Jovita A. Daniel, Adaugo C. Nkwazema, Onyinye I. Odoh, Sydney M. Egbujo, Darlington C. Onyido, Lydwina S. Daniel, Uchechi M. Njemanze, Godwin C. Amuchie, Alice C. Igwe, Emmanuel C. Okefienam
The major impact of mastectomy is on the self-image and the mental status of patients, which may negatively affect their quality of life. External breast prosthesis (EBP) gives the woman a better shape as it takes the shape of the lost breast. This improves her confidence, looks and general disposition. We assessed EBP awareness among mastectomy patients, its availability and affordability in the Eastern region of Nigeria. The survey was conducted among mastectomy patients attending clinics at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Federal Medical Centre Owerri and Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, all in South East Nigeria. A total of 32 mastectomy patients filled out questionnaires designed to obtain relevant data on knowledge of existence, availability and affordability of EBP in three big cities in South Eastern Nigeria. Data were analysed using the Statistical Analysis Software Version 8.2. Result showed only half (50%) of the participants were aware of the existence of EBP. Out of 32 patients, 23 (71.9%) were not using EBP and only 9 (28.1%) were currently using EBP. The majority of the participants (85.7%) do not know where and how to get EBP and therefore do not have access to EBP, while 4.8% cannot afford EBP.Contribution: There is poor awareness of the existence of EBP among breast cancer survivors. Consequently, there is poor usage of this device which otherwise, would help to restore self esteem in this population. The study exposed the need for awareness creation on the existence of EBP.
{"title":"Awareness of External Breast Prosthesis, it’s availability and affordability in Eastern Nigeria","authors":"Jovita A. Daniel, Adaugo C. Nkwazema, Onyinye I. Odoh, Sydney M. Egbujo, Darlington C. Onyido, Lydwina S. Daniel, Uchechi M. Njemanze, Godwin C. Amuchie, Alice C. Igwe, Emmanuel C. Okefienam","doi":"10.4102/sajo.v8i0.286","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajo.v8i0.286","url":null,"abstract":"The major impact of mastectomy is on the self-image and the mental status of patients, which may negatively affect their quality of life. External breast prosthesis (EBP) gives the woman a better shape as it takes the shape of the lost breast. This improves her confidence, looks and general disposition. We assessed EBP awareness among mastectomy patients, its availability and affordability in the Eastern region of Nigeria. The survey was conducted among mastectomy patients attending clinics at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Federal Medical Centre Owerri and Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, all in South East Nigeria. A total of 32 mastectomy patients filled out questionnaires designed to obtain relevant data on knowledge of existence, availability and affordability of EBP in three big cities in South Eastern Nigeria. Data were analysed using the Statistical Analysis Software Version 8.2. Result showed only half (50%) of the participants were aware of the existence of EBP. Out of 32 patients, 23 (71.9%) were not using EBP and only 9 (28.1%) were currently using EBP. The majority of the participants (85.7%) do not know where and how to get EBP and therefore do not have access to EBP, while 4.8% cannot afford EBP.Contribution: There is poor awareness of the existence of EBP among breast cancer survivors. Consequently, there is poor usage of this device which otherwise, would help to restore self esteem in this population. The study exposed the need for awareness creation on the existence of EBP.","PeriodicalId":52950,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Oncology","volume":" 25","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141830259","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maseabata M. Ramathebane, Mopa A. Sooro, L. Maja, Kabelo Mputsoe, M. Sello, M. Mokhethi
Background: Cancer mortality has been estimated to increase in sub-Saharan Africa to more than a million deaths in 2023. There is a need for an increase in cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment infrastructure to curb this rise in cancer mortality. Many people with cancer face significant barriers to accessing treatment.Aim: The study aimed to explore barriers to accessing cancer care services experienced by cancer patients in Lesotho.Setting: This study was conducted at the Senkatana oncology clinic in Maseru, Lesotho.Methods: The study adopted a quantitative cross-sectional design. Cancer patient interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire.Results: A total of 115 patients responded to the questionnaire, and 79.1% were female. Over half of the participants (53.9%) found it difficult to access cancer services because they had to get services from multiple healthcare facilities in different areas. All of them had to join long queues. Distance from the healthcare facilities was also a challenge for a significant number (64.3%), and a substantial number (66.1%) had difficulties arranging transport to such facilities. Finally, financial issues, such as paying for transport, healthcare and diagnostic tests, were determined to be major constraints.Conclusion: The study concludes that most cancer patients face financial and practical barriers. This affects access to cancer services, particularly for patients not residing in Maseru.Contribution: The study shares information regarded as barriers to cancer services in a low- and middle-income country.
{"title":"Quantitative exploration of barriers to access cancer services experienced by cancer patients in Lesotho","authors":"Maseabata M. Ramathebane, Mopa A. Sooro, L. Maja, Kabelo Mputsoe, M. Sello, M. Mokhethi","doi":"10.4102/sajo.v8i0.291","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajo.v8i0.291","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Cancer mortality has been estimated to increase in sub-Saharan Africa to more than a million deaths in 2023. There is a need for an increase in cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment infrastructure to curb this rise in cancer mortality. Many people with cancer face significant barriers to accessing treatment.Aim: The study aimed to explore barriers to accessing cancer care services experienced by cancer patients in Lesotho.Setting: This study was conducted at the Senkatana oncology clinic in Maseru, Lesotho.Methods: The study adopted a quantitative cross-sectional design. Cancer patient interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire.Results: A total of 115 patients responded to the questionnaire, and 79.1% were female. Over half of the participants (53.9%) found it difficult to access cancer services because they had to get services from multiple healthcare facilities in different areas. All of them had to join long queues. Distance from the healthcare facilities was also a challenge for a significant number (64.3%), and a substantial number (66.1%) had difficulties arranging transport to such facilities. Finally, financial issues, such as paying for transport, healthcare and diagnostic tests, were determined to be major constraints.Conclusion: The study concludes that most cancer patients face financial and practical barriers. This affects access to cancer services, particularly for patients not residing in Maseru.Contribution: The study shares information regarded as barriers to cancer services in a low- and middle-income country.","PeriodicalId":52950,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Oncology","volume":"107 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141667126","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"DNA methylation microarray analysis of adult gliomas: A pilot study at Groote Schuur Hospital","authors":"Brendon Price","doi":"10.4102/sajo.v8i0.269","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajo.v8i0.269","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":52950,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Oncology","volume":"24 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140246141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background: Data on treatment outcomes of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) largely comes from endemic regions. There is limited literature regarding the epidemiology and treatment outcomes of EBV-associated NPC in South Africa.Aim: The aim of the study was to compare overall survival (OS) of EBV positive and EBV negative NPC patients.Setting: Groote Schuur Hospital, South Africa.Methods: Data were collected on all patients with histologically confirmed NPC over an 11-year period, including prevalence of EBV, OS, disease-free survival (DFS), loco-regional control (LRC), and impact of treatment interruptions on OS.Results: There were 53 patients in total. Non-keratinising carcinoma was the primary histological subtype (86.8%). The majority of patients had EBV positive NPC (47.2%). The 2- and 5-year OS of EBV positive patients treated with curative intent were significantly higher than EBV negative patients, 84.0% versus 34.0% and 45.0% versus 17.0%, respectively (hazard ratio [HR] 0.25, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.10–0.63, p = 0.002). Two-year DFS was 55.0% versus 43.0% (HR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.18–1.98, p = 0.38) and 2-year LRC were 76.2% versus 46.2% (HR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.12–1.36, p = 0.13) for EBV positive and EBV negative patients respectively.Conclusion: Treatment of EBV-associated NPC is associated with superior OS compared to EBV negative tumours.Contribution: Epstein-Barr virus was found to be a significant prognostic factor associated with superior OS compared to EBV negative NPC. These findings correlate with literature from endemic and non-endemic regions.
{"title":"Treatment outcomes of Epstein-Barr virus-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma","authors":"S. Viranna, Hue-Tsi Wu, Sameera Dalvie","doi":"10.4102/sajo.v8i0.279","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajo.v8i0.279","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Data on treatment outcomes of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) largely comes from endemic regions. There is limited literature regarding the epidemiology and treatment outcomes of EBV-associated NPC in South Africa.Aim: The aim of the study was to compare overall survival (OS) of EBV positive and EBV negative NPC patients.Setting: Groote Schuur Hospital, South Africa.Methods: Data were collected on all patients with histologically confirmed NPC over an 11-year period, including prevalence of EBV, OS, disease-free survival (DFS), loco-regional control (LRC), and impact of treatment interruptions on OS.Results: There were 53 patients in total. Non-keratinising carcinoma was the primary histological subtype (86.8%). The majority of patients had EBV positive NPC (47.2%). The 2- and 5-year OS of EBV positive patients treated with curative intent were significantly higher than EBV negative patients, 84.0% versus 34.0% and 45.0% versus 17.0%, respectively (hazard ratio [HR] 0.25, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.10–0.63, p = 0.002). Two-year DFS was 55.0% versus 43.0% (HR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.18–1.98, p = 0.38) and 2-year LRC were 76.2% versus 46.2% (HR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.12–1.36, p = 0.13) for EBV positive and EBV negative patients respectively.Conclusion: Treatment of EBV-associated NPC is associated with superior OS compared to EBV negative tumours.Contribution: Epstein-Barr virus was found to be a significant prognostic factor associated with superior OS compared to EBV negative NPC. These findings correlate with literature from endemic and non-endemic regions.","PeriodicalId":52950,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Oncology","volume":"69 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140485833","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
K. Coutts, Nicole Israel, Zareen Cassim, Engela Prinsloo
Background: There is little to no epidemiological data on the presentation of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients in South Africa. These data are important to ensure that local teaching, research and health services meet the needs of this population.Aim: To describe the epidemiological data of HNC patients using a record review from a tertiary level hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa.Setting: This study was piloted in a tertiary public hospital in Gauteng, South Africa.Methods: Sixty files between 2015 and 2021 were analysed quantitatively to describe the trends of HNC patients presenting to the hospital. This was a pilot study to review if this methodology can be used for future larger scale studies in South Africa.Results: Missing data were a significant finding as well as a limitation of the study. The most common form of HNC was laryngeal cancer, and African males were the predominant demographic. The most common comorbidities were smoking, hypertension and HIV/AIDS. The majority of patients presented with speech and swallowing difficulties and various complications that required multidisciplinary team management.Conclusion: All HNC patients need to undergo early screening to assess for speech and swallowing difficulties to prevent further complications.Contribution: The data derived from this study are novel and specific to the South African population. More studies of this nature are required to increase the availability of epidemiological data for this population, in order to inform evidence-based practices.
{"title":"Epidemiology of head and neck cancer in a Johannesburg Hospital: A file review","authors":"K. Coutts, Nicole Israel, Zareen Cassim, Engela Prinsloo","doi":"10.4102/sajo.v7i0.276","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajo.v7i0.276","url":null,"abstract":"Background: There is little to no epidemiological data on the presentation of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients in South Africa. These data are important to ensure that local teaching, research and health services meet the needs of this population.Aim: To describe the epidemiological data of HNC patients using a record review from a tertiary level hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa.Setting: This study was piloted in a tertiary public hospital in Gauteng, South Africa.Methods: Sixty files between 2015 and 2021 were analysed quantitatively to describe the trends of HNC patients presenting to the hospital. This was a pilot study to review if this methodology can be used for future larger scale studies in South Africa.Results: Missing data were a significant finding as well as a limitation of the study. The most common form of HNC was laryngeal cancer, and African males were the predominant demographic. The most common comorbidities were smoking, hypertension and HIV/AIDS. The majority of patients presented with speech and swallowing difficulties and various complications that required multidisciplinary team management.Conclusion: All HNC patients need to undergo early screening to assess for speech and swallowing difficulties to prevent further complications.Contribution: The data derived from this study are novel and specific to the South African population. More studies of this nature are required to increase the availability of epidemiological data for this population, in order to inform evidence-based practices.","PeriodicalId":52950,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Oncology","volume":"115 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138965030","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gérard Grobler, Petrus V. Spies, Henriette Burger, Heidi Van Deventer, André Van der Merwe
Background: Testis cancer is a rare malignancy, and there are limited data describing Africa’s clinical characteristics and outcomes. Aim: We summarised 16 years of South African data, comparing it to available data for Africa and international data. Setting: The retrospective review included males > 12 years with testicular germ cell tumours diagnosed and treated at Tygerberg Hospital from 01 January 2005 to 31 December 2020. Methods: Self-declared racial status included Caucasian, mixed ethnicity, African and Asian. Patients were identified from uro-oncology and pathology records indicating any form of testicular cancer. Data were extracted for demographics, staging, treatment and outcomes. In addition, patients were contacted or tracked as part of a living status report by the Department of Home Affairs to determine the last contact date for survival outcomes. Results: There were 142 patients in the study. The most common risk factor was cryptorchidism (14.1%), but most patients reported no known risk factors (82.4%). Seminomas presented 10 years later than non-seminomatous germ cell tumours (NSGCTs). Having no risk factors seems to be protective hazard ratio (HR) 0.18 and being diagnosed after 40 years carries an increased risk of death. The histopathological classification was fairly equal, with 70 seminoma and 72 NSGCTs. There was no statistical difference in the stage distribution between seminoma and NSGCTs. The overall 5-year survival was 91% for seminoma compared with 78% in NSGCTs. With a time horizon of 15 years, a patient was expected to survive 16% (1.9 years) longer in the seminoma group. Clinical stage (CS) three patients had a higher risk of dying compared with CS1 and CS2, and there was no difference between seminoma and NSGCTs (HR = 12.6). Conclusion: The clinical characteristics of our patient population correspond to international data. There is a need for better health education to ensure patients present earlier and have access to appropriate medical care. Contribution: Our data represent the largest series of testis cancer outcomes at a single centre in Africa and the aim is to motivate other centres to describe and analyse their oncological outcomes to ensure we provide the best possible care to all our patients in South Africa’s future.
{"title":"Testicular germ cell tumours: Outcomes at a tertiary hospital in the Western Cape, South Africa","authors":"Gérard Grobler, Petrus V. Spies, Henriette Burger, Heidi Van Deventer, André Van der Merwe","doi":"10.4102/sajo.v7i0.268","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajo.v7i0.268","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Testis cancer is a rare malignancy, and there are limited data describing Africa’s clinical characteristics and outcomes. Aim: We summarised 16 years of South African data, comparing it to available data for Africa and international data. Setting: The retrospective review included males > 12 years with testicular germ cell tumours diagnosed and treated at Tygerberg Hospital from 01 January 2005 to 31 December 2020. Methods: Self-declared racial status included Caucasian, mixed ethnicity, African and Asian. Patients were identified from uro-oncology and pathology records indicating any form of testicular cancer. Data were extracted for demographics, staging, treatment and outcomes. In addition, patients were contacted or tracked as part of a living status report by the Department of Home Affairs to determine the last contact date for survival outcomes. Results: There were 142 patients in the study. The most common risk factor was cryptorchidism (14.1%), but most patients reported no known risk factors (82.4%). Seminomas presented 10 years later than non-seminomatous germ cell tumours (NSGCTs). Having no risk factors seems to be protective hazard ratio (HR) 0.18 and being diagnosed after 40 years carries an increased risk of death. The histopathological classification was fairly equal, with 70 seminoma and 72 NSGCTs. There was no statistical difference in the stage distribution between seminoma and NSGCTs. The overall 5-year survival was 91% for seminoma compared with 78% in NSGCTs. With a time horizon of 15 years, a patient was expected to survive 16% (1.9 years) longer in the seminoma group. Clinical stage (CS) three patients had a higher risk of dying compared with CS1 and CS2, and there was no difference between seminoma and NSGCTs (HR = 12.6). Conclusion: The clinical characteristics of our patient population correspond to international data. There is a need for better health education to ensure patients present earlier and have access to appropriate medical care. Contribution: Our data represent the largest series of testis cancer outcomes at a single centre in Africa and the aim is to motivate other centres to describe and analyse their oncological outcomes to ensure we provide the best possible care to all our patients in South Africa’s future.","PeriodicalId":52950,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Oncology","volume":"65 6","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135222514","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Salomo Salomo, Hans J. Amukugo, Anna P.K. Shilunga
Background: Family members of men diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa) experience a range of supportive care needs. Literature indicated inconsistent supportive care from nurses to families of men diagnosed with PCa.Aim: Exploring and describing the experiences of family members of men diagnosed with PCa on the supportive care received from nurses.Setting: The study was conducted in the oncology departments of the Intermediate Hospital Oshakati.Methods: Qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, phenomenological and contextual designs were adopted. A sample of seven family members of men diagnosed with PCa was selected using a non-probability purposive sampling technique. Individual face-to-face interviews were conducted. Interview guide and field notes were used to collect data. All interviews were recorded with an audio recorder and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis using Tesch’s eight steps of open coding was adopted to analyse data. Criteria for establishing trustworthiness of the data were used. Fundamental ethical principles were adhered to.Results: The study revealed lack of family involvement in treatment and decision-making. Two themes emerged: (1) feeling of being devalued in the healthcare system, and (2) non-conducive environment for counselling men.Conclusion: It became evident that family members of men diagnosed with PCa are rarely considered in clinical practice. Recommendations are made in terms of policy formulation, organisational changes in the hospital protocols and staff training.Contribution: The study proposed the introduction of national policy on supportive care of men with PCa and an inclusion of their families during treatment and decision-making.
{"title":"Experiences of families of men with prostate cancer on supportive care received from nurses","authors":"Salomo Salomo, Hans J. Amukugo, Anna P.K. Shilunga","doi":"10.4102/sajo.v7i0.280","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajo.v7i0.280","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Family members of men diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa) experience a range of supportive care needs. Literature indicated inconsistent supportive care from nurses to families of men diagnosed with PCa.Aim: Exploring and describing the experiences of family members of men diagnosed with PCa on the supportive care received from nurses.Setting: The study was conducted in the oncology departments of the Intermediate Hospital Oshakati.Methods: Qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, phenomenological and contextual designs were adopted. A sample of seven family members of men diagnosed with PCa was selected using a non-probability purposive sampling technique. Individual face-to-face interviews were conducted. Interview guide and field notes were used to collect data. All interviews were recorded with an audio recorder and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis using Tesch’s eight steps of open coding was adopted to analyse data. Criteria for establishing trustworthiness of the data were used. Fundamental ethical principles were adhered to.Results: The study revealed lack of family involvement in treatment and decision-making. Two themes emerged: (1) feeling of being devalued in the healthcare system, and (2) non-conducive environment for counselling men.Conclusion: It became evident that family members of men diagnosed with PCa are rarely considered in clinical practice. Recommendations are made in terms of policy formulation, organisational changes in the hospital protocols and staff training.Contribution: The study proposed the introduction of national policy on supportive care of men with PCa and an inclusion of their families during treatment and decision-making.","PeriodicalId":52950,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Oncology","volume":"7 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135869818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background: Anal cancer is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Aim: A retrospective analysis to understand presentation and outcomes of patients with anal cancer, who were treated with a curative intent. Setting: A radiation oncology unit in quaternary level hospital in South Africa. Methods: Medical records of patients with invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the anal canal who were treated between 2014 and 2019 were reviewed with follow-up until June 2021. The 2D-radiotherapy planning and delivery techniques were used to a dose of 50 Gy, with a boost dose of 6 Gy – 10 Gy for patients with residual disease and concurrent chemotherapy. Results: Eighty-four patients were included in the analysis. Median age was 45 years (range: 25–73 years), 75% were female patients, 80% of the cohort was human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive, and 17% with a CD4 count below 200 cells/mm 3 . Eighty-seven percent had locally advanced stage three disease. Concurrent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and mitomycin C-based chemotherapy was given in four patients, while 50% had 5-FU plus cisplatin and 16% had radiotherapy alone. Complete clinical response was observed in 54 out of 66 evaluable patients (81.8%) at 6 months post-chemoradiation. Overall survival at 2 years could not be determined because of a significant loss to follow-up rate. Conclusion: A high HIV-postive rate and an advanced disease stage were observed among cohorts with anal canal SCC treated with a definitive curative intent. Tumour response rates at 6 months were favourable although the 2-year overall survival could not be established. Contribution: This study contributes to the growing body of research on anal cancer outcomes in LMICs.
{"title":"A retrospective analysis of concurrent chemoradiation for squamous cell carcinoma of the anus in Johannesburg","authors":"Phemelo Tshoeu, Vinay Sharma, Paul Ruff","doi":"10.4102/sajo.v7i0.270","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajo.v7i0.270","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Anal cancer is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Aim: A retrospective analysis to understand presentation and outcomes of patients with anal cancer, who were treated with a curative intent. Setting: A radiation oncology unit in quaternary level hospital in South Africa. Methods: Medical records of patients with invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the anal canal who were treated between 2014 and 2019 were reviewed with follow-up until June 2021. The 2D-radiotherapy planning and delivery techniques were used to a dose of 50 Gy, with a boost dose of 6 Gy – 10 Gy for patients with residual disease and concurrent chemotherapy. Results: Eighty-four patients were included in the analysis. Median age was 45 years (range: 25–73 years), 75% were female patients, 80% of the cohort was human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive, and 17% with a CD4 count below 200 cells/mm 3 . Eighty-seven percent had locally advanced stage three disease. Concurrent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and mitomycin C-based chemotherapy was given in four patients, while 50% had 5-FU plus cisplatin and 16% had radiotherapy alone. Complete clinical response was observed in 54 out of 66 evaluable patients (81.8%) at 6 months post-chemoradiation. Overall survival at 2 years could not be determined because of a significant loss to follow-up rate. Conclusion: A high HIV-postive rate and an advanced disease stage were observed among cohorts with anal canal SCC treated with a definitive curative intent. Tumour response rates at 6 months were favourable although the 2-year overall survival could not be established. Contribution: This study contributes to the growing body of research on anal cancer outcomes in LMICs.","PeriodicalId":52950,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Oncology","volume":"96 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135060252","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Barbara M. Robertson, G. Chinnery, M. Locketz, M. Parker, A. Vorster, R. Ramesar, E. Panieri, A. Hunter
{"title":"Gastrointestinal stromal tumours in patients presenting to an academic hospital in South Africa","authors":"Barbara M. Robertson, G. Chinnery, M. Locketz, M. Parker, A. Vorster, R. Ramesar, E. Panieri, A. Hunter","doi":"10.4102/sajo.v7i0.265","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajo.v7i0.265","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":52950,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Oncology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47982737","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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