Peptide-lipid hybrid vesicles with stimuli-responsive phase separation for controlled membrane functions

A disulfide-tethered peptide-lipid conjugate self-assembled into a homogeneously distributed peptide-lipid hybrid vesicle. Upon dithiothreitol treatment, the homogeneous peptide-lipid membrane spontaneously divided into lipid-rich and peptide-rich domains, while the vesicle retained its size and shape. Membrane phase separation enhanced temperature-dependent cargo release.

Global survival trends for brain tumors, by histology: analysis of individual records for 556,237 adults diagnosed in 59 countries during 2000-2014 (CONCORD-3)

BACKGROUND

Survival is a key metric of the effectiveness of a health system in managing cancer. We set out to provide a comprehensive examination of worldwide variation and trends in survival from brain tumors in adults, by histology.

METHODS

We analyzed individual data for adults (15-99 years) diagnosed with a brain tumor (ICD-O-3 topography code C71) during 2000-2014, regardless of tumor behavior. Data underwent a 3-phase quality control as part of CONCORD-3. We estimated net survival for 11 histology groups, using the unbiased nonparametric Pohar Perme estimator.

RESULTS

The study included 556,237 adults. In 2010-2014, the global range in age-standardized 5-year net survival for the most common sub-types was broad: in the range 20%-38% for diffuse and anaplastic astrocytoma, from 4% to 17% for glioblastoma, and between 32% and 69% for oligodendroglioma. For patients with glioblastoma, the largest gains in survival occurred between 2000-2004 and 2005-2009. These improvements were more noticeable among adults diagnosed aged 40-70 years than among younger adults.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the largest account to date of global trends in population-based survival for brain tumors by histology in adults. We have highlighted remarkable gains in 5-year survival from glioblastoma since 2005, providing large-scale empirical evidence on the uptake of chemoradiation at population level. Worldwide, survival improvements have been extensive, but some countries still lag behind. Our findings may help clinicians involved in national and international tumor pathway boards to promote initiatives aimed at more extensive implementation of clinical guidelines.

Solvent Effects on the Self-Assembly of an Amphiphilic Polypeptide Incorporating α-Helical Hydrophobic Blocks

The self-assembly of biological molecules is an important pathway to understanding the molecular basis of complex metabolic events. The presence of a cosolvent in an aqueous solution during the self-assembly process can promote the formation of kinetically trapped metastable intermediates. In nature, a category of cosolvents termed osmolytes can work to strengthen the hydrogen-bond network of water such that the native states of certain proteins are favored, thus modulating their function and stability. However, identifying cosolvents that act as osmolytes in biomimetic applications, such as the self-assembly of soft materials, remains challenging. The present work examined the effects of ethanol (EtOH) and acetonitrile (ACN) as cosolvents on the self-assembly of the amphiphilic polypeptide PSar₃₀-(l-Leu-Aib)₆ (S30L12), which incorporates α-helical hydrophobic blocks, in aqueous solution. The results provided a direct observation of morphological behavior of S30L12 as a function of solvent composition. Morphological transitions were investigated using transmission electron microscopy, while the packing of peptide molecules was assessed using circular dichroism analyses and evaluations of membrane fluidity. In the EtOH/H₂O mixtures, the EtOH strengthened the hydrogen-bond network of the water, thus limiting the hydrophobic hydration of S30L12 assemblies and enhancing hydrophobic interactions between assemblies. In contrast, ACN formed self-associated nanoclusters in water and at the hydrophobic cores of peptide assemblies to stabilize the edges exposed to bulk water and enhance the assembly kinetics. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis indicated that both EtOH and ACN can modify the self-assembly of biomaterials in the same manner as osmolyte protectants or denaturants.

Synthesis of Photoreactive Poly(ethylene oxide)s for Surface Modification

Photoreactive polymers that generate active species upon irradiation with light are very useful for modifying the surfaces of substrates. However, water solubility decreases as the number of photoreactive functional groups on the polymer increases because most photoreactive functional groups are hydrophobic. In order to improve the hydrophilicity of the photoreactive polymer, we synthesized polyethylene glycol-based photoreactive polymers bearing hydrophobic azidophenyl groups on their side chains. Because of the hydrophilicity of the ethylene glycol main chain, polymers with large numbers of azidophenyl groups were solubilized in protic solvents compared to hydrophobic alkylene chain-based polymers prepared by radical polymerization of methacrylate monomers. Polymers were immobilized on various substrates by irradiation with ultraviolet light and were shown to suppress nonspecific interactions between proteins and cells on the substrate. We conclude that such polymers are useful, highly water soluble antifouling agents.

Ni-Catalyzed α-Alkylation of Unactivated Amides and Esters with Alcohols by Hydrogen Auto-Transfer Strategy

A transition-metal-catalyzed borrowing hydrogen/hydrogen auto-transfer strategy allows the utilization of feedstock alcohols as an alkylating partner, which avoids the formation of stoichiometric salt waste and enables a direct and benign approach for the construction of C-N and C-C bonds. In this study, a nickel-catalyzed α-alkylation of unactivated amides and ester (tert-butyl acetate) is carried out by using primary alcohols under mild conditions. This C-C bond-forming reaction is catalyzed by a new, molecularly defined nickel(II) NNN-pincer complex (0.1-1 mol %) and proceeds through hydrogen auto-transfer, thereby releasing water as the sole byproduct. In addition, N-alkylation of cyclic amides under Ni-catalytic conditions is demonstrated.

Manganese-Catalyzed Direct Conversion of Ester to Amide with Liberation of H2

A simple and efficient Mn-catalyzed acylation of amines is achieved using both acyl and alkoxy functions of unactivated esters with the liberation of molecular hydrogen as a sole byproduct. The present protocol provides an atom-economical and sustainable route for the synthesis of amides from esters by employing an earth-abundant manganese salt and inexpensive phosphine-free tridentate ligand.

Pd(ii)-Catalyzed gamma-C(sp3)–H alkynylation of amides: selective functionalization of R chains of amides R1C(O)NHR

The first example of palladium(ii)-catalyzed alkynylation of an unactivated gamma C(sp³)–H bond of alkyl amides (cyclic, linear, and amino acids) is reported.

Iron-catalyzed dehydrogenation reactions and their applications in sustainable energy and catalysis

This review article describes recent developments of iron-based acceptorless dehydrogenation (AD) reactions of fundamentally important feedstock, as a route to sustainable chemical synthesis and energy storage applications.

Time Trends in Breast Cancer Among Indian Women Population: An Analysis of Population Based Cancer Registry Data

BACKGROUND

The trends observed in cancer breast among Indian women are an indication of effect of changing lifestyle in population. To draw an appropriate inference regarding the trends of a particular type of cancer in a country, it is imperative to glance at the reliable data collected by Population Based Cancer Registries over a period of time.

OBJECTIVE

To give an insight of changing trends of breast cancer which have taken place over a period of time among women in Cancer Registries of India. Breast Cancer trends for invasive breast cancer in women in Indian Registries have varied during the selected period. Occurrence of breast cancers has also shown geographical variation in India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This data was collected by means of a 'Standard Core Proforma' designed by NCRP conforming to the data fields as suggested by International norms. The Proforma was filled by trained Registry workers based on interview/ hospital medical records/ supplementing data by inputs from treating surgeons/radiation oncologists/involved physicians/pathologists. The contents of the Proforma are entered into specifically created software and transmitted electronically to the coordinating center at Bangalore. The registries contributing to more number of years of data are called as older registries, while other recently established registries are called newer registries.

RESULTS

While there has been an increase recorded in breast cancer in most of the registries, some of them have recorded an insignificant increase. Comparison of Age Adjusted Rates (AARs) among Indian Registries has been carried out after which trends observed in populations covered by Indian Registries are depicted. A variation in broad age groups of females and the proneness of females developing breast cancer over the period 1982 to 2010 has been shown. Comparisons of Indian registries with International counterparts have also been carried out.

CONCLUSIONS

There are marked changes in incidence rates of cancer breast which have occurred in respective registries in a developing country like India. A steady increase in AARs in most of the registries of India including the newly established registries is indicative of the fact that cancer breast poses a threat to women in India.

Hydrolytic and oxidative degradation of electrospun supramolecular biomaterials: In vitro degradation pathways

The emerging field of in situ tissue engineering (TE) of load bearing tissues places high demands on the implanted scaffolds, as these scaffolds should provide mechanical stability immediately upon implantation. The new class of synthetic supramolecular biomaterial polymers, which contain non-covalent interactions between the polymer chains, thereby forming complex 3D structures by self assembly. Here, we have aimed to map the degradation characteristics of promising (supramolecular) materials, by using a combination of in vitro tests. The selected biomaterials were all polycaprolactones (PCLs), either conventional and unmodified PCL, or PCL with supramolecular hydrogen bonding moieties (either 2-ureido-[1H]-pyrimidin-4-one or bis-urea units) incorporated into the backbone. As these materials are elastomeric, they are suitable candidates for cardiovascular TE applications. Electrospun scaffold strips of these materials were incubated with solutions containing enzymes that catalyze hydrolysis, or solutions containing oxidative species. At several time points, chemical, morphological, and mechanical properties were investigated. It was demonstrated that conventional and supramolecular PCL-based polymers respond differently to enzyme-accelerated hydrolytic or oxidative degradation, depending on the morphological and chemical composition of the material. Conventional PCL is more prone to hydrolytic enzymatic degradation as compared to the investigated supramolecular materials, while, in contrast, the latter materials are more susceptible to oxidative degradation. Given the observed degradation pathways of the examined materials, we are able to tailor degradation characteristics by combining selected PCL backbones with additional supramolecular moieties. The presented combination of in vitro test methods can be employed to screen, limit, and select biomaterials for pre-clinical in vivo studies targeted to different clinical applications.

Synthesis of 4-Alkylidene-Substituted 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroisoquinolines via Palladium-Catalyzed Carbopalladation/C–H Activation of 2-Bromobenzyl-N-propargylamines

Tetrasubstituted alkene-based 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines are synthesized via the formation of a cyclic carbopalladation complex followed by C–H bond activation of the sp2 carbon in arenes. This domino reaction proceeds with good selectivity and provides good yields of the products. The requisite starting materials are synthesized by copper(I) iodide catalyzed A3-coupling reactions.

Evaluation of different protein extraction methods for banana (Musa spp.) root proteome analysis by two-dimensional electrophoresis

Four protocols viz., the trichloroacetic acid-acetone (TCA), phenol-ammonium acetate (PAA), phenol/SDS-ammonium acetate (PSA) and trisbase-acetone (TBA) were evaluated with modifications for protein extraction from banana (Grand Naine) roots, considered as recalcitrant tissues for proteomic analysis. The two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) separated proteins were compared based on protein yield, number of resolved proteins, sum of spot quantity, average spot intensity and proteins resolved in 4-7 pI range. The PAA protocol yielded more proteins (0.89 mg/g of tissues) and protein spots (584) in 2-DE gel than TCA and other protocols. Also, the PAA protocol was superior in terms of sum of total spot quantity and average spot intensity than TCA and other protocols, suggesting phenol as extractant and ammonium acetate as precipitant of proteins were the most suitable for banana rooteomics analysis by 2-DE. In addition, 1:3 ratios of root tissue to extraction buffer and overnight protein precipitation were most efficient to obtain maximum protein yield.

Reverse-hydroformylation: a missing reaction explored

Recent progress in transition-metal catalysed acceptor- and acceptorless-reverse hydroformylation of aldehydes for the conversion of olefins has been discussed. The aldehyde feedstock serves as a source for production of syngas and valuable alkenes.

An expedient route to highly diversified [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a][1,4]benzodiazepines and their evaluation for antimicrobial, antiproliferative and in silico studies

A simple and facile synthesis of a series of diversified [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a][1,4]benzodiazepines has been achieved successfully via a one-pot method under milder conditions and evaluated for their biological activity.

Phenylpropanoid enzymes, phenolic polymers and metabolites as chemical defenses to infection of Pratylenchus coffeae in roots of resistant and susceptible bananas (Musa spp.)

Activity differences of the first (phenylalanine ammonia lyase, PAL) and the last (cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase, CAD) enzymes of phenylpropanoid pathway in the roots of resistant (Yangambi Km5 and Anaikomban) and susceptible (Nendran and Robusta) banana cultivars caused by root lesion nematode, Pratylenchus coffeae, were investigated. Also, the accumulation of phenolics and deposition of lignin polymers in cell walls in relation to resistance of the banana cultivars to the nematode were analyzed. Compared to the susceptible cultivars, the resistant cultivars had constitutively significantly higher PAL activity and total soluble and cell wall-bound phenolics than in susceptible cultivars. The resistant cultivars responded strongly to the infection of the nematode by induction of several-time higher PAL and CAD enzymes activities, soluble and wall-bound phenolics and enrichment of lignin polymers in cell wall and these biochemical parameters reached maximum at 7th day postinoculation. In addition, profiles of phenolic acid metabolites in roots of Yangambi Km5 and Nendran were analyzed by HPLC to ascertain the underlying biochemical mechanism of bananas resistance to the nematode. Identification and quantification of soluble and cell wall-bound phenolic acids showed six metabolites and only quantitative, no qualitative, differences occurred between the resistant and susceptible cvs. and between constitutive and induced contents. A very prominent increase of p-coumaric, ferulic and sinapic acids, which are precursors of monolignols of lignin, in resistant cv. was found. These constitutive and induced biochemical alterations are definitely the chemical defenses of resistant cvs. to the nematode infection.

Diethyl [(2-chloroanilino)(1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]phosphonate

In the title compound, C₂₆H₂₇ClN₃O₃P, the mean plane of the central pyrazole ring forms a dihedral angle of 71.37 (14)° with the chloro­phenyl ring. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked by pairs of N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with R²₂(10) ring motifs. The 3-phenyl ring is disordered with four C atoms occupying two sets of sites with an occupancy ratio of 0.748 (4):0.252 (4).

Surface modification of electrospun fibre meshes by oxygen plasma for bone regeneration

Plasma treatment is a method to modify the physicochemical properties of biomaterials, which consequently may affect interactions with cells. Based on the rationale that physical cues on the surface of culture substrates and implants, such as surface roughness, have proven to alter cell behaviour, we used electrospinning to fabricate fibrous three-dimensional scaffolds made of a poly (ethylene oxide terephthalate)/poly (butylene terephthalate) copolymer to mimic the physical microenvironment of extracellular matrix and applied radio-frequency oxygen plasma treatment to create nanoscale roughness. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed a fibre diameter of 5.49 ± 0.96 µm for as-spun meshes. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements determined an exponential increase of surface roughness with plasma treatment time. An increase in hydrophilicity after plasma treatment was observed, which was associated with higher oxygen content in plasma treated scaffolds compared to untreated ones. A more pronounced adsorption of bovine serum albumin occurred on scaffolds treated with plasma for 15 and 30 min compared to untreated fibres. Clinically relevant human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) were cultured on untreated, 15 and 30 min treated scaffolds. SEM analysis confirmed cell attachment and a pronounced spindle-like morphology on all scaffolds. No significant differences were observed between different scaffolds regarding the amount of DNA, metabolic activity and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity after 7 days of culture. The amount of ALP positive cells increased between 7 and 21 days of culture on both untreated and 30 min treated meshes. In addition, ALP staining of cells on plasma treated meshes appeared more pronounced than on untreated meshes after 21 days of culture. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed significant upregulation of bone sialoprotein and osteonectin expression on oxygen plasma treated fibres compared to untreated fibres in basic culture medium after 7 days of culture, while no differences were observed in the expression of other osteogenic markers. At 21 days, no osteocalcin protein could be detected by ELISA at any of the substrates. In conclusion, this study shows that oxygen plasma treatment can successfully be applied to modify the nanoscale surface properties of polymeric electrospun fibre meshes, which in turn may positively affect osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs.

Neocellularization and neovascularization of nanosized bioactive glass-coated decellularized trabecular bone scaffolds

In this study, the in vivo recellularization and neovascularization of nanosized bioactive glass (n-BG)-coated decellularized trabecular bone scaffolds were studied in a rat model and quantified using stereological analyses. Based on the highest amount of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secreted by human fibroblasts grown on n-BG coatings (0-1.245 mg/cm(2)), decellularized trabecular bone samples (porosity: 43-81%) were coated with n-BG particles. Grown on n-BG particles at a coating density of 0.263 mg/cm(2), human fibroblasts produced 4.3 times more VEGF than on uncoated controls. After 8 weeks of implantation in Sprague-Dawley rats, both uncoated and n-BG-coated samples were well infiltrated with newly formed tissue (47-48%) and blood vessels (3-4%). No significant differences were found in cellularization and vascularization between uncoated bone scaffolds and n-BG-coated scaffolds. This finding indicates that the decellularized bone itself may exhibit growth-promoting properties induced by the highly interconnected pore microarchitecture and/or proteins left behind on decellularized scaffolds. Even if we did not find proangiogenic effects in n-BG-coated bone scaffolds, a bioactive coating is considered to be beneficial to impart osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties to decellularized bone. n-BG-coated bone grafts have thus high clinical potential for the regeneration of complex tissue defects given their ability for recellularization and neovascularization.

Diethyl [(2-bromoanilino)(1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]phosphonate

In the title compound, C₂₆H₂₇BrN₃O₃P, the central pyrazole ring forms a dihedral angle of 71.7 (2)° with the bromo­phenyl ring. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked by pairs of N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with R₂²(10) ring motifs. Four C atoms of the 3-phenyl ring are disordered over two sets of sites [site occupancies = 0.745 (6) and 0.225 (6)].

Population-based cancer incidence in Sikkim, India: report on ethnic variation

Background:

A Population-Based Cancer Registry (PBCR) was set up in Sikkim (a state in the North Eastern India) in 2003. We examined incidence rates by ethnic groups from 2003–2008.

Methods:

Age-adjusted incidence rates (AARs) per 100 000 person-years were calculated by direct method using the world standard population, and analysed by ethnic group (Bhutia, Rai and other).

Result:

There were a total of 1148 male and 1063 female cases of cancer between 2003 and 2008 on the Sikkim PBCR. The overall AARs were 89.4 and 99.4 per 100 000 person-years in males and females, respectively. Incidence rates were highest amongst the Bhutia group (AAR=172.4 and 147.4 per 100 000 person-years in males and females, respectively), and the largest difference in rates were observed for stomach cancers with AARs being 12.6 and 4.7 times higher in the Bhutia group compared with other ethnic groups in males and females, respectively.

Conclusion:

These observations call for further epidemiological investigations and the introduction of screening programmes.

Synthesis and NMR spectral assignments of indol-3-yl pyridines through one-pot multi-component reaction

Asimple protocol for the efficient preparation of 6-(ferrocene-1-yl)-2-(indol-3-yl)pyridine and 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-6-(2-thienyl)pyridine derivatives has been achieved through multi-component reaction, and these compounds were thoroughly characterised by 2D NMR spectral techniques.

Cancer epidemiology in South Asia - past, present and future

Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, with their total population of more than 1,500 million, make up the subcontinent of South Asia. Despite massive diversity across the region, there are sufficient similarities to warrant a collective approach to chronic disease control, including development of cancer control programs. Cancer is already a major problem and there are general similarities in the prevalence patterns. In males, oral and lung cancer are either number one or two, depending on the registry, with the exceptions of Quetta in the far north, Larkana and Chennai. Moderately high numbers of pharyngeal and/or laryngeal cancer are also consistently observed, with prostate cancer now becoming visible in the more developed cities. Breast and cervical cancer share first and second place except in Muslim Pakistan, where oral cancer generally follows breast. The ovary is often included in the five most prevalent types. Markedly increasing rates for breast cancer and distribution shifts in other cancers suggest that, despite improvement in cervical and oral rates, the overall burden will only become heavier over time, especially with increasing obesity and aging of what are still youthful populations. Coordination of activities within South Asia is a high priority for cancer control in the region.

The magnitude of cancer breast in India: a summary

Cancer of breast has emerged as the leading site of cancer in most urban populations of India. For the year 2007, there have been an estimated 82,000 new cases of cancer Breast in India. It is rapidly replacing cancer of cervix as the most important leading site of cancer among women. The data collected over the years from five urban population based cancer registries namely Bangalore, Bhopal, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai, under the network of National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) have shown a statistical rising trend in the incidence rate of breast cancer. In hospital-based cancer registries, cancer of the breast is the leading site of cancer in Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram, second leading site in Bangalore, Dibrugarh and Chennai. Cancer of breast constitutes 14.3 to 30.0% of all cancers in women in these HBCRs. The report on 'Development of an Atlas of Cancer in India' showed that Chandigarh (39.5), North Goa (36.8), Aizawl (36.2) and Panchkula (34.6) had the higher microscopic incidence rates of breast cancer compared to that seen in Delhi PBCR that had the highest rate among all PBCRs.

Projections of number of cancer cases in India (2010-2020) by cancer groups

INTRODUCTION

Recently, NCRP (ICMR), Bangalore, has published a report on Time Trends in Cancer Incidence Rates. The report also provided projected numbers of cancer cases at the India country level for selected leadingsites.

OBJECTIVE

In the present paper, an attempt has been made to project cancer cases for India by sex, years and cancer groups.

SOURCES OF DATA

The incidence data generated by population-based cancer registries (PBCRs) at Bangalore, Barshi, Bhopal, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai for the years 2001-2005 formed the sources of data. In addition, the latest incidence data of North Eastern Registries for the year 2005-06 were utilized.

METHODS

The crude incidence rate (CR) was considered suitable for assessing the future load of cancer cases in the country. The Linear Regression method (IARC 1991) was used to assess the time trend and the projection of rates for the periods 2010-2020. For whichever sites where trends were not found to be significant, their latest rates were taken into consideration and assumed to remain same for the period 2010-2020.

RESULTS

The total cancer cases are likely to go up from 979,786 cases in the year 2010 to 1,148,757 cases in the year 2020. The tobacco-related cancers for males are estimated to go up from 190,244 in the year 2010 to 225,241 in the year 2020. Similarly, the female cases will go up from 75,289 in year 2010 to 93,563 in the year 2020. For the year 2010, the number of cancer cases related to digestive system, for both males and females, are estimated to be 107,030 and 86,606 respectively. For, head and neck cancers, the estimates are 122,643 and 53,148 cases, respectively. and for the lymphoid and hematopoietic system (LHS), for the year 2010, are 62,648 for males and 41,591 for females. Gynecological-related cancers are estimated to go up from 153,850 in 2010 to 182,602 in 2020. Among males and females, cancer of breast alone is expected to cross the figure of 100,000 by the year 2020.

Problem of small numbers in reporting of cancer incidence and mortality rates in Indian cancer registries

The present paper examines the problem of small numbers (<20 cases) associated with many sites of cancers in Indian cancer registries. The cancer incidence data of 14 Population Based Cancer Registries for the periods of 2001-03 and 2004-05 were utilized for the analysis. Nine out of 14 registries had more than 50% of their sites being associated with small numbers while seven registries had 50% of their sites having as low as 5 cases. Sites associated with small numbers showed a lot of variation and significant differences in their incidence rates within two years duration which are not feasible. The percentage age distribution was also found to vary with different periods. The paper has effectively shown the effect of population size on incidence rates. For a registry of population size 300,000, the incidence rate of 6 can very well be unstable. There are many registries in the world with their population size less than 200,000. Even in the case of registries with high population (>or= 500,000) the practice is to report the cancer incidence by different ethnic groups with populations less than 200,000 and thereby introduce the problem of small numbers in reporting the incidences of various cancer sites. To overcome this problem, pooling of data over broad age groups or ten years age groups or 3 to 5 years periods is one immediate solution.

The magnitude of cancer cervix in India

The Indian Council of Medical Research initiated a network of cancer registries under the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) in 1981 and data collection commenced in these registries from January 1982. The results on incidence rates provided by the Population Based Cancer Registries (PBCRs) have shown the variation in patterns of cancer in general and that of cancer cervix in particular. Cancer of the cervix has been the most important cancer in women in India, over past two decades. All the urban Population Based Cancer Registries at Bangalore, Bhopal, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai have shown a statistically significant decrease in incidence rates of this site of cancer. Since over 70 per cent of the Indian population resides in the rural areas, cancer cervix still constitutes the number one cancer in either sex. Based on the data of the PBCRs, the estimated number of new cancers during 2007 in India was 90.708. The relative five year survival reported some time earlier averaged 48.7 per cent.

Oral cancer in Southern India: the influence of body size, diet, infections and sexual practices

Between 1996 and 1999, we carried out a study in Southern India on risk factors for oral cancer. The study included 591 incident cases of cancer of the oral cavity (282 women) and 582 hospital controls (290 women). Height was unrelated to oral cancer risk. Body mass index (weight in kilograms/height in metres squared) was inversely associated with risk (P for trend<0.001). Paan chewers with low BMI were at particularly high risk. Risk was increased among subjects consuming meat (odds ratio (OR) 1.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00-2.37), ham and salami (OR 4.40, 95% CI 2.88-6.71) two or more times per week. Frequent consumption of fish, eggs, raw green vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, carrots, pulses, apples or pears, citrus fruit, and overall consumption of vegetables and fruit decreased oral cancer risk (P for trend for each of these items less than or equal to 0.001). The risk associated with low consumption of vegetables was higher among smokers than among non-smokers. Men, but not women, who practised oral sex had an increased oral cancer risk (OR 3.14, 95% CI 1.15-8.63). Women with more than one sexual partner during life were at increased oral cancer risk (OR 9.93, 95% CI 1.57-62.9).

Survival in cancer of the cervix: treatment in a population-based cancer registry in a developing country (Bangalore, India)

A survival analysis of treated cases of cervix cancer that were registered in the Bangalore (India) Population Based Cancer Registry between 1 January 1987 and 31 December 1989 was performed. Information on vital status of patients was obtained principally through follow-up visits to homes of patients. Follow-up information was available for 860 (92.7 percent) of 928 registered cases. Of the 860 cases, information on treatment was available for 559 patients, on whom the analysis of treatment outcome was performed. The overall five-year observed survival (5YS) was 41.1 percent with a relative survival of 46.3 percent. The 5YS was significantly (P = 0.01) influenced by clinical stage and by addition of brachytherapy (BT) to external radiotherapy (EXT) (5YS = 60.1 percent cf 27.4 percent, P < or = 0.001). In 343 patients who received EXT only, comparatively better survival was seen in the group who had received between 4,800 to 5,999 centigray (cGy) (5YS = 36.1 percent) when compared with those who received less than 3,000 and 3,000 to 4,799 cGy (5YS = 16.7 percent and 24.9 percent, respectively). Doses of EXT higher than 5,999 cGy (in patients who were not suitable for BT) did not have any benefit in the 5YS (27.4 percent). The study has generated a specific hypothesis about possible needless excess dose of external radiotherapy.

Descriptive epidemiology of childhood cancers in Bangalore, India

While fairly complete and reliable incident data on childhood cancers are available from the registries in India, mortality and survival information is not. Information concerning the latter was obtained by the Bangalore cancer registry through active follow-up involving visits to homes of patients. Between 1982 and 1989, 617 cases of cancers in childhood were registered, giving an age-standardized incidence rate of 84.8 and 48.4 per million in male and female children, respectively. Active follow-up provided mortality/survival information in 532 or 86.2 percent of these cases. Overall, observed five-year survival was 36.8 percent (both genders combined) with a relative survival of 37.5 percent when childhood mortality in the general population was taken into account. The five-year relative survival was best for thyroid carcinoma (100 percent) followed by Hodgkin's disease (73 percent) and retinoblastoma (72.9 percent). Survival was comparatively low, being 9.9 percent in acute nonlymphatic leukemia and less than 20 percent in rhabdomyosarcoma and the category grouped as 'other malignant neoplasms.' Survival in Hodgkin's disease was influenced by clinical stage at presentation, but was not statistically significant possibly due to small numbers.

Improved survival in cervical cancer cases in a rural Indian population

In the first Rural Cancer Registry in India, 194 cervical cancer cases were registered during 1988-91. The 3 year survival was significantly higher in cases registered in 1990-91 (40.0%), than in those registered in the earlier years (26.6%). This improvement was due to the cancer education activities undertaken by the Registry.