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N K Shukla

Publications and source records attributed to N K Shukla.

88 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Multimodality management of a case of primary osteogenic sarcoma of the zygoma.

Craniofacial osteogenic sarcomas are rare primary malignant bone tumors and very few cases involving zygomatic bone were reported in literature. We present our experience of multimodality management of a case of primary osteogenic sarcoma of zygoma. Wide radical excision of the tumor including the parotid gland was done followed by three cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy and fifty Gy of external radiotherapy. The patient is disease-free at two years follow-up. Till 1970s, craniofacial osteogenic sarcomas were managed mainly by radical surgery with a high local failure rate. With the advances made in the field of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, multimodality therapy is playing a major role in the treatment of these aggressive tumors with better overall and disease-free survival.

Adult↗

Colorectal cancers--experience at a regional cancer centre in India.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) shows a wide geographic variation and India along with other Asian and African countries has a low incidence. Most patients present with advanced disease and no uniform treatment guidelines are followed at present. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An audit of 91 patients treated as per IRCH protocol between June 1994 and Jun 2000 in a single surgical unit was performed. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 45.3 years (18-90 years) and there was a predominance of rectal cancer patients (Rectal vs Colon = 76% vs 24%). Majority of the rectal cancers were low rectal cancers (67%) and abdominoperineal resection was the commonest surgical procedure performed(40). The inoperability rate was 24% and sphincter salvage rate was 13%. Seventy nine percent of patients had adenocarcinoma and 90% of CRC patients belonged to Astler-Collers stage B2 and C. A total of 37 patients also received adjuvant radiotherapy and only 39 out of 60 patients planned for adjuvant chemotherapy could complete the treatment. The operative mortality was 2.2% and morbidity was 18%. A total of 13 (14%) patients had relapse of disease (local 5, regional 3, distant 5). CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of CRC patients in India present with advanced stage of disease and probably due to referral bias majority had low rectal cancers. By advocating multimodality protocols a good locoregional and systemic control can be achieved despite the advanced stage of presentation.

Adolescent↗

An analysis of long-term venous access catheters in cancer patients:experience from a tertiary care centre in India.

BACKGROUND: Venous access is crucial for cancer management for administration of drugs blood products, antibiotics and periodic sampling. AIMS: To review our experience of long-term venous access devices used over a ten-year period and to analyse the outcome in cancer patients in Indian setting. SETTING AND DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of data in a tertiary care Regional cancer centre. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 110 patients with various malignancies requiring long-term venous access were included in the study. A uniform open cut down procedure under local anaesthesia was used and silastic Hickman catheters were inserted in the cephalic or external jugular or internal jugular veins. A record of all complications and catheter loss and final out come were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 111 catheters were used in 110 patients. Sixty-nine catheters were placed in cephalic, 40 in external jugular, and 2 in internal jugular vein. Duration of catheter indwelling period ranged from 7 to 365 days with a median of 120 days. In 90% of the cases the catheter tip was located either in superior vena cava or in right atrium. Total catheter related complications were observed in 37 (34.54%) patients and catheter loss rate due to complications was 15.4% (17/111). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term venous access using Hickman catheter insertion by open cut down method is a simple, safe and reliable method for administration of chemotherapeutic agents, antibiotics and blood products. The incidence of various complications and catheter loss was acceptable and overall patient satisfaction was good.

Adult↗

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced gastric cancer--results of a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Adenocarcinoma of the stomach is usually advanced at presentation, and local or distant spread may preclude the option of primary curative resection. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has shown promise in downstaging initially unresectable disease. This pilot study was planned to assess the utility of NAC using Cisplatin and 5-Fluoro uracil in the management of initially unresectable gastric cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten patients with unresectable gastric adnocarcinoma were included. They received two cycles of cisplatin, 30 mg/m2 intravenously in combination with 5-Fluoro Uracil, 1000 mg/m2. They were restaged using Endoscopy and CT scan and taken up for exploratory laparotomy. RESULTS: Eight of 10 patients (80%) had an objective response to chemotherapy. Six patients (60%) with initially unresectable disease could be offered curative surgery. The median survival was 10 months (range 1-60 months). There were two long term survivors (48 and 60 months respectively). CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is an effective option in downstaging initially unresectable gastric carcinoma. Complete response to chemotherapy also predicts long term survival.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Association of vitamin A, vitamin C and zinc with laryngeal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of the cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus and larynx in different population groups of India is amongst the highest reported in Asian countries. There is evidence that high dietary carotenoids and vitamin C may possibly decrease the risk of laryngeal cancer. Limited data is available from India on the association between these micronutrients and the risk of laryngeal cancer. AIMS: To assess the levels of vitamin A, vitamin C and zinc in laryngeal cancer patients and healthy controls. SETTING AND DESIGN: A hospital based case- control study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty five laryngeal cancer patients and a control group of 155 healthy individuals constituted the study population. Individuals in the control group were individually matched with the patients for their age +/- 2 years, sex and place of residence. Venous blood was drawn from the cases and controls and estimations of vitamin A, zinc and vitamin C was done utilizing the standard procedures. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Paired 't' test to compare the mean serum levels of vitamin A and zinc and plasma vitamin C between laryngeal cancer patients and controls. Univariate logistic regression analysis to calculate the odds ratios and the confidence intervals. RESULTS: The mean serum vitamin A, zinc and plasma vitamin C levels were significantly lower in laryngeal cancer patients as compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study indicated a strong association of these micronutrients with laryngeal cancer in the Indian population.

Adult↗

Prevalence and risk factors for development of lymphedema following breast cancer treatment.

BACKGROUND: Early detection and multimodality therapy has resulted in an overall improvement of survival among breast cancer patients. Despite a significant shift in the treatment approach from radical mastectomy to breast conservation a significant number of patients develop lymphedema. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for development of lymphedema. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective analysis for prevalence of lymphedema in a tertiary care regional cancer centre. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three hundred treated breast cancer patients with a minimum follow up of one year were evaluated for the prevalence and risk factors for lymphedema. Lymphedema was assessed using a serial circumferential measurement method. More than 3 cm difference in circumference is considered as clinical significant lymphedema. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed for evaluating the risk factors by using the Chi square test and Cox logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of clinically significant lymphedema was 33.5 % and 17.2 % had severe lymphedema. The prevalence of lymphedema was 13.4 % in patients treated with surgery only where as the prevalence was 42.4% in patients treated with surgery and radiotherapy. Stage of the disease, body surface area > 1. 5 m2, presence of co-morbid conditions, post operative radiotherapy and anthracycline based chemotherapy were significant risk factors in univariate analysis where as axillary irradiation and presence of co-morbid conditions have emerged as independent risk factors in multivariate analysis (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Post treatment lymphedema continues to be a significant problem following breast cancer therapy. Presence of co-morbid conditions and axillary radiation significantly increases the risk of lymphedema. A combination of axillary dissection and axillary radiation should be avoided whenever feasible to avoid lymphedema.

Adult↗

Adenocarcinoma esophagus with choroid metastasis.

Metastases to the eye are rare and those from carcinoma esophagus are very rare, with only one report in the English literature. We report a 46-year-old man with adenocarcinoma of esophagus who developed isolated choroid metastasis after definitive treatment of the primary tumor.

Adenocarcinoma↗

A new technique of postoperative pancreatico gastric enterocutaneous fistula repair using de-tubularised afferent loop.

Postoperative fistula involving upper gastrointestinal tract surgery is a rare but troublesome occurrence. Reoperation on these patients is challenging and needs to be individualised. Various methods are described including primary closure, bypass procedures, serosal patch repair and Roux-en-Y repair. We present a new technique of repair using afferent loop that provided a vascularized bowel segment, which used in an anatomical fashion for closure of fistula.

Adult↗

Breast conservation therapy for breast cancer: patient profile and treatment outcome at a tertiary care cancer centre.

BACKGROUND: Breast conservation therapy is a well-established treatment modality for early breast cancer. It is not widely practised in developing countries because of a lack of awareness and treatment facilities, and physician and patient bias. We analysed our experience of breast conservation therapy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 102 patients who had undergone breast conservation surgery and axillary dissection for breast cancer. Surgery was followed by 45 Gy of radiation to the whole breast and 15-20 Gy of tumour bed boost. All high risk patients received adjuvant systemic therapy. The disease profile, morbidity and treatment outcome were analysed. RESULTS: Out of 902 patients, 102 underwent breast conservation therapy (90 had early breast cancer and 12 had locally advanced breast cancer). Only 19.6% of patients with early breast cancer received breast conservation therapy. One-third of the patients had had a prior surgical intervention. The mean tumour size was 2.8 cm, 44% had nodal involvement and 29% were oestrogen- and progesterone-receptor negative. At a mean follow up of 32 months, only 1 patient had local recurrence, and the 5-year projected disease-free and overall survival were 82% and 88%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Breast conservation therapy should be offered to suitable breast cancer patients. Strict adherence to protocol-based therapy and active multidisciplinary coordination are crucial for a successful breast conservation therapy programme. Education of the patient as well as the physician population is necessary for increasing the breast conservation therapy rates in India.

Adult↗

Organ-preserving multimodality management of squamous cell carcinoma of anal canal.

AIM: To study the efficacy of an organ-preserving, sequential chemoradiation therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal, and of salvage surgery in those in whom this treatment fails. METHODS: Forty biopsy-proven untreated patients (28 men) with squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal received two cycles of chemotherapy using cisplatin and methotrexate, followed by 45 to 60 (median 50) Gy external beam radiotherapy. Salvage surgery was offered to those in whom this treatment failed. Overall survival, disease-free survival and colostomy-free survival were analyzed. RESULTS: Most patients (n=35; 87%) had T3 or T4 lesions and 5 (12.5%) had involvement of inguinal nodes. Thirty-one patients (77.5%) had complete response after chemoradiation. Only three patients (7.5%) developed chemotherapy-related grade 3 mucositis and myelosuppression. Radiotherapy-related toxicity included grade III cystitis in one patient and grade III proctitis in three patients. Three patients had post-treatment anal stenosis requiring repeated dilatation and two had chronic non-healing ulcers at the anal verge. Nine patients had failure of chemoradiation or disease recurrence; of these, only 5 could undergo salvage surgery. After a median follow up of 60 months, overall survival, disease-free survival and colostomy-free survival were 80%, 77.5% and 72.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Chemoradiation is effective in the treatment of squamous cell anal cancer and has acceptable toxicity. Surgical salvage may be useful in those with failure of this treatment.

Adult↗

Experience with intraluminal radiotherapy in advanced oesophageal cancer.

Despite improvement in the diagnostic modalities, surgical technique, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, mortality and morbidity due to carcinoma esophagus continues to be dismal. Combination of external and intraluminal radio therapy (ILRT) has emerged as a powerful and promising palliative therapy in this disease. Thirty four patients with inoperable cancer esophagus treated with ILRT during June 1991 to December 1993 were evaluated to assess its palliative effects. Seventeen of these patients had received additional chemotherapy and external radiotherapy. Thirteen patients received only radiotherapy (both external radiotherapy + ILRT) and the remaining 4 received only ILRT. They were followed up for a mean period of 8.3 months (range 2 to 28 months) during which one patient was lost to follow up. Eight had a follow up of less than 6 months. Eight (33%) amongst the remaining 25 patients were considered disease free, 15 had recurrent and progressive disease, one developed metastasis and one patient died. In 21 (66%) dysphagia markedly improved. Nine (26%) patients survived beyond 1 year and the median survival for all patients was 8 months. Associated radiation morbidity was documented in 13 (38%) patients. We conclude that combination of external radiotherapy and ILRT is an effective and safe therapy for inoperable esophageal malignancies.

Brachytherapy↗

Esophageal bezoar: a rare but distinct clinical entity.

A 89 year old female patient presented with severe dysphagia and was suspected to have carcinoma of the esophagus. Endoscopy revealed an esophageal phytobezoar which passed down spontaneously after unsuccessful endoscopic extraction attempt. Barium swallow study revealed diffuse spasm of the esophagus. A review of English literature revealed only 17 previous cases of esophageal bezoar. Salient features of esophageal bezoars are discussed based on previous reports and the current case.

Aged↗

Breast cancer presentation at a regional cancer centre.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer accounts for 20% of all female cancers in India and most patients present with advanced disease. Many factors may be responsible for the late presentation including the prehospital diagnostic and therapeutic approach towards breast lumps which may be malignant. To evaluate these factors we carried out a prospective investigation at the Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. METHODS: We studied 100 new patients with breast cancer seen in a special clinic over a 12-week period, excluding patients who did not have a palpable lump and those who had had an operation in another hospital more than six months previously. RESULTS: Fifty-seven of the patients were from urban and 43 from rural areas. Only 20 patients were aware of breast cancer before the onset of their illness. They were mainly from an urban background, educated and had a family history of breast and other malignancies. The total duration of illness ranged from 1 week to 10 years (mean 11.3 months) and the time to first visit ranged from 1 day to 9.5 years (mean 6.7 months). The delay between the first contact with a doctor to the date seen in the Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital thus amounted to a mean of 4.6 months. The duration of illness as well as time to first visit was also significantly shorter in urban patients, those who were educated and those who were aware of the disease. Fine needle aspiration cytology was used in 50 patients and was diagnostic in 39. Thirty of the 100 patients had no diagnostic investigations. Of the 43 patients treated elsewhere, the operation had been inadequate in 17 and 27 of the 43 patients were found to have had faulty adjuvant therapy. Many patients did not carry their operation notes and histopathology reports and when these were available, they were often of poor quality. The use of staging investigations was incomplete so much so that in 22 patients the disease could not be staged at all because of poor records. CONCLUSION: Breast cancer is seen in our hospital in an advanced stage because most patients are unaware of the disease. However, the treating physician also contributes to delay in the diagnosis, uses the diagnostic and staging investigations improperly, performs inadequate surgery and prescribes inappropriate adjuvant treatment. Record keeping is also of a poor quality. We need to provide more information to both patients and doctors about breast cancer.

Adult↗

Biliary tract neoplasms.

From January 1993 to December 1995, complete records of patients with biliary neoplasms were analysed. A total of 124 patients were registered. Majority of patients were in the age range of 40-60 years (median 54 years). There were 38 males and 86 females. Histopathologically, adenocarcinoma was the commonest type (59%). Pain, jaundice and lump were noticed in 119, 54 and 77 patients respectively. Fifty six patients had associated gall stones. Ninety patients had metastatic disease at presentation. Majority of them (110/124) had advanced, inoperable disease and therefore were considered for palliative treatment. Only 14 patients (12%) were considered for curative treatment. Of these 14 patients, all the cases underwent surgery, 10 received radiotherapy and 10 received chemotherapy. Follow up was very poor. The survival of 14 patients, who received curative treatment, ranged from 2 months to 44 months with mean of 16 months.

Adenocarcinoma↗