinha, G Singh, CW Warren, S Asma, PC Gupta, PK Singh



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):425-430



Context: Tobacco use by health professionals reflects the failure of healthcare systems in protecting not only beneficiaries of the system but also those involved in health care delivery. Aim: The aim of this study was to report findings from the Global Health Professions Students Survey (GHPSS) conducted in medical, dental, nursing and pharmacy schools in India. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Indian dental and medical schools (in 2009), nursing (in 2007), and pharmacy (in 2008) schools. Materials and Methods: Anonymous, self-administered GHPSS questionnaire covering demographics, tobacco use prevalence, secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure, desire to quit smoking and training received to provide cessation counseling to patients was used. Statistical Analysis: Proportions and prevalence were computed using SUDAAN and SPSS 15.0. Results: Current cigarette smoking and other tobacco use ranged from 3.4-13.4% and 4.5-11.6% respectively, in the four health professional schools, with the highest numbers for medical schools and males. Enforcement of smoking ban in medical schools was low (53%) compared to nursing (86.4%), pharmacy (85.5%), and dental (90.8%) schools. Ninety percent students thought health professionals have a role in giving smoking cessation advice to their patients. Three out of five current smokers wanted to quit. However, one out of two reported receiving help/advice to quit. Although all expressed the need, 29.1-54.8% students received cessation training in their schools. Conclusion: Tobacco control policy, cessation training and initiatives to help students quit smoking should be undertaken.

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Intention to quit among Indian tobacco users: Findings from International Tobacco Control Policy evaluation India pilot survey

NS Surani, PC Gupta, TG Fong, MS Pednekar, AC Quak, M Bansal-Travers



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):431-437



Introduction: Tobacco users face barriers not just in quitting, but also in thinking about quitting. The aim of this study was to understand factors encouraging intention to quit from the 2006 International Tobacco Control Policy (TCP) Evaluation India Pilot Study Survey. Materials and Methods: A total of 764 adult respondents from urban and rural areas of Maharashtra and Bihar were surveyed through face-to-face individual interviews, with a house-to-house approach. Dependent variable was "intention to quit tobacco." Independent variables were demographic variables, peer influence, damage perception, receiving advice to quit, and referral to cessation services by healthcare professionals and exposure to anti-tobacco messages. Logistic regression model was used with odds ratio adjusted for location, age, gender, and marital status for statistical analysis. Results: Of 493 tobacco users, 32.5% intended to quit. More numbers of users who were unaware about their friends' tobacco use intended to quit compared to those who were aware (adjusted OR = 8.06, 95% CI = 4.58-14.19). Higher numbers of users who felt tobacco has damaged their health intended to quit compared to those who did not feel that way (adjusted OR = 5.62, 95% CI = 3.53-8.96). More numbers of users exposed to anti-tobacco messages in newspapers/magazines (adjusted OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.02-3.03), restaurants (adjusted OR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.37-4.46), radio (adjusted OR=4.84, 95% CI = 3.01-7.78), cinema halls (adjusted OR = 9.22, 95% CI = 5.31-15.75), and public transportation (adjusted OR = 10.58, 95% = 5.90-18.98) intended to quit compared to unexposed users. Conclusion: Anti-tobacco messages have positive influence on user's intentions to quit.

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An assessment of the effectiveness of tobacco control measures on behavior changes related to tobacco use among adolescents and young adults in a district in Sri Lanka

WD De Silva, DN Sinha, A Kahandawaliyanag



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):438-442



Introduction: Sri Lanka became a signatory to the WHO Frame Work Convention on Tobacco Control in September 2003, and this was ratified in November 2003. With a view to reduce the use of tobacco in Sri Lanka, the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act (NATA) No. 27 of 2006 was implemented. Aim: To assess the behavior changes related to tobacco use among adolescents and young adults following exposure to tobacco control measures were implemented by NATA. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted on 42 adolescent (aged 13-19 years) and 156 young adult (aged 20-39 years) men living in Anuradhapura Divisional Secretary area in Sri Lanka. Cases (current quitters) and controls (current smokers) were compared to ascertain the outcome following the exposure to tobacco control measures. A self-administered questionnaire and focus group discussions were used to ascertain the exposure status in cases and controls. Confounding was controlled by stratification and randomization. Univariate analysis was performed by Backward Stepwise (Likelihood Ratio) method. Results: Among 198 respondents, 66 (27.3% adolescents and 72.7% young adults) were quitters, while 132 smokers (18.2% adolescents and 81.8% young adults) were current smokers. Exposure to the anti-smoking media messages revealed that TV was the strongest media that motivated smokers to quit smoking. Majority (66%) of cases and control were not exposed to tobacco promotion advertisements, while 47% of the cases and 50% of the control had never seen tobacco advertisements during community events. All cases (66) as well as 89% (118) of the control had not noticed competitions or prizes sponsored by tobacco industry during last year ( P = 0.13). Conclusion: Tobacco control measures implemented by NATA had a favorable influence on behavior change related to smoking among quitters and current smokers.

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Local responses to the Maharashtra gutka and pan masala ban: A report from Mumbai

S Nair, JJ Schensul, S Bilgi, V Kadam, S D'Mello, B Donta



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):443-447



Background: The Maharashtra government has banned the production, sale, distribution and storage of gutka, and pan masala in the Maharashtra State due to the increasing burden of cancer and reproductive health problems attributable to the use of these products. In view of this, it is important to understand the way producers', sellers' and users' are adapting to the ban. Objective: During the two months following the ban (July 19 th through Sept 30, 2012), a research team studying smokeless tobacco use and promotion in a low income community of Mumbai conducted rapid surveillance to assess the impact of the ban in the study community. Materials and Methods: Assessment involved documenting new points of sale, informal observations of tobacco use, and interviews with thirteen shop owners and eight gutka users'. Overall changes in accessibility, availability, patterns of use of tobacco products, perception of ban, social norms and surveillance activities were assessed. Results: Tobacco companies were marketing new products that resembled gutka, under similar brand logos. Surveillance, financial and social cost of selling gutka or using it in public have had an immediate effect on reducing local supply, demand and use and increasing stigma associated with its use. There was an increased recognition of ill-effects of gutka on cancer among sellers' but not overall. Conclusions : To reduce the overall consumption of tobacco in the community, it is critical to include programs that create awareness about effects of smokeless tobacco on health and sustain surveillance levels. This would maintain requirements of the ban, and sustain limits on accessibility, availability and use of these products in the community and other similar communities.

via Indian Jounal of Cancer

Health consequences of smokeless tobacco use

CS Ray



Indian Journal of Cancer 2012 49(4):448-448





via Indian Jounal of Cancer

Invasive lobular carcinoma arising in accessory breast tissue

Background: Lobular carcinoma in accessory breast tissue is a rare occurrence. We present such a case in a 61-year-old woman.Case presentationA skin nodule in the axillary skin on excision biopsy revealed invasive lobular carcinoma. Conclusions: Carcinoma in accessory breast tissue is uncommon especially invasive lobular type. A high index of suspicion may avoid late diagnosis.

via World Journal of Surgical Oncology

Percutaneous vertebroplasty combined with interstitial implantation of 125I seeds in banna mini-pigs

Background: Although brachytherapy is one of the most effective ways to treat metastatic spinal tumor with little damage to surrounding healthy tissue, it may cause radiation myelopathy if an overdose occurs. Establishing a valuable animal model can help to find a method to overcome its complications. In the current study, we set up a banna mini-pig model to mimic percutaneous vertebroplasty with 125I seed implantation. Methods: Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) combined with interstitial implantation of 125I seeds, 125I seeds were transplanted into the vertebral body at the T13 level of the spine in banna mini-pigs. After raising them for up to eight months, the spinal cord and vertebral body were collected for pathological analysis. Results: A potential animal model had been successfully established, no case of radiation myelopathy was found in any of the treated banna pigs, and no significant cellular impairment was noted by pathological analysis. Conclusions: It proves that PVP with 125I brachytherapy is an effective method to treat metastasis spinal tumor, and that the banna mini-pig can be a suitable model to investigate the mechanism of brachytherapy complications.

via World Journal of Surgical Oncology

Targeting mitochondrial reactive oxygen species as novel therapy for inflammatory diseases and cancers

There are multiple sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cell. As a major site of ROS production, mitochondria have drawn considerable interest because it was recently discovered that mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) directly stimulate the production of proinflammatory cytokines and pathological conditions as diverse as malignancies, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular diseases all share common phenotype of increased mtROS production above basal levels. Several excellent reviews on this topic have been published, but ever-changing new discoveries mandated a more up-to-date and comprehensive review on this topic. Therefore, we update recent understanding of how mitochondria generate and regulate the production of mtROS and the function of mtROS both in physiological and pathological conditions. In addition, we describe newly developed methods to probe or scavenge mtROS and compare these methods in detail. Thorough understanding of this topic and the application of mtROS-targeting drugs in the research is significant towards development of better therapies to combat inflammatory diseases and inflammatory malignancies.

via Journal of Hematology & Oncology

Kaposi’s sarcoma risk factors revealed

Scientists have uncovered an intriguing relationship between the risk for Kaposi’s sarcoma, smoking, and the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy.

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Pyomyositis associated with chemotherapy for endometrial cancer: a case report

Pyomyositis is a rare complication of chemotherapy for non-hematological malignancies. A 58-year old woman with endometrial carcinoma, in whom pyomyositis developed during adjuvant chemotherapy, was presented in this report. After initiating empiric antibiotic therapy for febrile neutrocytopenia, screening CT showed multiple abscesses in the lower limbs. Operative drainage of the abscess was effective.

via World Journal of Surgical Oncology

A gasless laparoscopic technique of wide excision for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor versus open method

Background: Traditional open surgery for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) requires a long incision. Moreover, the gas-filling laparoscopic technique used in GIST surgery still has its limitations. Therefore, we developed a gasless laparoscopic (GL) surgery for GIST and compared it with traditional open surgery. Methods: Between October 2007 and September 2009, 62 GIST patients in the National Taiwan University Hospital received wide excisions. Of these 62 patients, 30 underwent the new procedure (GL group) and 32 had open surgery (OS group). Preoperative and postoperative clinicopathologic characteristics were compared between the groups. Results: There were no significant differences in preoperative characteristics or blood loss. However, the days to first flatus, postoperative hospital stay, wound length, white blood cell count at postoperative day one, and peak daily body temperature were all significantly improved in the GL group. Usage of postoperative analgesia on postoperative days one to five was also significantly lower in the GL group. Conclusions: Wide-excision laparoscopy for gastric GIST can be performed more safely, more effectively, and with faster postoperative recovery using the gasless technique as compared with the open method. We, therefore, recommend this new surgical technique, which hybridizes the advantages of both the traditional open method and pure laparoscopic surgery.

via World Journal of Surgical Oncology

Case report: breast cancer associated with contralateral tuberculosis of axillary lymph nodes

Background: Breast cancer coexisting with tuberculous axillary lymph nodes is rare.Case Report: We report a 69 years old Yemeni patient with a left breast invasive ductal carcinoma associated with contralateral tuberculous axillary lymph nodes containing microcalcifications mimicking malignancy. The patient had to be investigated for the possibility of bilateral breast cancer since she had no history of previous exposure to tuberculosis. Conclusion: Tuberculosis involving lymph nodes can create a diagnostic dilemma in the presence of a malignant process. The presence of calcifications in lymph nodes should raise the possibility of tuberculosis even in the absence of contact history with tuberculosis.

via World Journal of Surgical Oncology

Kaposi’s sarcoma risk factors revealed

Scientists have uncovered an intriguing relationship between the risk for Kaposi’s sarcoma, smoking, and the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy.

via Med Wire News

EGCG induces human mesothelioma cell death by inducing reactive oxygen species and autophagy

Malignant mesothelioma is an asbestos-related fatal disease with no effective cure. We studied whether a green tea polyphenol, epigallocathechin-3-gallate (EGCG), could induce cell death in five human mesothelioma cell lines. We found that EGCG induced apoptosis in all five mesothelioma cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. We further clarified the cell killing mechanism. EGCG induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), and impaired the mitochondrial membrane potential. As treatment with ROS scavengers, catalase and tempol, significantly inhibited the EGCG-induced apoptosis, ROS is considered to be responsible for the EGCG-induced apoptosis. Further, we found that EGCG induced autophagy, and that when autophagy was suppressed by chloroquine, the EGCG-induced cell death was enhanced. Taken together, these results suggest that EGCG has a great potential for the treatment of mesothelioma by inducing apoptosis and autophagy.

via Cancer Cell International

Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy (VEIL) -a prospective critical perioperative assessment of feasibility and morbidity with points of technique in penile carcinoma

Background: Inguinal lymph node involvement is an important prognostic factor in penile cancer. Inguinal lymph node dissection allows staging and treatment of inguinal nodal disease. However, it causes morbidity and is associated with complications, such as lymphocele, skin loss and infection. Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy (VEIL) is an endoscopic procedure, and it seems to be a new and attractive approach duplicating the standard open procedure with less morbidity. We present here a critical perioperative assessment with points of technique. Methods: Ten patients with moderate to high grade penile carcinoma penis with clinically negative inguinal lymph nodes were subjected to elective VEIL. VEIL was done in standard surgical steps. Perioperative parameters were assessed that is - were duration of the surgery, lymph-related complications, time until drain removal, lymph node yield, surgical emphysema and histopathological positivity of lymph nodes. Results: Operative time for VEIL was 120 to180 minutes. Lymph node yield was 7 to 12 lymph nodes. No skin related complications were seen with VEIL. Lymph related complications, tha is, lymphocele, were seen in only two patients. The suction drain was removed after four to eight days (mean 5.1). Overall morbidity was 20% with VEIL. Conclusion: In our early experience, VEIL was a safe and feasible technique in patients with penile carcinoma with non palpable inguinal lymph nodes in our early experience. It allows the removal of inguinal lymph nodes within the same limits as in conventional surgical dissection and potentially reduces surgical morbidity.

via World Journal of Surgical Oncology

Restoration of klotho gene expression induces apoptosis and autophagy in gastric cancer cells: Tumor suppressive role of klotho in gastric cancer

Background: The loss of tumor suppressor gene expression is involved in the carcinogenesis of gastric cancer (GC). Klotho is a recently identified tumor suppressor gene that epigenetically inactivated in gastric cancer. However, the signaling pathways involved in the suppressive role of klotho have rarely been reported in gastric cancer. In this study, we investigated the involvement of klotho in gastric cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy as well as the associated signaling. Methods: Methylation of klotho gene promoter in GC-7901, MNK-45 and AGS gastric cancer cells as well as GES-1 normal gastric epithelial cells was detected by bisulfate-based PCR. Restoration of klotho gene expression was established by applying a demethylating agent and delivering aklotho gene expression vector into GC-7901 cells. Cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay. Cell apoptosis and cycling were analyzed by flow cytometry. Autophagy was measured by detecting LC3-I and LC3-II expression. Protein levels and phosphorylation were measured by Western blot assay. Results: Methylation of klotho gene promoter and expression of the klotho gene were detected in GC cells. Restoration of klotho gene expression significantly inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell apoptosis, and increased LC3-I/LC3-II expression in GC cells. Restoration of klotho gene expression downregulated the phosphorylation levels of IGF-1 receptor, IRS-1, PI3K, Akt, and mTOR proteins. Both apoptosis and autophagy inhibitors blocked klotho-induced apoptosis and autophagy. Conclusion: Klotho is a tumor suppressor in gastric cancer, which regulates IGF-1R phosphorylation and the subsequent activation of IRS-1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling, tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy.

via Cancer Cell International

Lateral supraorbital approach applied to sellar tumors in 23 consecutive patients: the Suzhou experience from China

Background: Pituitary adenoma, craniopharyngioma and meningioma are common sellar lesions, accounting for more than 90% of sellar tumors. The aim of this study is to assess the reliability and safety of the lateral supraorbital (LSO) approach to remove sellar tumors. Methods: Between June 2011 and December 2011, 23 patients with neoplastic lesions underwent surgery by the corresponding author (ZW) via the LSO approach. The clinical presentations, neuroradiological findings, microsurgical techniques, and outcome at discharge of these patients were analyzed. In addition, the clinical series in the available literature written in English were also extensively reviewed. Eleven (48%) patients were treated for pituitary adenoma; six (26%) patients for tuberculum sellae meningioma; and six (26%) patients for craniopharyngioma. Results: Seemingly complete tumor removal was achieved in 21 patients (91%); surgical mortality was one patient (4.3%). Postoperatively, no patient had developed cerebrospinal fluid leakage or new visual deficits. One (4%) patient had intracranial infection, and one (4%) had a postoperative hematoma. The median Karnofsky score at discharge was 87.4 (range, 0 to 100). The Glasgow outcome scale at discharge was 4.6 (range, 1 to 5). Of all, 21 (91.3%) patients achieved favorable outcomes. Conclusion: Sellar tumors can be removed via the LSO approach with relatively low morbidity and mortality. Surgical results with this fast and simple approach are similar to those obtained with more extensive, complex, and time-consuming approaches.

via World Journal of Surgical Oncology

Correction: MiRNA-26b inhibits proliferation by targeting PTGS2 in breast cancer

After publication of this article [1] , the authors noted an error in Figure 1. The labelling of normal tissues and cancer tissues was inverted. Please see figure 1 for the corrected version. The authors apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.

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The effect of alkaline phosphatase and intrahepatic metastases in large hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: Hepatectomy is the standard treatment for HCC. However, large HCC poses a difficult challenge because of the technical complexity of surgical resection and the fear of postoperative hepatic decompensation. We analyzed the outcome and prognostic factors in patients with large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC >=10 cm) after surgery. Methods: We retrospectively investigated the medical records of 91 patients who had undergone hepatectomy between January 2006 and June 2010. A survival analysis was performed utilizing the Kaplan-Meier method and prognostic factors were evaluated using Cox regression analysis. Results: Of the 91 patients evaluated, most tumors were associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV). The median tumor size was 12.3 cm (range, 10 to 21 cm), with microvascular invasion present in most patients. The postoperative mortality rate was 2.2%. The median disease-free survival and overall survival were six months and 41 months. The one-year, two-year, and three-year disease-free survival rates were 33.5%, 29.3%, and 18.8%, respectively. The one-year, two-year, and three-year overall survival rates were 73.9%, 63.7%, and 54.8%, respectively. Of the 89 surviving patients, 69 patients (77.5%) developed HCC recurrence during the mean follow-up period of 23.4 +/- 15.9 months. On multivariate analysis, the statistically significant factors that predicted HCC recurrence were ALP >= 80 IU/mL (P = 0.009) and intrahepatic metastases (P = 0.013). Conclusions: Our study suggests that preoperative ALP levels (>= 80 IU/L) and intrahepatic metastases could be utilized to monitor and predict recurrence in HCC patients.

via World Journal of Surgical Oncology

Growth in opioid use prompts safety concerns

Prescriptions for opioid drugs have increased significantly in Germany over the past decade, a survey of insurance data has found.

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‘Liver first’ approach first choice for metastatic rectal cancer

Using the “liver first” approach to treat locally advanced rectal cancer and synchronous liver metastases allows nearly three-quarters of patients to receive optimal neoadjuvant therapy and resection for both their primary tumor and metastases, researchers report.

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Predictive value of prostate cancer gene 3 validated

Researchers have confirmed that the prostate cancer gene 3 is a valid predictor for current cancer and future biopsy outcomes.

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World Journal of Surgical Oncology reviewer acknowledgement 2012

Contributing reviewersThe editor of World Journal of Surgical Oncology would like to thank all our reviewers who have contributed to the journal in Volume 10 (2012).

via World Journal of Surgical Oncology

Gene mutation findings classify renal cell carcinoma

Researchers have identified mutation-defined subtypes of clear cell renal cell carcinoma that have distinct clinical outcomes.

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Possible alternative to biopsy discovered for renal cancer diagnosis

Combining positron emission tomography scanning with iodine-124 (124I)–girentuximab may offer an effective noninvasive method of diagnosing clear cell renal cell carcinoma in patients who present with a renal mass, US study results suggest.

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