Concurrent Low Dose Carboplatin with Radiotherapy Versus Radiotherapy alone in Management of Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

A prospective study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of concurrent chemotherapy with single agent low dose Carboplatin and radiotherapy on survival, functional and quality of life outcomes in locally advanced head and neck cancer patients. Material and Methods : Sixty inoperable, previously untreated locally advanced head and neck cancer patients were planned to be treated with radical radiotherapy 66 Gy with concurrent single agent chemotherapy with low dose Carboplatin 150 mg IV weekly up to 6.3 weeks (Group A) and conventional radical radiotherapy alone (Group B). Results : After completion of therapy in Group A complete response was observed in 19/30 (63%) patient and in control group B in 10/30 (33%).Grade II mucosal toxicities were observed in 40% of cases and 33 % of cases in study and control group respectively. Conclusion : Concomitant single agent chemo radiotherapy with low dose Carboplatin could be a better choice in advanced stage of Head and Neck carcinoma in terms of survival, acceptable toxicities together with enhanced response and quality of life.

Non-familial paediatric colorectal cancers - an 18 years’ experience.

Background: Primary gastrointestinal malignancies constitute only 1% of all paediatric neoplasms. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe our 18 years’ experience with non-familial paediatric colorectal malignancies, outlining pertinent features of diagnosis, treatment and outcome. Methods: 9 patients of non-familial paediatric colorectal malignancies were admitted in PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana between 1990 and 2008. After the initial surgical management, the advanced cases underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy where required and were followed up. Results: There were six male and three female patients (age range: 7 to 16 years). Three tumours arose in the rectum, three in the sigmoid colon, one each in the splenic flexure and appendix, and there was one case of diffuse colonic polyposis. All cases presented with obstruction and rectal bleeding. Two cases of sigmoid carcinoma were unresectable and expired 4 months post-surgery. The rest responded to radical resection. Three patients required palliative radiation therapy. Due to the advanced stage, chemotherapy was given to all the carcinoma patients. One patient had local recurrence after 5 months and another developed distant metastasis. The rest are on follow-up and clinically and radiologically disease free. Conclusion: Paediatric colorectal malignancy is a rare entity, usually diagnosed in the later stages, culminating in advanced disease. A majority of cases undergo radical resection due to the advanced stage of presentation. Advanced stages may also require chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Conversion to hijrah (EUNUCH) is it need based or a crime.

Young boys were allegedly kidnapped and kept under illegal custody for months together. After demoralization had set in due to prolonged confinement, surgery was done on their private parts and female hormones were given to the persons. The converted person were made to wear female garments and performed in groups as a female dancers and earned money while in captivity. After a few years the person approached the police that this heinous crime had been done against their will.