Tertiary Care Cancer Institute Research Articles

Incidence of acute kidney injury and its associated risk factors in patients undergoing elective oesophagectomy surgeries at a tertiary care cancer institute - A pilot prospective observational study.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant postoperative complication. Multiple perioperative factors are implicated in the causation of AKI in the postoperative period in patients with oesophageal cancer. The study aimed to find out the incidence, causes and effects of AKI following oesophagectomy surgery. A prospective observational study was conducted in consecutive adult patients undergoing elective oesophagectomy at a tertiary cancer care hospital. Patients with preoperative chronic renal insufficiency (serum creatinine >1.5 mg/dl), AKI in the past and a history of renal replacement therapy were excluded. Serum creatinine values were measured on postoperative days 1, 3, 5, the day of discharge or day 15 and on the day of first follow-up or day 28, following oesophagectomy surgery. The incidence of AKI was measured using the 'Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome' (KDIGO) criteria. The incidence of AKI was 14.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 9.9%, 20.7%] (i.e., 27/183) in patients who underwent elective oesophagectomy. AKI was associated with prolonged hospital stay [median- 13 days (interquartile range {IQR} 11-21.5) versus 9 days (IQR 8-12), P < 0.001] and increased in-hospital mortality (14.8% versus 1.3%, P 0.004, odds ratio = 13.2, 95% CI 2.3, 77.3). After multivariate analysis, age, anastomotic leak and use of vasopressors in the postoperative period were independent predictors of AKI. The incidence of AKI was 14.7% after elective oesophagectomy. AKI was associated with prolonged hospital stay and in-hospital mortality. Higher age, anastomotic leak and use of vasopressors in the postoperative period were independent predictors of AKI.

Significance of CMV reactivation in non-allogeneic stem cell transplant patients with cancers: experience of single tertiary care cancer institute.

CMV reactivation is rare in hematological as well as solid organ malignancies in non-allogeneic stem cell transplant settings. An increasing number of patients undergoing active treatment or follow-up and diagnosed with CMV reactivation in recent years prompted us to investigate the risk factors and outcomes of CMV reactivation or disease. This was a hospital-based retrospective study that included 174 cancer patients suspected of CMV reactivation. Among them, forty-one tested positive for CMV viremia. The risk factors for CMV reactivation included the use of steroids in 78% of patients, active cancer in 43.9%, use of a monoclonal antibodyrituximabin 31.7%,a history of radiation in 26.8%, and autologous stem cell transplant in 12% of patients. The median age was 36 years, and the most common clinical feature was fever (58.5%; n = 24), followed by GI symptoms (12.1%; n = 5), respiratory symptoms (14.6%; n = 6), cytopenia (7.3%; n = 3), and visual/neurological symptoms (4.8%; n = 2). The mean CMV viral load was 37,332 copies/ml (range: 75.00-633,000.00 copies/ml). Nineteen patients received CMV treatment with an average treatment duration of 81.5 days. The median overall survival was 2 months, with 12.0% of patients alive at 5 years. CMV reactivation is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We recommend vigilant monitoring of CMV-related symptoms, with a low threshold for testing and treatment, for patients with multiple risk factors for CMV reactivation.

Survival and Recurrence Patterns in Patients With Stomach Adenocarcinoma Receiving Chemotherapy or Chemoradiotherapy After D2 Gastrectomy in a Tertiary Care Cancer Institute: A Retrospective Real-World Evidence Cohort Study

Clinical trials comparing the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) and chemo radiation therapy (CTRT) for stomach adenocarcinoma have reported equivocal results. Hence, the current retrospective cohort study assessed the long-term survival and recurrence outcomes of these therapies, to generate evidence in a real-world scenario. Pathologically confirmed patients with stomach adenocarcinoma aged ≥18 years who underwent gastrectomy and D2 lymph nodal dissection at a tertiary cancer hospital from January 2010 to October 2017 were enrolled. Hospital-based follow-up was performed until December 2021. Data were gathered from electronic medical records, supplemented by telephonic interviews for patients who could not come for physical follow-up. CT-alone and CTRT cohorts were compared in terms of survival and recurrence outcomes. The analysis included 158 patients (mean age, 56.42 years; 63.9% male; CT-alone cohort, 69; CTRT cohort, 89). Patients in the CTRT cohort had significantly worse tumor characteristics at baseline (29.2% had the diffuse type of tumor, 94.4% had stage II or III, 68.5% had lympho-vascular space invasion, and 85.4% had lymph node involvement). Recurrence was observed in 13 (19.7%) of the 76 followed-up patients. Although locoregional recurrence was higher in the CT-alone cohort (7 vs 2), distant metastasis was higher in the CTRT cohort (3 vs 1). The overall 5-year survival was 67.0% (SE, 5.0%) and 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 75.0% (SE, 5.0%). On multivariate Cox regression, no variable was significantly associated with the overall survival, whereas age, positive lymph nodes without extracapsular extension, and lymph node-negative were significantly associated with RFS. The CTRT cohort had significantly (84.0%) higher RFS (hazard ratio, 0.161; 95% CI, 0.056-0.464; P < .001). Patients who received adjuvant CTRT after D2 dissection showed similar overall survival but significantly higher RFS than the CT-alone cohort, despite having worse baseline tumor characteristics.

BPI23-011: Real-World Study of First-Line Treatment Patterns in HR+/HER2– Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) at a Tertiary Care Cancer Institute

"BPI23-011: Real-World Study of First-Line Treatment Patterns in HR+/HER2– Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) at a Tertiary Care Cancer Institute" published on 31 Mar 2023 by National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

A Prospective Study Comparing the Role of 18 FDG PET-CT with Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography and Tc99m Bone Scan for Staging Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) patients require an accurate staging of the disease to rule out distant metastases. Various imaging investigations are used to stage LABC patients. The present study is a prospective comparison of conventional imaging (CI) with fusion positron-emission tomography and computed tomography (PET-CT) scans in the staging of LABC patients. Seventy-three consecutive LABC patients presenting to the breast cancer clinic of the tertiary care cancer institute were included in the study. All patients underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography, Tv99m bone scintigraphy, and fusion PET-CT. Histology of the metastatic site was confirmed wherever possible. The disparity between the two imaging findings was compared. Doubtful lesions were observed clinically for at least 2 years to confirm their nature. PET-CT detected a higher number of lymph nodes in the axilla, internal mammary, and supraclavicular region as compared to CI. PET-CT upstaged 36.98% and downstaged 5.4% of the patients respectively leading to a change in the management in 30.13% of the patients. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of CI and PET-CT were 71.87%, 87.80%, 82.14%, and 80%, and 90.90%, 90%, 88.23%, and 92.30% respectively. PET-CT was more accurate in staging the LABC patients as compared to CI. PET-CT is more accurate then contrast-enhanced CT and bone scintigraphy for staging locally advanced breast carcinoma patients. It can replace multiple organ-directed imaging in staging breast cancer. It can provide accurate staging of the disease so that patients can be prognosticated and can be directed to the most appropriate treatment plans.

Mantle Cell Lymphoma: An Immunomorphologic Study with SOX11 from a Tertiary Care Cancer Centre in Southern India

Introduction: Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) is a relatively rare Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) of mature B cells forming 5-7% of NHL. SOX11 has emerged as a useful antibody in the diagnosis of MCL with prognostic significance. Aim: To evaluate the immunomorphologic features and significance of SOX11 expression in MCL at a tertiary care cancer institute. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive study which was conducted at a tertiary care cancer centre in Southern India over a period of five years from January 2013 to December 2017. Seventy six cases of newly diagnosed MCL with paraffin blocks were included in the study. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) with a panel of antibodies including SOX11 was carried out on Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) sections. Morphologic, immunologic findings were analysed and correlated with clinical data and survival, using Chi-square and Independent sample t-test to compare data and Kaplan-Meir method with Log Rank test for survival analysis. Results: Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) formed in 5.8% of NHL with a striking male predominance (M:F ratio, 4.4:1), with mean age of 58 years at presentation and females at a younger age. Nearly 80% of patients presented at an advanced stage. Cervical lymphadenopathy was the most common presenting feature, followed by involvement of the gastrointestinal tract. There were 59 cases of classic and 17 cases of blastoid and pleomorphic MCL, with diffuse pattern being the most common in 36 (47.4%) cases. In the present study, 64 (92.8%) cases expressed SOX11 and showed heterogeneous staining with high expression in 34 (53.1%) cases and low expression in 30 (46.9%) cases. Ki-67 proliferation of more than 30% was seen in 52 (68.4%) cases and 30% or less in 24 (31.6%) cases. None of these findings had statistically significant correlation with survival, though high Ki-67, high MCL International Prognostic Index (MIPI) and blastoid/pleomorphic cases had relatively worse Overall Survival (OS). Conclusion: MCL is a disease of the elderly and in the present study it affected females at a slightly younger age as compared to males. SOX11 expression was heterogeneous in neoplastic cells and was complementary to cyclin D1 for diagnosis of MCL however, the staining intensity had no effect on survival.

Carboplatin in combination with 3-weekly paclitaxel as first-line therapy in patients with recurrent/metastatic head-and-neck cancers: A regional cancer center experience

Background: Head-and-neck cancers (HNCs) collectively are the sixth most common malignancy diagnosed worldwide and treatment in recurrent/metastatic setting is challenging. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of carboplatin and paclitaxel as first-line treatment in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic (R/M HNCs). Materials and Methods: A total of 182 patients with recurrent and/or metastatic HNC who received carboplatin and paclitaxel combination 3 weekly as first-line therapy at medical oncology department of our tertiary care cancer institute in Bangalore between January 2018 and January 2020 were reviewed. The patients who progressed during chemotherapy were receiving oral metronomic chemotherapy or best supportive chemotherapy. The patients were followed up every 2 monthly. Results: At the completion of treatment, the overall response rate was 15.4%. The median progression-free survival was 4.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.9–5.6), and the median overall survival was 8.2 months (95% CI: 6.8–9.7). The main toxicities in the present study were Grade 3–4 hematologic 19.8%, mucositis 1.6%, and diarrhea 2.7%, and the rate of febrile neutropenia was 6.6%. None of the patients died of treatment-related toxicity. Conclusion: The combination of carboplatin with 3-weekly paclitaxel is effective in R/M HNC patients.

An epidemiological study of paediatric central nervous system &amp;#40;CNS&amp;#41; tumours in Gujarat cancer research institute, Ahmedabad

An epidemiological study of paediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumours in Gujarat cancer research institute, Ahmedabad - IJPO- Print ISSN No: - 2394-6784 Online ISSN No:- 2394-6792 Article DOI No:- 10.18231/j.ijpo.2019.123, Indian Journal of Pathology and Oncology-Indian J Pathol Oncol

Is High Altitude an Emergent Occupational Hazard for Primary Malignant Brain Tumors in Young Adults? A Hypothesis

Abstract Introduction: Brain cancer accounts for approximately 1.4% of all cancers and 2.3% of all cancer-related deaths. Although relatively rare, the associated morbidity and mortality affecting young- and middle-aged individuals has a major bearing on the death-adjusted life years compared to other malignancies. Over the years, we have observed an increase in the incidence of primary malignant brain tumors (PMBTs) in young adults. This observational analysis is to study the prevalence and pattern of brain tumors in young population and find out any occupational correlation. Materials and Methods: The data were obtained from our tertiary care cancer institute's malignant diseases treatment center registry from January 2008 to January 2018. A total of 416 cases of PMBT were included in this study. Results: Our analysis suggested an overall male predominance with most PMBTs occurring at ages of 20–49 years. The glial tumors constituted 94.3% while other histology identified were gliosarcoma (1) gliomatosis cerebri (1), hemangiopericytoma (3), and pineal tumors (3). In our institute, PMBT constituted 1% of all cancers while 2/416 patients had secondary glioblastoma multiforme with 40% showing positivity for O-6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase promoter methylation. Conclusions: Most patients belonged to a very young age group without any significant family history. A probable hypothesis could be excessive cosmic radiation exposure to persons staying at high altitude areas due to occupational exigencies for which in-depth case–control epidemiological studies are required to reach any conclusion.

Role of Onco-Trained Nurses in a Tertiary Care Cancer Institute

Role of Onco-Trained Nurses in a Tertiary Care Cancer Institute

Study of association of Epstein-Barr virus in lymphomas by Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNA in situ hybridization: An Indian perspective from a tertiary care cancer institute.

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), also called human herpesvirus 4, is a virus of the herpes family. The EBV-associated lymphomas include Burkitt lymphoma, classic Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), lymphomas arising in immunocompromised individuals, peripheral T-cell lymphomas, angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, extranodal nasal-type natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, and other rare histotypes. The present study evaluated the role of EBV as an etiologic agent in various lymphomas and determined an Indian perspective in a tertiary care cancer center compared to that of Western literature. Clinicopathological spectrum was studied in 184 cases of lymphomas using a standard immunohistochemistry panel and in situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNA (EBER) expression. The prevalence of EBV was described in various HL and non-HL's and was found similar to that of Western literature. EBER expression was also observed in the nonneoplastic bystander cells in the studied cases which need further evaluation on larger scale studies.

Clinical Profile of Pediatric Oncology Patients Treated by External Beam Radiotherapy: An Institutional Experience.

Introduction:Pediatric tumors are a heterogeneous group of malignant conditions requiring multimodal treatment, and management of such cases is at time challenging. We present the clinical profile of pediatric cancer patients who received radiation, either alone or as adjuvant to surgery and chemotherapy; in prophylactic, radical or palliative clinical setting.Aim:This study was envisaged to review our experience of pediatric oncology cases, their clinical and morphological profile, dosage schedule of radiotherapy, and the therapy induced complications.Settings and Design:This was a retrospective, observational study carried out in an apex tertiary care cancer institute of government set-up in a developing country.Materials and Methods:The treatment charts and clinical summary of patients who had received radiation over the last 5 years period were retrieved and perused. Various clinical and pathological parameters were studied and inferences drawn.Results:A total of 50 patients got radiation over 5 year study-period, including 37 male and 13 female patients. The commonest age group of presentation was 8-12 years followed by 13-16 years. The mean age of presentation was 9.3 years. The most common diagnosis was hematological malignancies followed by CNS tumors with 21 and 13 patients respectively. Overall the most common indication of RT was in adjuvant setting after surgery as the definitive management, where 24 patients were irradiated; and the next common indication was prophylactic cranial irradiation in 14 patients of childhood leukemias. 10 patients tolerated treatment with Grade 1 site-specific or systemic toxicities while 7 patients developed Grade 2 and more systemic toxicities. 9 patients received craniospinal irradiation, common indications being medulloblastoma and Atypical teratoma rhabdoid tumor (ATRT). 3 patients received concurrent chemotherapy with weekly Inj Vincristine. 17 patients required sedation or short general anaesthesia for radiation planning and execution.Conclusion:External beam Radiotherapy constitutes an important component of management of pediatric cancers. One should be judicious in Radiotherapy planning, execution and monitoring acute and delayed toxicities.

Efficacy and toxicity profile of maintenance pemetrexed in patients with stage IV adenocarcinoma lung in Indian population.

Context:Lung cancer has been the most common cancer in the world for several decades. Pemetrexed is recommended as an option for the maintenance treatment in metastatic adenocarcinoma lung, if disease has not progressed immediately following platinum-based chemotherapy.Aims:To study efficacy and toxicity profile of pemetrexed as a maintenance chemotherapeutic agent in patients with stage IV adenocarcinoma lung, not progressing after first line chemotherapy. Settings and Design: This was an observational, prospective. We enrolled patients with stage IV adenocarcinoma lung who has not progressed on first line chemotherapy, from September 2013 to August 2014 at a tertiary care cancer institute in North India.Materials and Methods:In all, 108 patients with stage IV adenocarcinoma lung were started on induction pemetrexed/platinum chemotherapy. 60 patients with no disease progression & ECOG PS 0-2 were started on Pemetrexed maintenance. Progression free survival (PFS) and toxicity profile were recorded.Results:The mean number of maintenance cycles was 8.3 (range 2-28). 13 (21.6%) patients took >10 maintenance cycles. Pemetrexed maintenance therapy resulted in progression free survival (PFS) of 5.4 months. PFS on pemetrexed was consistent for all patient subgroups, including induction response: complete/partial responders (n-31) and stable disease (n-29). 14 patients had grade III/IV adverse events with anemia being the most common in 3/60 patients (5%). 3 patients (5%) developed renal dysfunction out of which 1 was grade III.Conclusions:Pemetrexed continuation maintenance chemotherapy is active and well tolerated. Pemetrexed maintenance should be considered in patients with advanced adenocarcinoma lung patients who have not progressed on completion of induction chemotherapy.

Outcomes, cost comparison, and patient satisfaction during long-term central venous access in cancer patients: Experience from a Tertiary Care Cancer Institute in South India.

Introduction:Prolonged treatment, frequent administration of chemotherapy, antibiotics and blood products in cancer patients requires long term venous access. Central venous catheters (CVC) inserted into the subclavian vein or internal jugular vein, peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC) and chemoport (CP) are the commonly used central venous access devices (CVAD).Aim:This study was envisaged to review our experience of CVADs over a one year period and analyze the outcome with regard to catheter life, reasons for removal, complications, patient satisfaction and cost comparison between the CVAD types in the Indian setting.Settings and Design:This was a prospective, observational study carried out in a tertiary care cancer institute.Materials and Methods:180 CVADs placed in patients with hematological malignancies and solid tumors from January 2014 to December 2014 were included.Statistical Analysis Used:Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann Whitney U test. P <0.05 was taken as statistically significant.Results:180 CVADs were placed in 160 patients. The median catheter indwelling period was 76 days (16 days to 313 days) for CVC, 59 days (20days – 313 days) for PICC and 137 days (70 days – 258 days) for CP. 66 out of 160 patients developed complications (41.2%). 108 complication events were noted in 66 patients. There were 40 episodes of CRBSI. Out of the 68 mechanical complications, 37 were encountered during insertion of the CVAD and 31 were during the catheter indwelling period. Out of 160 patients, 138 (86.25%) were satisfied with the CVAD. The cost incurred for CVC/PICC (INR 4,480) was lower than that for CP (INR 24,150) and it was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Our patients were highly satisfied with the CVAD.Conclusion:Use of CVC and PICC is a safe, reliable and cost saving way of administration of chemotherapy in developing countries. The incidence of complications and catheter loss was acceptable. Our patients were highly satisfied with the CVAD.

Long-term visual outcomes of optic pathway gliomas in pediatric patients without neurofibromatosis type 1.

Sporadic optic pathway gliomas (OPGs) have been reported to cause more vision loss than OPGs associated with neurofibromatosis type-1, but long-term visual outcome data are limited. The purpose of this study was to report the visual outcomes of a cohort of pediatric patients with sporadic OPGs. This was a retrospective, cohort study at a tertiary care pediatric hospital and cancer institute. The study included all patients with sporadic OPGs evaluated from 1990 to 2014. The primary outcome was visual acuity at final follow-up. Secondary outcomes were risk factors for a poor visual outcome and the rate of progression. There were 59 pediatric patients included in the study. Median age at presentation was 2.5years old and median follow-up was 5.2years. In the worse eye at final follow-up, 16 patients (27 %) were 20/30 or better, 9 patients (15 %) were between 20/40 and 20/80, and 34 patients (58 %) were 20/100 or worse. In the better eye at final follow-up, 33 patients (56 %) were 20/30 or better, 11 patients (19 %) were between 20/40 and 20/80, and 15 patients (25 %) were 20/100 or worse. Risk factors for a poor visual outcome included younger age at presentation, optic nerve pallor, and tumor extent. Of the 54 patients (92 %) who received treatment, 40 (74 %) experienced disease progression during or after treatment. A majority of pediatric patients with sporadic OPGs had significant long-term visual impairment. In spite of treatment, tumor progression is common. Serial ophthalmic examinations with quantitative vision measurements are essential in the management of sporadic OPGs.

Continuing professional development for volunteers working in palliative care in a tertiary care cancer institute in India: a cross-sectional observational study of educational needs.

Context:Training programs for volunteers prior to their working in palliative care are well-established in India. However, few studies report on continuing professional development programs for this group.Aims:To conduct a preliminary assessment of educational needs of volunteers working in palliative care for developing a structured formal continuing professional development program for this group.Settings and Design:Cross-sectional observational study conducted in the Department of Palliative Medicine of a tertiary care cancer institute in India.Materials and Methods:Participant volunteers completed a questionnaire, noting previous training, years of experience, and a comprehensive list of topics for inclusion in this program, rated in order of importance according to them.Statistical Analysis Used:Descriptive statistics for overall data and Chi-square tests for categorical variables for group comparisons were applied using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 18.Results:Fourteen out of 17 volunteers completed the questionnaire, seven having 5–10-years experience in working in palliative care. A need for continuing professional development program was felt by all participants. Communication skills, more for children and elderly specific issues were given highest priority. Spiritual-existential aspects and self-care were rated lower in importance than psychological, physical, and social aspects in palliative care. More experienced volunteers (>5 years of experience) felt the need for self-care as a topic in the program than those with less (<5-years experience) (P < 0.05).Conclusions:Understanding palliative care volunteers’ educational needs is essential for developing a structured formal continuing professional development program and should include self-care as a significant component.

Antibiotic resistance profile of non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli isolated from the blood cultures of cancer patients.

Sir, Non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB) are a group of organisms that either do not utilize glucose as a source of energy or utilize it oxidatively. NFGNB can cause a significant number of infections, ranging from superficial to deep-seated and disseminated infections in immunocompromised hosts, neutropenic patients, patients with cystic fibrosis, patients on mechanical ventilation and indwelling catheters, and patients undergoing invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Blood stream infections (BSI) caused by NFGNB are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. High intrinsic resistance of NFGNB to antimicrobial compounds makes the treatment of BSIs caused by them difficult and expensive. NFGNB have a varied isolation rate, ranging from 2.18 to 45.9%, as observed from various clinical samples.[1] In an attempt to recognize the antibiotic resistance and prevalence pattern among NFGNB associated with BSIs in cancer patients, a prospective study was conducted over a period of one year from July 2013 to June 2014, at a tertiary care cancer institute in North India. Blood culture was performed in BacT/Alert blood culture bottles (bioMerieux, Durham, North Carolina, USA). From the positive bottles, the subcultures were performed on MacConkey agar and blood agar. The VITEK®2 Compact (C) system (bioMerieux, North Carolina, USA) was used to identify NFGNB up to the species level, using the Gram-negative Identification (GN-ID) 21341 card, and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) was done using the AST 281 card. The antibiotic susceptibility results were expressed as susceptible, intermediate or resistant, according to the criteria of the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M100-S23 (2013).[2] Among 815 total samples received for blood culture, 249 bottles were flagged as positive in the BacT Alert 3D. However, only 172 yielded pathogenic bacteria on subculture. Sixty-three (36.6%) were Gram-negative and 108 (62.7%) were Gram-positive organisms, while one isolate was fungus (Candida sp.). Forty, out of 63 (63.5%) Gram-negative organisms were NFGNB, out of which Burkholderia cepacia (60%) was the predominant isolate. Acinetobacter baumannii (20%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.5%), Pseudomonas stutzeri (2.5%), Alcaligenes faecalis (2.5%), and Sphingomonas paucimobilis (2.5%) were the other NFGNB isolated from the blood stream infections. The antibiotic susceptibility results are given in Table 1, which shows the percentage of resistant isolates. A high level of resistance against the first- and second-line antibiotics was noted. In this study, NFGNB were isolated from 4.9% of the total blood samples received for the culture. Out of the total Gram-negative bacilli, the NFGNB in our study were 63.5% (40/63), and B. cepacia was the predominant NFGNB. Prabash et al., in 2010, analyzed the blood cultures of cancer patients (neutropenic and non-neutropenic) and found that non-fermenters comprised a majority of the Gram-negative bacilli isolated (62.24%), with Pseudomonas (30.37%) and Acinetobacter sp. (11.57%) being the predominant NFGNBs.[3]Table 1: Antibiotic resistance pattern (percentage) of NFGNB isolated from blood cultureThe in vitro anti-microbial susceptibility of Burkholderia cepacia isolates revealed 92% resistance to meropenem, while the susceptibility to co-trimoxazole was 100%. The 2010 Sanford Guide recommends co-trimoxazole as the treatment of choice for these infections. The other antibiotics to which B. cepacia isolates are susceptible are meropenem, ceftazidime, ceftibuten, chloramphenicol, and trimethoprim.[4] However, according to literature, the antibiogram of B. cepacia isolates from cancer patients may be slightly different, with increased susceptibility to some antibiotics, especially piperacillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, and cefepime.[56] One hundred and 87.5% of A. baumannii isolates were resistant to aminoglycosides and colistin, respectively, while all the isolates were susceptible to meropenem. Among the Pseudomonas species, a high level of resistance was recorded for ceftazidime (50%), aztreonam (50%), and doripenem (50%). Colistin and cefepime showed maximum activity with an overall susceptibility of 100 and 83.3%, respectively. A single isolate of A. faecalis (2.5%) was resistant to all antibiotics, except amikacin. However, S. paucimobilis (2.5%) was a fairly sensitive strain, with resistance observed only against ceftazidime and aztreonam. The emerging challenges of multidrug resistance, both intrinsic and acquired, among NFGNB, are of serious concern to the treating physician. Improved antibiotic stewardship and infection control measures will be needed to prevent or slow down the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant NFGNB in the healthcare setting. Identification of NFGNB and monitoring their susceptibility patterns will help in improving the empirical therapy.

Study of cytogenetic abnormalities in 190 cases of acute promyelocytic leukemia with its morphological and cytochemical correlation at a tertiary-care cancer institute

Study of cytogenetic abnormalities in 190 cases of acute promyelocytic leukemia with its morphological and cytochemical correlation at a tertiary-care cancer institute

Importance of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Patients With Thin Melanoma

The status of the sentinel node (SN) confers important prognostic information for patients with thin melanoma. We queried our melanoma database to identify patients undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy for thin (< or =1.00-mm) cutaneous melanoma at a tertiary care cancer institute. Slides of tumor-positive SNs were reviewed by a melanoma pathologist to confirm nodal status and intranodal tumor burden, defined as isolated tumor cells, micrometastasis, or macrometastasis (< or =0.20, 0.21-2.00, or >2.00 mm, respectively). Nodal status was correlated with patient age and primary tumor depth (< or = 0.25, 0.26-0.50, 0.51-0.75, or 0.76-1.00 mm). Survival was determined by log-rank test. Disease-free and melanoma-specific survival. Of 1592 patients who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy from 1991 to 2004, 631 (40%) had thin melanomas; 31 of the 631 patients (5%) had a tumor-positive SN. At a median follow-up of 57 months for the 631 patients, the mean (SD) 10-year rate of disease-free survival was 96% (1%) vs 54% (10%) for patients with tumor-negative vs tumor-positive SNs, respectively (P < .001); the mean (SD) 10-year rate of melanoma-specific survival was 98% (1%) vs 83% (8%), respectively (P < .001). Tumor-positive SNs were more common in patients aged 50 years and younger (P = .04). The SN status maintained importance on multivariate analysis for both disease-free survival (P < .001) and melanoma-specific survival (P < .001). The status of the SN is significantly linked to survival in patients with thin melanoma. Therefore, sentinel lymph node biopsy should be considered to obtain complete prognostic information.