Category: Statistics

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2021 Dec 1;22(12):3941-3947. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.12.3941.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To determine the therapeutic efficacy of Kali haldi in the management of Oral submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) v/s steroid therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical prospective study was conducted on 42 patients of oral submucous fibrosis were equally divided into 2 groups. Group A patients were treated with a mixture of powdered Kali Haldi and aloe vera gel in equal ratio 3 times a day for 3 months. Group B patients were treated with intralesional injection of hydrocortisone and hyaluronidase for 6 weeks with oral antioxidant supplements for 3 months. Burning sensation, cheek flexibility, mouth opening, and tongue protrusion were evaluated before, during, and after treatment at an interval of 15 days, 1 month, 2, month and 3 months.

RESULTS: Statistically significant results were obtained at the end of 3 months duration for both the groups (P < 0.001). The Symptomatic correction was more evident in the case of Group A patients than Group B. Response of the ayurvedic regimen was potentially better as compared to the regular steroid therapy.

CONCLUSION: The study concludes that Combination therapy works wonders in the case of OSMF in stages I, II, III and can be a good option, comparatively safe and with negligible side effects, but potent and equally effective management of oral submucous fibrosis. Henceforth, it will be better to do such kinds of studies on a vast scale including larger samples and longer duration to check the efficacy and durability of this ancient ayurvedic regimen.

PMID:34967575 | DOI:10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.12.3941

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2021 Dec 1;22(12):3985-3991. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.12.3985.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Several studies have recently indicated a huge shifting pattern toward early age onset cases in breast cancer (BC) patients. However, the studies exerted relatively limited to the Caucasian population. This preliminary study is aimed to investigate the genetic risk factors for young BC patients specifically in Indonesia population.

METHODS: DNA samples were extracted from 79 BC patients aged younger than 40 years old and 90 healthy samples. These DNA samples were sequenced using Illumina NextSeq 500 platform and preprocessed to extract the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) data. Firstly, multiple univariate logistic regressions were performed to test the association between each SNP and BC incidence in young patients. Furthermore, to analyze the polygenic effects derived from multiple SNPs, we employed a multivariate logistics regression.

RESULTS: There were only 15 SNPs passed our 95% call rate threshold thus subsequently were used in the association test. One of these variants, rs3219493, emerged to be significantly associated with early-onset BC (p-value = 0.025, OR = 3.750, 95% CI = 1.178-11.938). This result is consistent with the multivariate logistic regression model, where the pertinent variant was found statistically significant (p-value = 0.008, OR = 8.398, 95% CI = 1.720-40.920). This variant was identified as an intronic variant within MUTYH gene which has been reported in several published studies to exhibit an association with the incidence of breast cancer in China, Italy and Sephardi Jews population. However, there is no evident this gene impacting the risk of developing early onset of BC in Indonesia population.

CONCLUSION: Despite our limitation in terms of sample size analyzed in this preliminary study, our finding on significant association of intronic MUTHY with the early onset of BC in Indonesia led to a broadened insight of population-based unique aspect to being taken into an in-depth account for and advancement of chemotherapy.

PMID:34967580 | DOI:10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.12.3985

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2021 Dec 1;22(12):3889-3896. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.12.3889.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women around the world.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the time trends in the incidence of breast cancer in Iraq in twenty years period (2000 to 2019) to assist health officials and decision-makers in planning and organizing programs to controlling breast cancer growth and enhance women’s health.

METHODS: Breast cancer data from 2000 to 2019 were obtained from the Iraqi Cancer Registry’s yearly book series (Ministry of Health). The United Nations Population Division provides annual population estimates by 5-year age groups and gender. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to calculate and assess age-specific and age-standardized incidence rates.

RESULTS: A total of 72,022 breast cancer cases were identified among women in Iraq between 2000 and 2019. The average age-standardized incidence rate (ASIRs) was 37.883/100,000. Breast cancer ASIR Iraq exhibited a significantly rising trend during the study period, with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of +3.192%. Furthermore, a significant increase in breast cancer incidence for the age group 40-49 (AAPC = +2.162%), 50-59 (AAPC=+3.210%), 60-69 (AAPC=+5.551%), and age 70 and over (AAPC=+7.943%) were observed. When compared to other countries in the world, Iraq had a moderate rate of breast cancer ASIR.

CONCLUSIONS: In summary, our finding revealed an increase in the incidence rates of breast cancer among Iraqi women from 2000 to 2019. Further research is needed to explore risk factors including levels of overweight, dietary changes, physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, high marriage age, and low birth rates to prevent and control breast cancer.

PMID:34967568 | DOI:10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.12.3889

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2021 Dec 1;22(12):3921-3925. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.12.3921.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed female cancer and is a major cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is defined as ER, PR and HER2 negative, which are characterized by rapid progression with low survival rates with limited therapeutic choices. Polo-like kinase 1 protein acts as a cell division regulator which is highly expressed in many tumors making it a potentially valuable target for antiproliferative therapies. In this study we tried to evaluate the value of this marker as a possible therapeutic target in TNBC.

METHODS: This research studied the immunohistochemical expression of PLK1 done on 49 paraffin blocks of TNBC female patients and then correlated with the different clinicopathological parameters.

RESULTS: Our results showed high PLK1 expression in 91.9% of cases. Most of the high grade tumors showed high PLK1 high score (76.9%). All cases showing lymph node metastasis showed high PLK1 expression, implying a statistically significant correlation between PLK1 expression and tumor grade as well as N stage.

CONCLUSION: PLK1, although a negative prognostic factor, but is a promising therapeutic target for treating TNBC patients.

PMID:34967572 | DOI:10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.12.3921

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2021 Dec 1;22(12):3847-3855. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.12.3847.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Malnutrition and weight loss are commonly observed in patient with esophageal and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) cancers. Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is a mainstay of treatment for locally advanced esophageal and EGJ cancers. Impact of weight loss on patients with treated with CRT was not well studied.

METHODS: Patients with locally advanced esophageal and EGJ cancer who received CRT were identified in our institutional database and allocated into low (LWL) and high (HWL) weight loss groups. HWL was defined as weight loss >5% of baseline during CRT.

RESULTS: A total of 167 patients were underwent definitive (n=89) or preoperative (n=78) CRT, respectively. HWL was observed in 46% and 55% of patients treated with definitive and preoperative CRT, respectively. Cisplatin/5FU regimen used during CRT was a significant predictive factor for weight loss in multivariate analysis (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.09-3.94; p=0.026). In the definitive CRT group, patients in the HWL group experienced significantly worse overall survival than those in the LWL group (1.2 years vs 1.95 years; p=0.003). Multivariate analysis revealed that baseline albumin (>3.0 g/dL) was significantly associated with longer OS of definitive CRT patients (HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.1-4.19; p=0.024). Tolerability and toxicities during CRT were not statistically different between groups.

CONCLUSION: Significant weight loss during CRT was frequently observed in patients with locally advanced esophageal and EGJ cancers. Baseline hypoalbuminemia was an independent prognostic factor for OS in patients treated with definitive CRT. Nutritional support before and during treatment should be considered to potentially improve patients’ outcomes.<br />.

PMID:34967563 | DOI:10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.12.3847

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2021 Dec 1;22(12):3773-3779. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.12.3773.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Terminal ill cancer patients experience spiritual distress and need spiritual care. They are in need of palliative care in the long term to alleviate suffering. The aim of the study was to investigate spiritual needs of terminal ill cancer patients.

METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional study. The participants were Thai terminal ill cancer patients from seven hospitals in northern, northeast, central, and southern regions of Thailand. Three-hundred-and-twenty-two participants were purposively selected. The instrument used in this study was a spiritual needs scale, consisting of 41 items with 4-point rating scale. Statistical analysis was F-test for one-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS: The majority of terminal ill cancer patients aged fifty-one years old. Most of them were females with end stage cancer status that did not respond to treatment. The overall spiritual needs of terminal ill cancer patients were at the moderate level (M = 18.21, SD = 2.56). The highest mean was found in the ‘prepare for death’ dimension, followed by the ‘have meaning, values, and life purposes’ and the ‘have opportunity to pursue most important things in life’ dimensions respectively and had different spiritual needs among status (F(3,318) = 3.66, p < 0.05), number of family members (F(8,313) = 5.07, p < 0.05), living with family (F(2,319) = 3.91, p < 0.05), and spiritual anchor (F(2,319) = 4.13, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The study results provide insight into spiritual needs of terminal ill cancer patients which assists in improving the provision of holistic care to let the patients be happy at end-of-life phase.

PMID:34967555 | DOI:10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.12.3773

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2021 Dec 1;22(12):3755-3762. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.12.3755.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The rising cost of cancer diagnosis and treatment has imposed a huge financial burden on the affected households. Understanding the nature of this burden will help us to formulate plans to avoid financial distress among the same.

OBJECTIVE: The study aims to estimate the Out of Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) for the management of selected solid cancers among the Out-Patient Department (OPD) of Regional Cancer Centre in South India and to determine the proportion of families experiencing Catastrophic Health Expenditure (CHE) due to the same.

METHODS: A hospital based cross sectional analytical study was undertaken in the authors’ institute in South India. 474 solid cancer patients were interviewed in OPD of Radiation Oncology by a trained data collector. Sociodemographic variables, costs incurred under various headings and expenditure details of participants were obtained. Direct Medical and Direct Non-Medical costs were calculated, and its total was used as the OOPE. Costs were presented as mean with its standard error. Incidence of CHE was calculated using the 40% threshold on the Capacity to pay and was expressed as proportions with 95% confidence interval. Appropriate statistical tests were used to look for statistically significant differences in the study groups.

RESULTS: The average OOP expenditure incurred by a cancer patient was INR 35,817 (USD 523.6) for male and INR 20,496 (USD 299.6) for female. Males had a significantly higher OOPE than females. The prevalence of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) was 61.6% at the 40% CTP threshold. Patients who used insurance schemes had higher prevalence of CHE than those who did not use insurance schemes (65.5% vs 60.7%, p value 0.351).

CONCLUSION: Cancer care provided through public institutions had a low direct medical cost, but the indirect cost seemed to be extremely high. Public based financial assistance is the need of the hour to help the cancer affected families.

PMID:34967553 | DOI:10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.12.3755

Exp Oncol. 2021 Dec;43(4):322-327.

ABSTRACT

Aim of this study was to develop and apply an ELISA method for assessment of the levels of endogenous antibodies against benzo[a]pyrene (Bp) in blood sera of lung cancer (LC) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: ELISA was developed and applied for the detection of endogenous idiotypic and anti-idiotypic antibodies against Bp in human blood sera using recombinant human idiotypic and anti-idiotypic antibodies against Bp.

RESULTS: Serum samples of LC patients (n = 22) and healthy donors (n = 24) were analyzed by the new method. Statistical analysis showed that in sera of LC patients the levels of endogenous idiotypic and anti-idiotypic antibodies against Bp were significantly higher than in healthy donors. A logistic regression model for the LC detection utilizing such predictors as the serum levels of idiotypic and anti-idiotypic antibodies against Bp, smoking status, and age, identified LC patients with 83% specificity and 82% sensitivity.

CONCLUSION: The proposed method could be further developed as additional lung cancer screening tool.

PMID:34967535

Exp Oncol. 2021 Dec;43(4):359-364.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To evaluate the influence of dispersed fibrous carbon sorbent (DFCS) on malignant fungating wounds (MFWs) in Guerin’s carcinoma-bearing rats with an assessment of wound bacterial microflora.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on female Wistar rats inoculated subcutaneously with Guerin T8 carcinoma into the upper interscapular region. On day 20, the tumors were infected by injecting the suspension of S. aureus 8325-4. After 24 h, gauze dressings were applied daily to the wounds in the control group and DFCS in the experimental one. The state of the wounds was assessed by visual control with photo monitoring, odor control on a verbal rating scale and microbiological analysis of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of wound microbiota.

RESULTS: On the 3rd day after the start of dressings, the number of S. aureus of 8325-4 strain was significantly higher in the wounds of rats in control group than experimental one (5.14 ± 0.27 vs 3.43 ± 0.33 lg CFU/ml). The total number of Staphylococci in the DFCS-treated wounds did not differ statistically from the number of S. aureus 8325-4 strain whereas in control ones were higher by an order of magnitude. On the 10th day the total number of Staphylococci and S. aureus 8325-4 in particular, remained consistently high in the wounds of the control rats, while was almost five orders of magnitude lower and represented mainly by S. aureus 8325-4 in the experimental ones. The total number of aerobic and optionally anaerobic microorganisms was significantly lower as well. A greater variety of microorganisms in the gauze-covered wounds, as well as an their increased number were accompanied by enhancement of the wound odor from “noticeable” to “strong”. There was an appearance of a “barely noticeable” odor in only one animal from the experimental group.

CONCLUSION: The study has demonstrated the ability of DFCS to control substantially the bacterial microflora as well as malodor of MWFs in vivo. The results obtained can contribute to solving the problem of improving the quality of palliative care for patients with malignant and other chronic wounds.

PMID:34967551

J Craniofac Surg. 2022 Jan-Feb 01;33(1):112-116. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000008045.

ABSTRACT

The Craniofacial Collaboration UK (CC-UK) has been established across the 4 highly specialized craniofacial centers in the UK since 2015. This joint collective aims to address the current limitations within developmental craniofacial research, using robust clinical data from a homogenous sample of children. This paper presents the third wave of findings from the CC-UK, with consideration to developmental and behavioral parent-report measures. Whilst previous data for sagittal synostosis have been presented, this article summarizes the analysis of these outcomes for children with metopic synostosis (MS) at 3 years who have undergone primary corrective surgery. Results highlight similar patterns to that of earlier CC-UK work, with the majority of children falling within 1 standard deviation of the population normative means across all measures. However, statistically significant difficulties were found between group means for children with MS on various developmental and behavioral domains. Prosocial skills and peer difficulties were reported as the greatest areas of behavioral concern for parents, with prosocial skills found to be below the level expected for their chronological age. In order to further understand the developmental trajectory of children with MS, longitudinal examination of individual diagnostic and specific age groups with single-suture craniosynostosis is crucial. The continuation of the CC-UK provides an opportunity to attain this goal.

PMID:34967518 | DOI:10.1097/SCS.0000000000008045