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IntroductionAnemia, a frequently encountered issue among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, is regrettably underappreciated despite its prevalence and profound impact on their well-being. Chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA) diminishes the quality of life, causing fatigue, breathlessness, and a decline in the performance status. However, correcting anemia can lead to notable improvements in these parameters. Notably, darbepoetin alpha (DA) has shown efficacy in addressing anemia in this context. This real-world study aims to evaluate the efficacy of DA in the treatment of CIA among Indian cancer patients.MethodsThis single-center retrospective study assessed the effectiveness of DA in treating CIA among advanced/metastatic solid tumor patients on palliative myelosuppressive therapy. The study measured the change in hemoglobin levels after DA administration as the primary outcome, with secondary outcomes including impact on blood transfusion dependence, changes in anemia-related symptoms, and occurrence of adverse events.ResultsA total of 523 patients, with a median age of 55, were included in the study. Patients were categorized based on cancer site, type of chemotherapy, response to therapy, and DA doses. A significant mean increase of 2.28 gm/dl in hemoglobin (Hb) levels from baseline to post-DA administration was observed (8.56±0.45 to 10.84±0.92; 26.6%; P

Introduction: This study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of patients attending the general outpatient department in Malda Medical College about rabies.Methods: A structured questionnaire was answered by 161 participants. The KAP score was calculated according to the response of the participant.Results: Compared to adults, children in the 10-15year age group scored much less in all components of rabies prevention and post exposure management.Conclusion: There was lack of awareness about post exposure prophylaxis of rabies in children. Awareness campaigns especially focusing on children are required to provide better medical care.

Background: First line (1L) TP-Ex-like regimen followed by 2nd-line (2L) immunotherapy represents one of the standards of care in platinum-sensitive recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (R/M SCCHN). We report our experience from 2 tertiary care institutions of India. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients of platinum-sensitive R/M SCCHN treated with 1L weekly paclitaxel, carboplatin, and cetuximab (PCC) regimen followed by cetuximab maintenance (if non-progressive) or 2L nivolumab or oral metronomic chemotherapy (OMCT) on progression. Overall response rates (ORR), progression-free survival after 1L and 2L (PFS-1 & PFS-2), overall survival (OS), and safety were evaluated. Results: The study included 54 patients; median age 56.5 years; 89% men; 11% had cardiac dysfunction; 13% had renal dysfunction. After 1L PCC, ORR was 59.3%; median PFS-1 was 7.031 months; 61% had progression; 35% were treated with nivolumab and 18% with OMCT. The ORR was 26.3% (nivolumab) and 10% (OMCT). Median PFS-2 was 6.5 months (nivolumab) and 2 months (OMCT). The median OS was 15.01 months (entire cohort), 20.6 months (nivolumab), and 7 months (OMCT). Grade III/IV adverse events on PCC included neutropenia (31.4%), anaemia (35.1%), thrombocytopenia (7.4%), febrile neutropenia (11.1%), and skin reaction (16.6%); no Grade-III/IV treatment-related toxicities on 2L. Conclusions: 1L weekly PCC is an effective regimen for palliative therapy of platinum- sensitive R/MSCCHN with an acceptable toxicity profile. The addition of 2L nivolumab on progression further improves the outcomes.

Background: First line (1L) TP-Ex-like regimen followed by 2nd-line (2L) immunotherapy represents one of the standards of care in platinum-sensitive recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (R/M SCCHN). We report our experience from 2 tertiary care institutions of India. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients of platinum-sensitive R/M SCCHN treated with 1L weekly paclitaxel, carboplatin, and cetuximab (PCC) regimen followed by cetuximab maintenance (if non-progressive) or 2L nivolumab or oral metronomic chemotherapy (OMCT) on progression. Overall response rates (ORR), progression-free survival after 1L and 2L (PFS-1 & PFS-2), overall survival (OS), and safety were evaluated. Results: The study included 54 patients; median age 56.5 years; 89% men; 11% had cardiac dysfunction; 13% had renal dysfunction. After 1L PCC, ORR was 59.3%; median PFS-1 was 7.031 months; 61% had progression; 35% were treated with nivolumab and 18% with OMCT. The ORR was 26.3% (nivolumab) and 10% (OMCT). Median PFS-2 was 6.5 months (nivolumab) and 2 months (OMCT). The median OS was 15.01 months (entire cohort), 20.6 months (nivolumab), and 7 months (OMCT). Grade III/IV adverse events on PCC included neutropenia (31.4%), anaemia (35.1%), thrombocytopenia (7.4%), febrile neutropenia (11.1%), and skin reaction (16.6%); no Grade-III/IV treatment-related toxicities on 2L. Conclusions: 1L weekly PCC is an effective regimen for palliative therapy of platinum- sensitive R/MSCCHN with an acceptable toxicity profile. The addition of 2L nivolumab on progression further improves the outcomes.