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Brachytherapy in Head and Neck Cancer: A Forgotten Art or a Skill to be Remembered!! |
Abstract: Radiation therapy is a critical part of multi-modality management of head and neck cancers. Brachytherapy or internal radiation is an ideal method of treatment delivery to achieve the ultimate goal of radiation treatment, that is maximum dose to tumour and minimum dose to normal tissues. Brachytherapy enables the radiation oncologist to provide a perfect mixture of radiation physics, radiobiology and clinical acumen to counter head and neck cancers. Appropriate usage based on the clearly defined indications and simple methods can maximize the advantages of brachytherapy thus resulting in excellent outcomes. However, the steady decline in utilization of brachytherapy over the years coupled with the technological advances of highly conformal radiotherapy, have dented its broader application for head and neck cancers. Can the new age radiation oncologist afford to neglect this therapeutic skill set? Keywords: Head & Neck Cancer, Brachytherapy, Radiotherapy.Download Full Article |
Angular Variation of Applicators in LDR-ICBT |
Abstract: Effect of angular variation to dose received and its clinical correlation was studied in 36 ca.cervix patients. Angular variation results in dose variation but its impact needs to be studied. Keywords: CA Cervix, LDR ICBT, Angular variation.Download Full Article |
Viability of Whole Tissue Microbiopsy (WTM) for the Study and Management of Oral Leukoplakia |
Abstract: Introduction: Leukoplakia is the most frequent potentially malignant disorder. Management and diagnosis requires clinical and histopathogical monitorization. Conventional biopsy generates patient morbidity and is considered a complex procedure for general dentists, which can delay initial diagnosis. To solve these problems, we have proposed a novel procedure denominated Whole Tissue Microbiopsy (WTM). The aim of this study is to evaluate the samples obtained with the WTM procedure and to test their viability; to check if they are applicable in all anatomic locations and compare the results with those obtained with conventional biopsy. Methods: We studied 41 clinically compatible lesions with oral leukoplakia. A tissue sample was taken using the WTM technique, after which, a conventional biopsy was performed on the same location. Both samples were studied and compared in terms of viability and concordance. Results: 100% of the samples obtained using the WTM procedure were viable. 95% of the samples were useful to detect dysplasia, and in 85% of cases the basal membrane was retained. Coincidence with conventional biopsy as to detect cancer-dysplasia was 78% and showed a 53.8% sensitivity regarding the detection of dysplasia-Cancer. Discussion and Conclusion: The samples obtained by the WTM are viable for study. Conservation of all epithelial layers in the sample and the basement membrane in particular is not influenced by the anatomical area or by the clinical appearance of the lesion. The results that did not coincide with the conventional biopsy were due to the difference in size and not the quality of it. Keywords: Whole Tissue Microbiopsy, leukoplakia, oral biopsy, microbiopsy, potentially malignant disorder.Download Full Article |
Local Staging of Prostate Cancer Using Three Dimensional (3D) Transrectal Ultrasound Assisted with Power Doppler Capability |
Abstract: Introduction: The ability to differentiate between carcinoma confined to the prostate and the extra-capsular extension (ECE) of the tumor is the key point for management. ECE of prostate cancer can lead to failure of radical prostatectomy and every attempt should be made to localize the tumor and assess its extensions preoperatively. The study aimed to evaluate the value of three dimensional (3D) Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) assisted with power Doppler in local staging of prostate cancer. Methodology: -3D TRUS assisted with the power Doppler capability was performed for 120 patients were complaining of burning urination, difficult urination or blood in urine, among them 95 patients were subjected to 3D TRUS guided biopsies. Results: 33 patients showed prostatic carcinomas, 2 patients showed prostatic sarcoma. In patients with proven prostate cancer 3D TRUS showed an estimated sensitivity 85.7% and specificity 90% with a positive predictive value 83.3%, negative predictive value 91.5% and total accuracy 90.9%. 77% of our cancer patients (27/35) showed hypervascularity by power Doppler ultrasonography while 8 patients (23%) showed no abnormal high vascularity. Power Doppler increased the sensitivity of 3D TRUS in the detection of prostate cancer from 85.7% to 88.5% 3D TRUS clearly identified the extra-prostatic spread in 15 out of 18 patients of an estimated sensitivity (83%). Conclusion: 3D TRUS aided with power Doppler is a valuable tool in local staging of prostate cancer .The expected benefits in local staging of prostate cancer from the combination of 3D TRUS, power Doppler and 3D TRUS guided biopsy as one sitting exam, will be highly promising. Keywords: Prostate cancer, Transrectal ultrasound, Three dimensional.Download Full Article |
The Incidence of Breast Cancer in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis |
Abstract: Background: Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer among women globally. Its incidence greatly varies around the world the globe. There are several estimates of breast cancer incidence from different geographical areas in Iran. In addition, no systematic reviews are available pertaining to the incidence rate of breast cancer in Iran. Therefore, the present systematic review aimed to address this epidemiological gap. Method: This systematic review was carried out based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) in January 2016. In doing so, the researchers searched Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Sciencedirect, and Google scholar for international papers and four Iranian databases (Scientific Information Database, MagIran, Iran Medex, and Iran Doc) for Persian articles. Result: A total of 427 titles were retrieved in the initial search of the databases. Further refinement and screening of the retrieved studies produced a total of 18 researches. Based on the random effect model, the Age-Standardized Rate (ASR) of breast cancer was 26.4, 95% CI (20.1 to 31.7). However, the results of Cochran’s test showed the heterogeneity of the studies (Q=1788.2, df=17, I2=99%, p<0.001). Conclusion: The incidence of breast cancer was lower in Iran compared to other parts of the world. However, establishing cancer registries covering a broader perspective of the population and carrying out further studies are needed to map out the exact incidence rate and trend of breast cancer in Iran. Keywords: Incidence, Breast cancer, Iran.Download Full Article |