Cancer research funding in South Asia.

BACKGROUND: The rising burden of cancer significantly influences the global economy and healthcare systems. While local and contextual cancer research is crucial, it is often limited by the availability of funds. In South Asia, with 1.7 million new cancer cases and 1.1 million deaths due to cancer in 2020, understanding cancer research funding trends is pivotal. METHODS: We reviewed funded cancer studies conducted between January 1, 2003, and Dec 31, 2022, using ClinicalTrials.gov, International Cancer Research Partnership (ICRP) Database, NIH World RePORT, and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). We included funded studies related to all cancer types, conducted in South Asian countries, namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. RESULTS: We identified 6561 funded cancer studies from South Asia between 2003 and 2022, increasing from 400 studies in 2003-2007 to 3909 studies in 2018-2022. India had the highest number of funded cancer studies, while Afghanistan, Bhutan, and the Maldives had minimal or no funded cancer research output. Interventional studies (67.3%) were the most common study type funded. The most common cancer sites funded were breast (17.8%), lung (9.9%), oropharyngeal (6.2%), and cervical (5.0%) cancers. On the WHO ICTRP, international funding agencies contributed to a majority of studies (57.5%), except in India where local funding agencies (58.2%) funded more studies. CONCLUSION: This study identified gaps in research funding distribution across cancer types and geographic areas in South Asia. This data can be used to optimize the distribution of cancer research funding in South Asia, fostering equitable advancement in cancer research.

Radial Artery Harvesting With Skin Bridge Technique Among Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: An Approach For Developing Countries.

The risk of wound dehiscence and sternal infections remains high after coronary artery bypass grafting, especially in patients with diabetes. Radial artery is a potential alternative which has shown good post-operative outcomes with least complications. Open and endoscopic techniques for harvesting have been used till now. We propose an interrupted or bridging technique, for harvesting the radial artery. This report describes 25 patients undergoing CABG, using radial artery graft, harvested via skin bridge technique, at South City Hospital, Karachi. It has a better cosmetic outcome, reduced postoperative pain, shortened hospital stay and increased level of satisfaction. The interrupted technique offers less invasive cost-effective approach compared to open and endoscopic techniques for radial artery harvesting.