In this study, first time estimated the levels of p38 MAPK isoforms in the serum of HNSCC. It can be concluded that p38 MAPK isoforms can be a diagnostic and prognostic marker for HNSCC and p38δ as a therapeutic target.

The aim of the present study was to provide insight into various demographic, clinical, and management profile of Indian patients with oral tongue squamous cell cancer (OTSCC). All the OTSCC patients who had undergone surgical treatment during 1995 to 2010 at a tertiary care center in North India were considered for the present study. The details of the patients were retrieved from a prospectively maintained computerized database. A total of 124 patients were included in the present study. Mean age of the patients was 50.4 ± 12.0 years. Lateral border of the tongue was the most common sub-site involved in 110 (88.7%) patients. Neck nodes were clinically palpable in 56.4% patients. Hemiglossectomy and anterior partial glossectomy were common surgical procedure undertaken in 57.2 and 25.8% patients. Negative resection margin was achieved in 97.5% patients. Pathological neck metastasis was seen in 40.3% patients. Occult neck metastasis was present in 25.9% patients among clinical N0 neck. At a mean follow-up of 29.8 months (SD 3.1), 20.1% developed disease relapse and 4.0% patients developed second primaries. Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated a 5-year disease-free survival of 81.5% and a 5 years overall survival of 78.6%. Cox proportional regression analysis predicted tumor size and number of positive nodes to be independent predictive variables for disease recurrence. Quality controlled surgery, coupled with adjuvant treatment when required, provides a safe and effective treatment of OTSCC with a good disease-free survival and loco-regional control.

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a huge burden in India with the majority of patients presenting in advanced unresectable stages. Innovative, low-cost but efficacious regimens that can be easily administered in the outpatient setting are the need of the hour. We envisaged assessing whether a readily available triplet therapy of erlotinib + methotrexate + 5-fluorouracil (EMF) is efficacious in terms of extending life and maintaining the quality of life in such patients. Patients and methods:This was a single-arm, phase II, investigator-initiated interventional study. Thirty-five platinum-resistant/refractory patients of HNSCC were treated with a combination of erlotinib 150 mg, methotrexate 40 mg/m 2 (d1, d8) and 5-fluorouracil 500 mg/m 2 (d1, d8) every 28 days till progression or unacceptable toxicities. The primary endpoint was overall response rates (ORRs) at 3 months; additional endpoints were disease control rate (DCR) at 3 months, overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), safety and patient-reported quality of life. Results:The ORR and DCR at 3 months were 45.7% and 68.5%, respectively. The PFS was 5 months (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 3.9-6 months) and the OS was 9 months (95% CI: 7.4-10.5 months). The 3-and 6-month PFS rates were 86% ± 6% and 45% ± 9%, respectively, while the OS rates at 3 and 6 months were 91% ± 5% and 68% ± 8%, respectively. Rash, mucositis and fatigue were common adverse events occurring in 23 (65%), 14 (40%) and 9 (25.7%), respectively. The most common grade 3 events seen were rash in 5 (14.2%) and diarrhoea in 2 (5.7%). Clinically significant improvement from baseline was seen in many domains of Quality of Life Core Questionnaire and Quality of Life Head and Neck Module. Research

Background Percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy is an established mode of enteral feeding for nutritional support for patients with dysphagia from upper digestive tract malignancy. Its role as a rescue measure in patients with advanced malignancy, presenting with absolute dysphagia and failure of nasogastric tube insertion has not been well established. Purpose This study was performed to assess technical success and long-term outcomes of percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy (push type) for nutritional support for patients with absolute dysphagia as a last ditch nonsurgical rescue effort for enteral access. Materials and Methods This was a prospective observational study of 31 patients who underwent push-type percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy over a period of 2 years (March 2017–March 2019). The study was a part of a larger trial approved by the institutional ethics committee. Patients were followed till the removal of tube, death, or 1 year, whichever was earlier. Gastrostomy tube-related problems and complications were documented. Descriptive summary statistics were employed to analyze the success rate and complications. Results Thirty-one patients with mean age 56 years (26–78 years) including 18 males and 13 females with head and neck squamous cell cancer and esophageal cancer presenting with absolute dysphagia or significant dysphagia with failed nasogastric or endoscopic enteral access were included. Overall technical success was 93.5% (29/31), achieved in 26/31 patients with just fluoroscopy guidance and 3/5 patients with computed tomography guidance. One major (3.3%) and two minor (6.5%) complications were encountered. Five out of 29 gastrostomy tubes had to be exchanged, after a mean of 44 days (1–128 days) after insertion. Conclusion Percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy is a safe and effective intervention even as a rescue measure in patients with absolute dysphagia from advanced upper digestive tract malignancies.