Psychological Toll Revealed: Fear of Cancer Recurrence High Among Survivors of Localized Cutaneous Melanoma

The surge in cutaneous melanoma incidence, primarily
presenting as a localized disease with favorable surgical outcomes and high
survival rates, has prompted an exploration into the psychological well-being
of survivors, an aspect that remains relatively unexplored. The study underscores
the profound psychological impact and heightened fear of cancer recurrence
among survivors of localized cutaneous melanoma, including those with stage 0
diagnoses.

The study results were published in the journal JAMA Dermatology.

While the United States has witnessed a rapid rise in the
incidence of cutaneous melanoma, the majority of cases have manifested as
localized disease, managed through surgical interventions with high rates of
survival. Despite these positive clinical outcomes, there remains a significant
gap in our understanding of the psychological well-being of melanoma survivors
in the U.S.

The objective of this qualitative and survey-based study was
to delve into the lived experiences and fear of cancer recurrence among
individuals who had faced localized cutaneous melanoma.

Conducted at an
academic dermatology practice affiliated with the University of Texas, Austin,
the research employed semi-structured interviews and utilized the Fear of
Cancer Recurrence Inventory short form (FCRI-SF) survey tool.

From August 2021 to September 2022, researchers conducted
interviews, either in person or via telephone, with 51 participants who had a
history of localized melanoma (stage 0-IIA). The study cohort, with a mean age
of 49.5 years, comprised 67% females and 33% males. Among the participants, 33%
had survived stage 0 melanoma, while the remaining individuals had experienced
at least one invasive melanoma diagnosis (stage I-IIA).


Findings:

  • The semi structured interviews revealed four distinct themes:
    emotions surrounding follow-up appointments, the intensity of melanoma
    surveillance, lifestyle changes related to sun exposure, and contemplations
    about life and death.

  • Notably, despite the generally favorable prognosis
    associated with localized melanoma, the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory
    short form (FCRI-SF) survey results were striking.

  • Of the 51 participants, 38 scored above the threshold
    indicating clinically significant fear of cancer recurrence.


In conclusion, this study sheds light on the psychological
impact and fear of cancer recurrence experienced by survivors of localized
cutaneous melanoma, even among those with stage 0 diagnoses. The findings
emphasize the need for a comprehensive understanding of the survivorship
experiences and psychological well-being of individuals with melanoma,
prompting further research and potential interventions to address the unique
challenges faced by this population.

Further reading: Mahama AN, Haller CN, Labrada J, et al. Lived Experiences and Fear of Cancer Recurrence Among Survivors of Localized Cutaneous Melanoma. JAMA Dermatol. Published online February 14, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.6158

Powered by WPeMatico

NEXT Guidelines May be Out Soon, Deliberations Under Process: NMC Official

New Delhi: The regulations for the National Exit Test (NExT) might be released soon, Dr. Yogender Mallik, a member of the Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) confirmed to Medical Dialogues.

Earlier this year, NMC made the matter of NExT examination open to all the stakeholders. The Commission asked all the stakeholders to submit their feedback on the NMC National Exit Test Regulations, 2023 by 07.02.2024. Later, the deadline was further extended by the Commission till 17.02.2024.

When asked about this, Dr. Yogender Malik told Medical Dialogues, “A Committee is working on it. Following this, it will come to the NMC. Meetings are going on.”

The issue of the NExT exam has been making waves in the medical fraternity ever since its first announcement. Although last year NMC released the NExT regulations and announced conducting the exam for the 2019 MBBS batch, it was ultimately put on hold for an indefinite time.

NMC NExT Regulations, 2023, were published in the official Gazette on June 28, 2023 and a mock test for the NExT exam was scheduled to be held on July 28 2023 by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.

Also Read: NMC Extends Deadline for Submitting Comments on National Exit Test Regulations 2023

However, opposing the decision to conduct the NExT exam for the 2019 batch, the students and doctors termed it to be a violation of the NMC Act, 2019. Referring to the 2019 Act, the doctors pointed out that the 2019 MBBS batch started on August 1, 2019, i.e. the batch started before the publication of the NMC Act 2019. Therefore, the doctors argued that conducting NExT for the 2019 batch would be a violation of the NMC Act 2019.

Meanwhile, the Union Health Ministry intervened and NMC deferred the NExT examination until further notice from the Ministry. Thereafter, the Union Health Ministry has constituted a seven-member committee to look into the preparedness of States and medical colleges for the implementation of the exam for the final year MBBS students of the 2020 batch.

Amidst the debate and uncertainty regarding the conduct of the NExT exam, NMC made the issue open to all the stakeholders. Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the stakeholders were asked to submit their opinion on whether the NExT exam should replace the conventional MBBS final year exam, held separately in addition to the MBBS final year exam, or be conducted in any other manner.

Further, the stakeholders were asked to share their opinions on various aspects such as the time manner, exam pattern, way of conducting exam, syllabus of NExt and several other issues.

Commenting on the matter, Dr. Yogender Malik told Careers360, “We have called for public feedback and we will take decisions for the advancement of the quality in medical education. The decision will be medical stakeholders, students and faculty friendly. We will list the agenda regarding NExT guidelines in the next NMC meeting.”

“There is no confusion on NExT regulations and we will implement them whenever they are out. We will announce in the regulations itself about which MBBS batch will be the first to sit for this exam. We want to assure the students that we will provide them all the information that they need for this exam and they will get ample time for preparation,” he further informed the Daily.

Meanwhile, recently, submitting its feedback on the NEXT examination, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has opposed the Commission’s plans for conducting the exam as it opined that since the standards of medical education across all academic institutions vary, testing the entire country with one test would not be “feasible”.

In a letter addressed to the Chairman of NMC, Dr B.N.Gangadhar, the association highlighted that the medical colleges across the country are facing inadequate technical infrastructure, and faculty training and support. Therefore, IMA stated that NMC should not proceed with NExT until these prerequisites are duly satisfied.

A Parliamentary committee also recommended to the Union Health Ministry to thoroughly examine the implications of NExT Exam and advocated for due diligence in addressing the concerns of all the relevant stakeholders.

Also Read: Reconsider implementation of National Exit Test: IMA to NMC

Powered by WPeMatico

One more arrested in NEET 2024 Exam Scam

Vadodara- In the ongoing National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2024 exam scam matter, one more individual has been recently arrested in Vadodara by the Panchmahal police. Although, the accused was first nabbed by the police from the Darbhanga district of Bihar and then he was brought to Gujarat.

According to TOI, the accused has been identified as Anand, a resident of Maneja, Gujarat. He used to bring the medical aspirants and connect them with a person named Parshuram Roy, who runs a visa and overseas education consultancy firm in Vadodara. Then the students were asked to pay a huge amount to pass the exam and if the students agreed to do so, Anand would get a commission.

Also Read: 3 arrested in Delhi, 4 in Rajasthan for impersonating candidates in NEET 2024

“Anand’s role was to bring students and get them in touch with Parshuram Roy who runs a visa and foreign education consultancy firm in Vadodara. If the students agree to pay for passing the exams, Anand would get a commission”, N V Patel, deputy superintendent of police, Lunavada informed TOI

The scam came to light after the Panchmahal Collector received a tip-off that a teacher named Bhatt, is planning to commit irregularities during the NEET 2024 exam and help some students. Bhatt was also the Deputy Superintendent at the exam centre. After receiving the information, the collector informed the District Education Officer (DEO), following which both the DEO and the police team reached the school where the examination was to be held.

After reaching the school, the police interrogated Bhatt and examined his phone. While examining Bhatt’s phone, police found a list of 16 students with roll numbers and examination centres was shared by Roy over his WhatsApp messages. Additionally, Bhatt also revealed that Rs 10 lakh was also taken from these students to help them in the examination.

Meanwhile, investigations are underway into the case to ascertain whether Anand was aware of the scam or he just used to bring the students to Roy.

Earlier, the Bihar Police arrested over two dozen people, including 14 cheaters and candidates, for cheating in the NEET UG 2024 exam. Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that among those arrested, 14 people hail from different districts of Bihar, where eight from Katihar, four from Purnia, two from Vaishali and one each from Are from Gopalganj and Patna. However, separate FIRs have been registered against these 14 solvers.

Also Read: NEET 2024 Cheating Scandal: More than 24 culprits including 14 impersonators arrested by Bihar Police

Powered by WPeMatico

BMS Gets CDSCO Panel Nod to Study Deucravacitinib

New Delhi: The drug major BMS has got approval from the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) functional under the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to conduct the Phase III clinical trial of the drug Deucravacitinib in an active moderate to severe Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) population.

This came after the firm presented Phase III clinical trial study protocol no : IM011-247 protocol amendment 02 dated 07-09-2023.

This is a study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Deucravacitinib (BMS-986165) compared with placebo in participants with active systemic lupus erythematosus.

The official title of the study: ” A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Deucravacitinib in Participants With Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) (POETYK SLE-2)”

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs.

Deucravacitinib is a novel oral selective tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor. Unlike other Janus kinase 1/2/3 inhibitors that bind to the conserved active domain of these non-receptor tyrosine kinases, deucravacitinib binds to the regulatory domain of TYK2 with high selectivity to this therapeutic target. By inhibiting TYK2, deucravacitinib interferes with the signaling of IL-23, IL-12, and type I interferons, cytokines believed to play important roles in psoriasis pathogenesis.

At the recent SEC meeting for analgesic and rheumatology, the expert panel reviewed the Phase III clinical trial study protocol No.:IM011-247 protocol amendment 02 dated 07-09-2023.

After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended the grant of permission to conduct the trial as presented by the firm.

Also Read: Submit Source Data of Phase III CT Report: CDSCO Panel Tells Eris Lifesciences on Metoprolol Succinate plus Dapagliflozin FDC

Powered by WPeMatico

AP: 18-year-old girl dies during implant removal surgery, kin alleges anaesthesia overdose

Vijayawada: Tension gripped the orthopaedic MJ Naidu Hospital in Vijayawada following the death of an 18-year-old girl due to an alleged overdose of anaesthesia during the leg implant removal surgery. 

According to the complaint filed by the family members of the deceased, doctors performed the surgery on May 15 and shifted the girl to the ICU for observation. Despite waiting for over six hours, she remained unconscious and was not transferred to her room.

Family members and friends of the victim staged a protest accusing the hospital staff of negligence. The deceased has been identified as a first-year B.Tech student at MIC Engineering College.
Also Read:Another surgery goof-up at GMC Kozhikode? Orthopaedic surgeon accused of implanting wrong rod

She was admitted to MJ Naidu Hospital on May 15 for the removal of plate implants in her leg from a previous surgery in 2019. According to her family, the surgery was performed on Wednesday afternoon, and doctors assured her parents that she would regain consciousness within two hours. However, to the family’s shock, she was declared dead in the early hours of Friday.
The victim’s aunt, PLV Renuka Devi, lodged a complaint with the Suryarao Pet police station, accusing two of the doctors, and other hospital staff of gross negligence during the surgery. The family demanded strict action against the doctors and the hospital management, holding them responsible for the girl’s untimely death, reports The Daily.
The hospital has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. The aunt told Deccan Chronicle that the doctors of the hospital did not disclose the cause of the death. “The doctors and hospital management stated that my daughter suffered body collapse. This could be due to the reaction of the anesthesia injection given to her before the surgery,” Renuka Devi alleged.   
Also Read:Consumer Court absolves Max Super Speciality Hospital, Cardio-Diabetologist of medical negligence

Authorities are investigating the case to determine if medical malpractice was involved in her death and several district health and medical officers have already paid a visit to the facility. Meanwhile, the NTR district DMHO, Dr M Suhasini alao visited the hospital and confirmed that the body was shifted to the government hospital for post-mortem.

Powered by WPeMatico

Future Trends in Vaccinology in India: A Shot at a Healthier Tomorrow – Dr Sheela Murali Chakravarthy

Vaccines have
revolutionized public health, drastically reducing the burden of infectious
diseases. India, with its robust immunization program, has played a significant
role in this global victory. However, the fight doesn’t end here. Emerging
pathogens, antibiotic resistance, and chronic illnesses demand constant
innovation in vaccinology.

Revolutionizing
Delivery: Beyond the Needle

The traditional
syringe-based injection, while effective, has limitations. Pain, needle phobia,
and the need for trained personnel can be barriers to vaccination. Novel
delivery systems are emerging to address these concerns:

  • Microneedle Patches: These painless patches contain microscopic needles that
    deliver vaccines through the skin’s surface. This approach is ideal for
    mass vaccination campaigns and self-administration, particularly for
    children and needle-phobic individuals.
  • Thermostabilization Technologies: Heat sensitivity limits vaccine storage and distribution,
    especially in resource-limited settings. New technologies like
    thermostabilizers and desiccation (drying) are being explored to create
    heat-resistant vaccines that don’t require refrigeration, facilitating
    wider accessibility.
  • Oral Vaccines: The convenience of oral administration is unmatched.
    Researchers are developing encapsulated vaccines that can survive the
    harsh digestive environment and effectively stimulate immune response.
    This would be a game-changer for mass vaccination programs, particularly
    in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.
  • Nanoparticle-Based Delivery
    Systems:     Nanoparticles can encapsulate vaccine
    antigens and deliver them specifically to target cells. This targeted
    approach can enhance immune response while reducing side effects.

Adjuvants:
Boosting the Immune Response

Vaccine adjuvants
are substances added to vaccines to strengthen the immune response. These are
crucial for vaccines against pathogens with weak immunogenicity or for
overcoming immune tolerance in chronic conditions.

  • Stimulating Pattern Recognition
    Receptors (PRRs):     PRRs on immune cells
    recognize specific molecular patterns associated with pathogens. New
    adjuvants are being designed to target these PRRs, triggering a stronger
    and more specific immune response.
  • Modulating the Immune System: Adjuvants can be tailored to modulate the type of immune
    response elicited by a vaccine. For example, some adjuvants can promote a
    Th1 cell response, which is crucial for fighting intracellular pathogens,
    while others can promote a Th2 cell response, which is important for
    fighting allergies.

Beyond
Infectious Diseases: Vaccines for the Future

Traditionally,
vaccines have targeted infectious diseases. However, the potential of vaccines
to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is a fascinating new frontier:

  • Cancer Vaccines: These vaccines aim to either prevent infection with
    cancer-causing viruses (e.g., HPV vaccine) or to stimulate the immune
    system to recognize and attack cancer cells. India has ongoing research on
    therapeutic cancer vaccines for existing cancers, such as cervical cancer.
  • Autoimmune Disease Vaccines: Autoimmune diseases arise when the immune system attacks
    healthy tissues. Vaccines are being explored to either induce tolerance to
    self-antigens or to reprogram immune cells to prevent them from attacking
    healthy tissues.
  • Allergy Vaccines: Allergy vaccines work by exposing the body to small amounts of
    allergens over time, gradually desensitizing the immune system. This
    approach offers a long-term solution for managing allergies.

Challenges
and the Road Ahead

Despite the promise
of these advancements, significant challenges remain:

  • Research and Development Costs: Developing new vaccines is a resource-intensive process.
    Government and private sector collaboration is crucial to support research
    and make these vaccines affordable.
  • Regulatory Frameworks: Regulatory pathways for novel vaccine platforms need to be
    streamlined to expedite vaccine development and approval without
    compromising safety.
  • Public Awareness and Vaccine
    Hesitancy:     Addressing vaccine hesitancy
    through effective communication and community engagement is essential for
    the successful implementation of these new technologies.

India is
well-positioned to be a leader in the future of vaccinology. By embracing these
emerging trends and addressing the existing challenges, Indian researchers can
develop innovative vaccines that not only combat infectious diseases but also
address the growing burden of NCDs. This will ensure a healthier future for
India and the world.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author and not of Medical Dialogues. The Editorial/Content team of Medical Dialogues has not contributed to the writing/editing/packaging of this article.

Powered by WPeMatico

Biocon net profit declines 57 percent to Rs 136 crore in Q4

New Delhi: Biocon, a biotech company has recorded a 57 percent decrease in its consolidated net profit to Rs 136 crore for the fourth quarter that concluded in March 2024, primarily due to higher expenses

In the January-March quarter of the previous fiscal year, the company posted a net profit of Rs 313 crore.

Total revenue rose marginally to Rs 3,966 crore in the fourth quarter compared with Rs 3,929 crore in the year-ago period, Biocon said in a statement.

The company said its total expenses rose to Rs 3,635 crore in the fourth quarter from Rs 3,389 crore in the same period of FY23.

According to a PTI report, For the year ended on March 31, 2024, the company said its consolidated net profit rose to Rs 1,022 crore as against Rs 463 crore a year ago.

Total revenue rose to Rs 15,621 crore for the last fiscal as against Rs 11,550 crore in the 2022-23 fiscal.

“Q4FY24 performance was strongly led by Biologics that delivered the promised billion-dollar annual revenue milestone marking the successful transition of the biosimilars acquisition from Viatris,” Biocon Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw said.

Increased market shares of key products in the US, Europe and emerging markets coupled with significant volume growth were the highlights of the biosimilars business the quarter, she added.

“During the year, we reduced our acquisition debt. We also entered into a long-term strategic collaboration to distribute our products in India while retaining exclusive supply rights,” Biocon Biologics Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Shreehas Tambe said.

FY24 has been a transformational year as the company leverages its expanded global reach to address patient needs globally and unlock value for the benefit of all stakeholders, he added.

The company’s board has recommended a final dividend of 50 paise per share of face value of Rs 5 each for the financial year ended on March 31, 2024.

Read also: Biocon Limited signs an exclusive licensing and supply agreement for generic Ozempic (Semaglutide) commercialization in Brazil with Biomm S.A.

Powered by WPeMatico

4 held for allegedly running racket to solve NEET 2024 exams

Four individuals, including two MBBS students, were arrested for allegedly operating a paper solver gang for NEET exams, police reported on Saturday.

The issue surfaced on May 5 when a student’s biometric data mismatched during the NEET exam at Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan Mehta Vidyalaya in the Tilak Marg area. Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahla stated that the two proxy students, Sumit Mandoliya and Krishan Kesarwani, were apprehended at the exam center. Due to the severity of the offense, the case was transferred to the Special Staff of New Delhi District, with a dedicated team led by Inspector Sanjay Kumar Gupta conducting the investigation, explained the DCP.

During interrogation, Sumit Mandoliya and Krishan Kesarwani, both MBBS students, revealed the names of their handlers—Prabhat Kumar, 27, and Kishor Lal, 37—who were arrested from a hotel in Noida on Friday.

Powered by WPeMatico

Gallbladder cancer rises among Black Americans as cases decline in other groups

Gallbladder cancer rates have been stable or declining for most Americans over the last two decades, but cases have steadily risen among Blacks, with growing numbers not being diagnosed until later stages, according to a study scheduled for presentation at Digestive Disease Week (DDW 2024) held May 18–21 in Washington, D.C.

Powered by WPeMatico

Innovative 3D printing could improve treatment for cataracts and other eye conditions

University of East Anglia researchers have made an advance in ocular device technology with the introduction of a novel resin for 3D printing intraocular devices. This innovation has the potential to enhance the manufacture of eye implants universally used in cataract and refractive surgeries.

Powered by WPeMatico