Background: Ki-67 index is an important prognostic marker in breast cancer and is also used to differentiate luminal A subtype from luminal B. Inter-observer variations in determining the index and the cut-off value to be considered in distinguishing the two subtypes remain problems in clinical practice. Methods: MIB-1 immunohistochemistry was done on 200 cases of breast cancer with 50 cases in each molecular subtype. The Ki-67 scoring was done manually by two observers and automated method (using the software ImmunoRatio). The mean value of Ki-67 was calculated in each molecular group and in the entire estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor (ER/PR) positive group. The inter-observer variability between the two observers and the automated method was also assessed. Results: The mean and median values of Ki-67 of all the 200 cases obtained by manual scoring was 31.13% and 29.65% by observer 1, 28.48% and 27.90% by observer 2, and 38.27% and 35.45% by the automated method. The mean Ki-67 value obtained by manual scoring, in luminal A, luminal B, HER2 enriched and triple negative was 21.07%, 37.19%, 33.72% and 27.27%, respectively. There was significant correlation between the two observers and with the automated scoring.. The mean value of the Ki-67 index in the ER/PR positive group was 29.1%. Conclusion: The inter-observer correlation and the correlation with the automated scoring system of the Ki-67 index was good. 29.1% was the mean Ki-67 index in the ER/PR positive group and this value was within the acceptable range as per St Galen's recommendation.

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Extraintestinal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (EGISTs) are mesenchymal tumor with no connection to tubular gastrointestinal system. They commonly arise from omentum and mesentry. Retroperitoneum is a rare primary site. We herein report a case of a 33 year old woman who underwent upfront surgery for primary retroperitoneal gastrointestinal stromal tumor and is now disease-free on adjuvant Imatinib.

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Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in India among women. This study was conducted to describe the demographic, clinical, histopathological, endocrinological and survival pattern of breast cancer patients in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Methods: The study was done in Medical Oncology department of GB pant hospital. Data was retrieved from the case sheets of patients who consulted from 1st February 2015 to 31st January 2018. As this hospital is the only referral hospital, the patients are representative of all cancer patients in the Island, and the population base is well defined. Results: During the study period, 85 breast cancer patients were treated. Of the 82 female patients, the standardized incidence rates in 2015, 2016 and 2017 were 8.82, 13 and 14.42 per 100,000 women respectively. The prevalence and mortality rates in 2015, 2016, 2017 were 14.88, 27.96, 40.37, and 1.1, 2.74, 0.55 per 100,000 women respectively. Metastasis was detected at the time of diagnosis in 18.8% of patients. Estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) positivity was reported in 55.9% of patients, HER 2 positivity in 28.1% and triple negativity in 27.3%. The overall survival at 12, 24, and 36 months follow-up were 88.9%, 84.3% and 52.7% respectively. In univariable analysis, the hazard ratios were significantly higher for patients with metastasis and diagnosis before 2015. Conclusion: As compared to the country, breast cancer incidence was lower in the Islands with better survival. Stage at diagnosis was the most important factor determining survival in these patients.

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Extragonadal germ cell tumors (GCTs) of head and neck region account for 5% of all benign and malignant GCTs. Orbit is an uncommon site for occurrence of extragonadal GCTs. Pure yolk sac tumor (YST) of orbit is a rare neoplasm and only a few cases are reported in the literature. An 18-month-old boy presented with right eye proptosis of 2 months duration. Because of rapid clinical course and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, neoplastic lesion was suspected. Histopathological examination of the biopsy revealed neoplasm with possibility of GCT. Raised serum alpha-feto-protein levels suggested YST component. Positivity for immunohistochemical markers Glypican-3 and SALL4 confirmed pure YST nature of the tumor. The child received six cycles of cisplatin-based chemotherapy with significant reduction in size of the tumor, followed by exenteration of the orbit. This case is reported for its rarity as well as for highlighting diagnostic characteristics and management of orbital YST.

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Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICCs) are popular means of long-term intravenous access in oncology patients. Fracture and embolization are rare but potentially serious complications. Here we present an unusual fracture of the PICC line in a 9-year-old boy with Ewing's sarcoma with embolization to the right ventricle (RV) and right pulmonary artery (RPA) which was retrieved percutaneously by trans-catheter snare assisted retrieval. Adequate care and precautions like handling by trained nursing staff/parental education must be undertaken to prevent such complications.

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We report a rare case of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a cytogenetically complex karyotype with coexistence of KMT2A/MLL Mixed Lineage Leukemia (11q23) rearrangement with 5q deletion and 7q deletion as unrelated clones along with evolution of a subclone with translocation between chromosomes 6 and 17. A novel MLL fusion partner region 12p13 was identified in a 52 year old woman who presented with pyrexia of unknown origin. Unraveling the complexity of genomic alterations occurring in AML patients will lead to better understanding of leukemic transformation and identification of subsets of patients that may respond differently to therapy.

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Background: Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC) is a rare low grade renal tumour exhibiting characteristic morphological features. We share our experience and discuss briefly, a review of the current literature. Methods: Electronic medical records were searched between January 2005 to January 2017. The histopathology and immunohistochemistry slides were retrieved and reviewed. Results: Eleven cases of MTSCC were identified. Mean age at presentation was 53.9 (age range 41 to 71) years with a slight female preponderance (F: M=6:5). Clinical stage at presentation was: Stage I (4 cases), Stage II (3 cases), Stage III (1 case), and Stage IV (3 cases). The average tumour size was 7.5cm (range 3.5 to 17cm). Microscopically, characteristic biphasic tumour with tubular and spindle cell morphology with variable mucinous stroma was noted in all. The prominent immunohistochemical profile revealed positivity for CK7 (7/8, 87.5%), AMACR (6/8, 75%), AE1/3 (4/4, 100%), CD10 (3/10, 27.3%), and Vimentin (3/3, 100%). Seven patients (Stage I and II) had been treated with nephrectomy, whereas only a diagnostic biopsy was available in four patients who presented with locally advanced disease (n=1) or distant metastasis (n=3) at presentation. The mean follow-up was 37.8 months (range 8 to 96 months), available in 10 out of 11 patients, without recurrence in nine while one died 8 months after diagnosis. Conclusion: MTSCC is an indolent renal cancer with characteristic morphology. However, presentation with locally advanced disease or distant metastasis may be seen in a subset of these patients. This warrants close follow-up in even localized tumors.

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Background: Evidence regarding social support in patients is mostly from cross-sectional studies. Very few studies have focused on the change in social support systems before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Methods: A total of 191 patients were investigated before transplantation and at 30, 90 and 180 days post-transplantation. The social support for patients was evaluated by the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS). Results: The overall PSSS scores showed a continuous decline in means from 71.29 ± 9.73 before the transplantation to 69.44 ± 10.61, 68.73 ± 10.04, and 66.37 ± 12.02 at 30, 90 and 180 days post-transplantation, respectively. In comparison to the baseline, the overall PSSS scores decreased significantly at 90 and 180 days post-transplantation (P < .05). The Generalized Estimated Equation (GEE) analysis found that patients with no transplant-related complications, higher household income, and better educational status had preferable social support. Conclusion: Social support presented a marked downward trend during the six month period. Patients with no transplant-related complications, higher household income and better educational status had preferable social support. Therefore, social support as a high-priority quality of life should be given close attention in the early phase of transplantation. Positive measures should be taken to improve social support in the early phase of transplantation especially among individuals undergoing this procedure for the first time.

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Background: The management of T-lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) in adults poses uncertainties, including optimal chemotherapy regimen, need for radiotherapy, and the benefit of stem cell transplant. This retrospective case series investigated the efficacy of the pediatric BFM-90 regimen in adult patients and evaluated the role of early response assessment by positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET-CT) in predicting outcomes. Methods: Patients aged 15 years or older with T-LBL diagnosed at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India were given chemotherapy according to the European BFM-90 protocol (n = 38). The patients were evaluated for early response by interim PET-CT, post-induction and monitored for toxicity and long-term outcomes. Results: Thirty-eight consecutive patients (median age 23.5 years) were analyzed. After a median follow-up of 33.5 (1–77) months, following induction, 35 out of 38 patients (92.1%) had achieved complete response (CR) on PET-CT. Thirty (78.9%) patients treated according to BFM-90 were alive in first remission. Three-year event-free survival for those with CR on PET-CT was 78%, against no survivors for those who remained PET-positive. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of BFM-90 approach in adults with T-LBL. We found an early PET response to be highly predictive of outcome.

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Background: The patterns of local failure in stage pN2 nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients undergoing radical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy are controversial. Methods: The sites of local failure were compared in subgroups of patients with relevant clinicopathologic features (e.g., location and size of primary lesions). Results: Totally 75 patients with local failure after radical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy for pN2 NSCLC were included in the analysis. Thirty-seven (49.3%) patients had distant metastasis. The median duration from surgical resection to local failure was 11 months (range: 3–45 months). Sites with ≥10% failure rate in all subgroups based on the location of the primary lesions included 4R, 7, the ipsilateral hilum, and the stump. Additional sites with ≥10% failure rate included 2R, 2L, 4L, and 5 for lesions in the left upper lobe; 4L and 5 for lesions in the left lower lobe; and 2R and 3P for lesions in the right upper-middle lobe. Squamous cell carcinoma affected the stump failure rate compared to adenocarcinoma (56.3% vs. 18.0%, P = 0.003). Tumor diameter ≥5 cm affected the stump failure rate compared to tumor diameter <5 cm (44.0% vs. 18.0%, P = 0.016). Skip N2 metastasis affected the ipsilateral hilum failure rate compared to nonskip N2 metastasis (7.5% vs. 31.4%, P = 0.008) Conclusions: For pN2 NSCLC patients undergoing radical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy, different lung lobes had different high-risk failure sites. Left lung cancer is prone to bilateral mediastinal lymph nodes recurrence, while right lung cancer mainly recurs with ipsilateral mediastinal lymph nodes. Moreover, the local failure patterns are influenced by pathological type, tumor size, and skip N2 metastasis.

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Dexmedetomidine is a centrally acting α2 adrenoreceptor agonist used in perioperative medicine due to its sedative, analgesic and sympatholytic properties. Recently animal data has pointed towards potential role of dexmedetomidine in promoting cancer recurrence and metastasis when used perioperatively especially after breast surgeries. This is because of presence of α2 adrenoreceptors in breast cancer tissue. We reviewed existing literature in which dexmedetomidine was used in cancer surgeries and investigated its role in recurrence and metastasis.

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Appropriate management of the patient with colorectal carcinoma depends on obtaining key prognostic and predictive information from the resection specimen. These include the quality of surgery, extent of lymph nodal clearance, presence of nodal disease, vascular invasion, residual disease post neoadjuvant treatment, and completeness of resection. A meticulous and structured approach to dissection of the resection specimen and subsequent histological examination by the pathologist is crucial in providing this information to the treating clinician. A good macroscopic examination also serves to audit the quality of other services including radiology, surgery, and oncology. This article attempts to review dissection and reporting guidelines with an evidence-based approach and hopes to guide pathologists to understand the basis behind the recommended protocols.

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Background: Tobacco use has emerged as a major public health problem. But, most graduates in medical and dental schools receive limited systematic training. The objective of this education innovation project was to enhance dental undergraduate student's ability to identify tobacco users through oral manifestations and improve their counseling skills using a customized Tobacco Counseling Training Module (TCTM). Methods: A TCTM for students of dentistry was developed using ADDIE framework as a guide. Content and construct validation of the module was done by six subject experts using Delphi technique for obtaining consensus. Pilot testing was done on 20 students of third year BDS. Pre- and post-intervention assessment of knowledge, attitude, self-confidence was done using learning outcomes questionnaire. Ability to correctly identify oral manifestations was assessed using extended item MCQs and tobacco counseling skills using a modified KEECC. The difference in mean scores were computed and subjected to further statistical analysis using SPSS version 22. Results: There was a significant improvement in post intervention scores for mean knowledge (5.5 ± 1.4 to 13.2 ± 1.1), attitude (5.6 ± 0.9 and 8.5 ± 0.5), self-confidence (1.5 ± 0.5 and 3.1 ± 0.2), ability to correctly identify oral manifestations (5.2 ± 1.4 and 9.4 ± 0.8) and tobacco counseling skills. Conclusion: It is possible to introduce the module in the existing curriculum and its effectiveness evaluation shows benefit in terms of Kirkpatrick's Level 1, 2, 3 (improvement in knowledge, attitude, self-confidence, ability to identify oral manifestations, and tobacco counseling skills) of training effectiveness.

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Background: India poses a novel tobacco problem with majority of the tobacco users consuming smokeless form of tobacco (21.4%). Gul is one such Smokeless Tobacco (ST) product that is manufactured commercially as a dentifrice to be applied to the teeth and then to gums many times during the day, making it a cheap and easy tobacco source. Hence, the aim of the present study was to estimate the usage of Gul and its social determinants among adults in the capital city of India, Delhi. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted among 1300 adults across 27 Delhi government dispensaries across 3 districts of Delhi through multistage stratified random sampling. A structured, close-ended, validated questionnaire inquiring about the tobacco practices was used for all the participants and a specially constructed, structured, close-ended, validated proforma was used for Gul users to assess practice and pattern of use. Results: The overall prevalence of Gul users was found to be 4.9% with a mean usage duration of 6.28 ± 6.75 years. The usage was found to be more among males (67.7%) and unskilled workers (45.2%). 74.9% started using Gul to treat dental pain with 93.47% of them reporting pain relief. Conclusion: Gul usage is an emerging menace in Delhi. Awareness programs and initiatives are the need of the hour to bring this tobacco product under the tobacco control policy radar and at the same time educate people about the actual contents and ill effects of Gul usage.

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