Summary Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus tapeworms. These parasites have a worldwide geographic distribution and pose a serious threat to livestock industry as well as human health in the endemic areas. CE is widely distributed in Pakistan. However, very few reports are available related to the regional transmission of E. granulosus. A retrospective analysis was conducted of surgically confirmed CE patients who were treated at Shoukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan from 2007 – 2018. In total, 536 CE patients were evaluated during the study period. Cases originated from the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (n=336), Punjab (n=147), Baluchistan (n=18), Sindh (n=3), Islamabad (n=2), Gilgit Baltistan (n=1), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (n=1). An additional 28 cases were from Afghanistan. The highest number of CE cases was reported in 2013 (n=90). Females made up a larger proportion of cases (n=310; 57.8 %) than males (n=226; 42.2 %). Most patients were members of the Pashtun (n=197; 36.7 %), Hindku (n=142; 26.5 %), and Punjabi (n=118; 22.0 %) ethnic groups. The largest number of cysts was obtained from the liver (137/536; 25.6 %). This study showed that CE is likely present throughout Pakistan. In order to control the disease, a comprehensive control program and regional surveillance are needed.

Objectives: To audit the performance of the institutional review board at a cancer hospital. Method: The retrospective study was conducted at the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan, in 2021, and comprised all records of the institutional review board from 2005 to 2021. The audit was based on a tool created by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programmes, and elements evaluated included terms of reference, membership lists, review records, meeting minutes, institutional research guidelines as well as other relevant policies. Result: The institutional review board was found to be in 100% compliance with all the elements set forth in the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programmes. The institutional review board was found to be an independent body with a diverse membership and the chairman was always an unaffiliated member. It had defined processes in line with relevant laws and guidelines. Review of research studies was devised to promote the ethical conduct of research. Conclusion: Though a self-assessment, the audit objectively showed that the institutional review board was in cent per cent compliance with the evaluation instrument developed and used by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programmes. Nevertheless, it still needs further discussion as to how high levels of efficiency and performance of institutional review boards ultimately provide a higher degree of protection to human research participants. Key Words: Ethics, Research, Ethics committees.

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