Showing papers by "Tata Memorial Hospital published in 1993"

Therapeutic factors influencing the cosmetic outcome and late complications in the conservative management of early breast cancer

Abstract: Purpose: To investigate the impact of clinical and physical parameters on the cosmetic result and complications, in cancer breast treated with conservative surgery and definitive irradiation. Methods and Materials: Between October 1980 and December 1990, 289 patients were treated with lumpectomy and/or axillary dissection, radical irradiation with or without adjuvant therapy. The radiation therapy technique consisted of external beam therapy followed by an Ir-192 implant or electron beam boost. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to evaluate the correlation between multiple factors affecting the cosmetic outcome and the complications. Results: Of 289 patients, cosmesis was evaluable in 285 and recorded as excellent to good in 226 (79%), fair in 35 (12%), and poor in 24 (9%). On multivariate analysis of these results, a high dose per fraction (p = .0018), and use of electrons as boost to the tumor bed (p = .001) were found to be significant. When patients boosted with electrons were excluded, a high boost dose (p = .0433) was also found significant. Fifteen (5%) patients developed severe late radiation sequelae and 14 (5%) moderate or severe arm edema. On multivariate analysis only dose per fraction of 2.5 Gy (p < .0001) and higher boost doses (p = .017) were significant. Conclusion: In 289 patients of early breast cancer treated with conservative surgery and radical irradiation, multivariate analysis suggests that higher dose per fraction with teletherapy and higher brachytherapy boost dose adversely affect cosmesis and contribute to the late complications.

Head and neck synovial sarcomas.

Abstract: Eleven cases of synovial sarcoma of the head and neck are analyzed. Patients presented with a mass either in the parapharynx, pharyngeal wall, or nape of the neck. The tumors ranged in size from 3 to 8 cm. Microscopically, the classic biphasic pattern was seen in 10 tumors. Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy were useful in the diagnosis of the single monophasic variant of synovial sarcoma. Radical surgery was the mainstay of treatment with post-operative radiotherapy for residual disease. Five patients were dead of disease while 6 were alive for periods varying from 9 months to 15 years. The purpose of this presentation is to accrue data on this sarcoma at a rare site, and to highlight the histopathological differential diagnosis, which includes both carcinomas and sarcomas. Treatment decisions would be affected by the histology report.

Oral cavity reconstruction: An objective assessment of function

Abstract: The prime objective of oral cavity reconstruction is restoration of function, which must be carefully studied while evaluating the success of any reconstructive endeavour. We devised a unique comprehensive test series for the purpose that is suitable for use in routine follow-ups, and capable of providing objective documentation. Functional assessment included evaluation of general health, food intake, oral competence, mastication, speech, swallowing, tongue mobility, and shoulder–neck function. Fifty patients who had had surgery were analyzed and their functional scores compared with those of 10 normal volunteers. The extent of mandibular resection and the magnitude of soft tissue excision significantly affected overall scores of function. Oral competence, as reflected by the water holding test (WHT), was uniformly impaired in the 50 patients, and in dentate individuals, the quality of bolus provided good correlation with all other functional scores. Among reconstructive modalities employed here, the bi-paddled pectoralis major flap produced the best overall scores.

Carcinoma of the penis: the Indian experience

Abstract: A total of 150 evaluable patients with carcinoma of the penis were treated at the Tata Memorial Hospital between 1984 and 1987. The majority of patients were in the 4th to 7th decades. All patients presented with a growth on the penis, the biopsy of which revealed squamous carcinoma. The primary lesions were T1 in 34, T2 in 73, T3 in 41, and T4 in 2 patients, respectively. The inguinal nodes were not palpable (N0) in 77 patients, palpable but histologically not metastatic in 39 patients, and metastatic in 34 patients. The treatment of the primary lesion was surgery in 142 patients and radiation therapy in 8 patients. Patients with nonpalpable nodes were kept under surveillance and those with pathologically metastatic nodes were subjected to bilateral ilioinguinal lymphadenectomy. The size related 5 year survivals were 83.3% for T1, 60.4% for T2, and 39.5% for T3 lesions. The 5 year survivals for patients with grade I lesions were 90.3%, for grade II 58.6%, and for grade III 16.7%. The 5 year survival rate for patients for N0 nodes was 75.4% while the 3 year survival rates for patients with N1 and N2 nodes were 40% and 38.8%, respectively. The factors signifying poor survival were perinodal extension and iliac node metastases. There were 8 penile stump recurrences, of which 6 could be salvaged. Metachronous inguinal node metastases developed in 16 patients among whom surgical lymphadenectomy was possible in 12 while 4 had unresectable metastases.

Influence of dose-rate and dose per fraction on clinical outcome of breast cancer treated by external beam irradiation plus iridium-192 implants: Analysis of 289 cases

Abstract: Purpose : To study the influence of Iridium 192 implant dose-rate and dose per fraction of external irradiation on clinical outcome, the results in 289 patients with early breast cancer were analyzed retrospectively. Methods and Materials : From 1980 to 1990, 118 T, and 171 T2 lesions of breast were treated definitively by radiotherapy, following conservative surgery. External irradiation dose of 45 Gy was delivered either with 2.5 Gy or 1.8 Gy per fraction to the entire target volume, plus boost to the primary tumor. Boost dose of 15 to 30 Gy was given to the primary tumor either with iridium-192 implants or electrons. The implant dose-rate varied between 20 cGy/hr to 160 cGy/hr. Result : The minimum follow-up was of 12 months and maximum of 11 years (median: 56 months). Out of 273 tumors boosted with implants, the 270 patients were divided into five groups according to dose-rate as, groups 1 (20–29 cGy/hr, n = 17), group 2 (30–49 cGy/hr, n = 144), group 3 (50–69 cGy/hr, n = 69), group 4 (70–99 cGy/hr, n = 27) and group 5 (100–160 cGy/hr, n = 13). The local failure rate was significantly increased in the group of patients treated with implant dose-rate 100 cGy/hr (p Conclusion : The present analysis indicate that the implant dose-rate should be maintained between 30–70 cGy/hr to maximize local control and reduce the late normal tissue injury. Also the increase in dose per fraction of external irradiation white not influencing local control rate was crucial for incidence of late complications and cosmetic outcome.

Ewing's sarcoma.

Abstract: Between 1984–1987, 50 patients with Ewing's sarcoma of the bone were entered on combined modality protocol at Tata Memorial Hospital. Protocol treatment involved induction therapy consisting of 6-week therapy with vincristine, Adriamycin (doxorubicin), and cyclophosphamide (VDC) followed by local radiotherapy 50 Gy to the involved bone. This was followed for six more cycles of VDC. Five patients had metastatic disease at presentation. Seventy-six percent (38/50) of patients had disease either at axial or proximal site. With a median follow-up of 48 months (range 14–87) 21 patients remained alive with disease-free survival of 38.0% ± 2.5% at 5 years and overall survival of 36.0% ± 2.6% at 5 years. Twentyfive patients relapsed with five patients developing local failure and four local and distant metastasis. Using Lee-Desu statistical methods, only response to therapy was a significant factor for survival. We conclude that more aggressive therapy with proper selection of local treatment modality including surgery and/or radiotherapy is required to produce more long-term survival in high-risk Ewing's sarcoma. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Gender differences and low birth weight with maternal smokeless tobacco use in pregnancy.

Abstract: A preliminary study of maternal smokeless tobacco use, mostly oral applications of burnt tobacco or 'mishri', in pregnancy showed 65 of 178 singleton liveborns occurred to users and 113 to non-users in Bombay, India Eighty-three newborns, 42 to maternal tobacco users and 41 to non-users were 01, NS) for male and 696 (confidence interval 25-194, P < 00005), for female newborns compared to normal birthweight boys and girls, respectively Male:female newborns were 806:100 in maternal tobacco users compared to 1055:100 in non-users Defining LBW as < 20 kg yielded an odds ratio of 54 (confidence interval 18-152, P < 0005) in maternal tobacco users' offspring For babies weighing 2-25 kg at birth it was 276 (confidence interval 14-55, P < 001) Maternal use of 'mishri' tobacco in pregnancy may be associated with (1) the offsprings' low birth weight, (2) low birth weights in girls more than in boys; (3) decreased male:female ratio in live newborns, and (4) low birth weight of < 20 kg more than of 2-25 kg Studies are needed to substantiate these findings Gender differences in outcome suggest the in utero effect of maternal smokeless tobacco use on male and female fetuses may differ

Alpha/beta value and importance of dose per fraction for the late rectal and recto-sigmoid complications.

Abstract: A total of 203 patients with cancer of cervix stage IIIB, treated by radiation alone were analysed retrospectively for the incidence of late rectal and recto-sigmoid complications. The patients were treated with a combination of external irradiation and a single intracavitary insertion during January 1979 to December 1983. The external irradiation was randomised to deliver by four different fractionation regimens having dose per fraction of 2 Gy, 3 Gy, 4 Gy and 5.4 Gy. The doses for various fractionation regimens were matched using the time dose factors (TDF) model. 39 cases of late radiation induced rectal and recto-sigmoid complications were observed. The complication rate increased significantly (p < 0.05) with the size of dose per fraction. Using this clinical data an alpha/beta value of 3.87 +/- 0.74 Gy was estimated for late rectal and recto-sigmoid complications.

Gonadal function in prepubertal boys following treatment for Hodgkin's disease.

Abstract: PURPOSE Gonadal functions were evaluated in 26 male patients with Hodgkin's disease (HD), who were in continuous unmaintained remission following combination chemotherapy consisting of COPP/MOPP. MATERIALS AND METHODS These patients had received chemotherapy during the prepubertal phase. The median duration after termination of chemotherapy was 72 months. RESULTS Semen analysis of 18 patients showed azoospermia. Hormonal analysis showed elevated mean levels follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and inhibin as compared to age-matched controls, whereas luteinizing hormone levels were only marginally elevated. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that COPP/MOPP causes severe damage to germinal epithelium even when given during prepubertal age. Sertoli cells, which are responsible for secretion of inhibin, are resistant to these cytotoxic agents. Our data emphasize the lack of gross dysfunction of Leydig cells. It is possible that an alternative chemotherapy protocol (ABVD) may be used in young patients to minimize the gonadal damage.

Prognosis of operable squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. Relationship with clinicopathologic features and DNA ploidy

Abstract: Background: Reports on the influence of various prognostic factors in carcinoma of the esophagus are conflicting. The prognostic value of a set of clinicopathologic factors and DNA ploidy were examined in 74 patients with surgically resected squamous cell carcinoma of the lower and middle third of the esophagus. Methods: All patients had surgery performed in a single thoracic surgical unit at the Tata Memorial Hospital between January, 1984 and December, 1987. The clinicopathologic factors studied were (1) gross residual disease at operation; (2) morphology of the tumor; (3) depth of microscopic invasion; (4) lymph node involvement; (5) histologic grade; (6) vascular and lymphatic embolism; and (7) sex. DNA ploidy and S-phase fraction (SpF) were determined by flow cytometry on archival tissues extracted from paraffin blocks. Ploidy status could be determined successfully in all 74 tumors, whereas SpF could be assessed only in 25. Results: Of the various prognostic factors examined with the Cox stepwise regression model, residual disease (P = 0.000), depth of invasion (P = 0.047), and lymph node status (P = 0.077) were found to be correlated with overall survival. Conclusions: DNA ploidy was not related to prognosis. The overall survival of this group of patients at 36 months was 28%, and median survival was 18 months.

Carotid body tumors

Abstract: A retrospective study of 20 patients treated at the Tata Memorial Hospital over a period of 50 years, 1941–1991, is presented. Seventy-five percent (15/20) of the patients presented before their fifth decade with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. The commonest presenting symptom was a painless lump in the neck. Twenty-five percent (5/20) had an incisional biopsy done elsewhere prior to referral to our institute. We performed a subadventitial excision of the tumor in 17 patients, 3 of whom were given postoperative radiation therapy. Three patients underwent complete excision of the carotid system without a vascular replacement, one of whom developed hemiparesis secondary to a cerebral infarct. There was no operative/ postoperative mortality. Cranial nerve palsy was seen in 45% (9/20) of patients; the hypoglossal nerve was most commonly affected. One patient had a recurrence, 6 years after surgery, whereas 60% of patients operated on before 1987 have completed a 5-year disease free survival. Forty percent of patients have yet to have a 5-year follow-up period. Reports of newer diagnostic and therapeutic modalities are discussed. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Urethral recurrences following radical cystectomy for invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

Abstract: Summary A total of 177 patients with invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder underwent radical cystoprostatectomy, of whom 13 underwent simultaneous urethrectomy. The remaining 164 patients were followed up regularly with urethroscopy and urethral cytology. Fifteen patients developed urethral recurrences, 4 of which were associated with relapses at other sites (recurrence rate 9%), with a mean recurrence-free interval of 13.5 months. Nine of the 11 patients with isolated urethral rcurrences underwent total urethrectomy and all except 1 are alive and disease-free 2 to 8 years later. One patient was salvaged by radiation therapy and refused further treatment. The 4 patients with other associated relapses died within 18 months. The urethral recurrence rate was correlated to different risk groups defined on the basis of tumour characteristics in the cystectomy specimen. This revealed a 70% urethral recurrence rate in the high risk group, 9.6% in the moderate risk group and 1.2% in the low risk group. However, no conclusion could be drawn regarding the influence of prostatic involvement on the urethral recurrence rate.

Successful treatment of disseminated candidiasis resistant to amphotericin B by liposomal amphotericin B: a case report

Abstract: The case of a female patient with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and chronic disseminated candidiasis, who was refractory to 1.8 g conventional amphotericin B therapy, is reported. She experienced severe amphotericin-B-related side-effects in spite of pretreatment, but was subsequently successfully treated with 3 g of a small unilamellar liposome formulation of amphotericin B prepared from soya phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol in a 7∶3 molar ratio at our institute. The patient experienced minimal side-effects with this preparation, although no pretreatment was given. Liposomal amphotericin B prepared in our institute appears to be a safe and effective therapy for systemic fungal infections. However, large controlled studies are required to determine more precisely the potential of liposomal amphotericin B in the treatment of severe systemic fungal infection.

L-asparaginase related hyperglycemia.

Abstract: L-asparaginase is a valuable chemotherapeutic agent used in the induction of remission and improvement of long term survival in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Hyperglycemia is a well known side effect of L-asparaginase. Fourteen patients developed hyperglycemia during induction therapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia with L-asparaginase, prednisolone, vincristine and daunorubicin. Hyperglycemia was observed after a mean of five doses of L-asparaginase (range 2-10). Seven of fourteen patients had neutropenic related infective episodes. Hyperglycemia resolved in all patients within 12 days (range 4-25) and two patients died of neutropenic septicemia. During reinduction therapy with the same drugs, only one out of ten patients developed hyperglycemia E-coli-L-asparaginase was replaced by Erwinia asparaginase in two patients one of who had recrudescence on further therapy. Close monitoring during L-asparaginase therapy for hyperglycemia will enable prompt recognition and early correction and prevent delay in therapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Phase II study of high-dose ifosfamide as a single agent and in combination with cisplatin in the treatment of advanced and/or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck.

Abstract: 152 patients with histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (advanced and/or recurrent) were treated with a single drug therapy of ifosfamide 1.5 g/m2 by intravenou

High incidence of meningeal leukemia in lymphoid blast crisis of chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Abstract: Fifteen patients with lymphoid blast crisis of chronic myelogenous leukemia (LyBC-CML) and five patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia converting to Philadelphia-positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (ALL Ph + CML) were followed. Seven of 15 (46.7%) LyBC-CML patients developed meningeal leukemia within a median period of 6 months (range 2-11 months), while there was no medullary relapse. Five of these responded well to triple intrathecal therapy. In the ALL Ph + CML patients, in spite of central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis with IT MTX and 18 Gy cranial radiation, two of five patients (40%) experienced meningeal leukemia, one isolated and the other with medullary relapse. The data confirm that LyBC-CML patients experience a high incidence of meningeal leukemia. The role of CNS prophylaxis is not very clear, but its use may delay development and reduce morbidity due to CNS disease.

Unusual bone metastasis as the initial symptom of gastric cancer--a report of four cases.

Abstract: Four cases of gastric cancer presenting with bone pain due to metastasis as the initial symptom are reported. Investigations revealed solitary osteolytic metastasis in the mandible in one, and left scapula in one patient. Third patient had multiple osteosclerotic metastasis with elevation of acid phosphatase and another had multiple discrete osteolytic metastasis simulating multiple myeloma. All the primary gastric cancers were poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and three were of Borrman type III on gross appearance. One patient had sparing of the liver inspite of extensive metastasis. Chemotherapy was in effective in two patients and the prognosis was uniformly poor.

Primary papillary adenocarcinoma of the seminal vesicle.

Abstract: This paper describes a papillary adenocarcinoma solely confined to the seminal vesicle, in a 26 year old male. Imaging techniques and operative findings revealed an enlarged seminal vesicle, harboring a grossly papillary and friable tumor. Strict criteria for diagnosis have been applied, in this unusual case. The young age and unusual location of this papillary adenocarcinoma prompted us to report this case.

Respiratory depression following combination of epidural buprenorphine and intramuscular ketorolac

Abstract: Summary A 48-year-old man who had undergone thoracotomy for carcinoma of the middle third of his oesophagus developed severe postoperative respiratory depression following intramuscular kerorolac 30 mg 2 h after 150 pg epidural buprenorphine. Summation of analgesia by drugs used in combination can have deleterious respiratory effects.

Heterotopic ossification in colorectal adenocarcinoma [corrected].

Abstract: Heterotopic ossification in Adenocarcinomas of the colon is uncommon. The clinical presentation of these patients is similar to those without osseous metaplasia. Its importance lies in the fact that it may be misdiagnosed for a carcinosarcoma. Which has a poorer prognosis. These two cases are reported because of its rarity.

Delay in specialist consultation in cancer patients.

Abstract: A psychiatric evaluation of 75 cases of different types of cancer revealed significant psychological morbidity in 81% of cases. The time lag, if any, between primary diagnosis and presentation to oncologists was noted and the reasons for the delay were ascertained. 62% of patients (N = 47) delayed three months or more and this group also showed significantly greater (p < 0.05) psychological morbidity compared to those who delayed less than three months (N = 28). 89% of patients used denial as a mental defence mechanism and there was no significant difference in the degree of denial displayed by both groups. Psychological reasons such as denial of the illness, fear of cancer, fear of its treatment, and domestic difficulty were commonly cited as causes of delay. It is hoped that addressing these issues will reduce delay and help early detection in cancer programmes.

Leiomyoma of the bronchus: a case report.

Abstract: A 52-year-old man presented with cough and expectoration and breathlessness on exertion, of 1 month’s duration. On examination the trachea was shifted to the left and there were decreased breath sounds on the same side. Chest X-ray revealed collapse of the left lung and a shift of the trachea and the mediastinum to the left. Rrochoscopy revealed a polypoid growth in the left main bronchus, 3 cm distal to the carina and 1 cm proximal to the left upper lobe bronchus. Bronchotomy, excision of the pedunculated tumour and bronchoplasty were performed through a left postero-lateral thoracotomy. The chest X-ray, repeated 10 days after the surgery, showed complete re-expansion of the left lung. Introduction

Phaeohyphomycosis of the paranasal sinuses masquerading as a neoplasm: A case report

Abstract: A case of fungal infection of the paranasal sinuses simulating a neoplasm is reported. Fonsecaea pedrosoi, a dematiacious fungus, which has not been previously reported, was responsible for this unusual infection. Fungal infection may mimic malignant lesions of the paranasal sinuses; however, coexisting malignancy must be ruled out.

Giant cell fibroblastoma

Abstract: A report of a 1 1/2-year-old male child diagnosed as a case of giant cell fibroblastoma is described and the available literature on this neoplasm is reviewed. The tumor consists of a mixture of spindle cells and multinucleated giant cells in a myxoid or collagenous background. The pathological findings and clinical course suggest that these tumors be classified with fibromatoses of childhood. Removal of the tumor with wide excision is sufficient and these patients do not require any form of chemotherapy.

Neobladder after cystectomy: an Indian experience.

Abstract: Summary— A continent urinary reservoir was constructed from an ileocolonic segment and anastomosed to the urethra in 30 males after radical cystectomy for infiltrating bladder cancer. A small cuff of the prostate was retained for anastomosis with the reservoir and ureteric anastomosis was done from within the reservoir by the “pull through” method. Complete continence was achieved in 29 patients, all of whom had an adequate reservoir capacity exceeding 400 ml; they were able to empty the reservoirs satisfactorily as judged by the residual urine (<50 ml). Urodynamic study revealed an intra-abdominal pressure <30 cm of water at rest and at reservoir capacity of 500 ml. Early post-operative complications included urinary leaks in 3 patients, intestinal obstruction in 3 and a faecal fistula in 1. Deterioration of the upper tracts was noted in 5 cases. Twenty-seven patients are alive after a mean follow-up of 36 months.