Category: cancer care

Bengaluru, February 14th, 2020: HCG – the specialist in cancer care introduces the first Digital PET CT scanner in Karnataka, for high precision diagnosis in cancer and therefore better treatment planning. Biograph VISION- 600, by Siemens is the first UDR detector with 3.2-mm LSO crystals(a) and helps in visualizing smaller lesions. It improves accuracy, performance, and reproducibility to see a whole new world of precision in PET/CT imaging. The blend of resolution and effective sensitivity assists in evaluating the impact of the treatment in prior.

Addressing the press, Dr. KG Kallur, Director – Molecular Imaging, HCG said, “In cancer care, the need of the hour is precision and accuracy and a PET CT scan is crucial for accurate diagnosis of cancer. With the adaption of Digital PET CT, HCG will now have the advantage to report cancerous lesions or tumors more accurate and fast, eventually plan the treatment better and achieve the desired clinical outcome for a patient. This is possible because of the enhanced imaging technique provided by VISION-600 Digital PETCT, combined with the expertise of the Molecular imaging department, focused to offer superior service to patients for early diagnosis of cancer.”

He further added, “In this unit of HCG, we do about 30 to 50 PET CT Scans in a day and the demand is surging with increased awareness on early cancer diagnosis. The waiting time of patients will reduce along with the hazardous risks of radiation for our medical technicians as the amount of isotope usage for the scan, will be reduced by 50% in Digital PET Scan.

” Dr. B.S Ajaikumar, Chairman & CEO, HCG Enterprises Ltd said, “In cancer care, early diagnosis has proven to be the key and treating it the right way the first time with proper staging results in achieving better outcomes. We at HCG, are happy to announce the introduction of Digital PET CT, which transforms diagnosis and therapy to a much higher level. We are able to achieve precision and make disease staging even at the millimeter level and deliver appropriate treatment. This is the highest technology possible globally for image diagnosis. HCG has always invested in the best of technology and expertise for our patients for improved outcomes, testified by Harvard Business Review and the World Bank. This is another milestone for us in achieving our goals towards precision medicine and outcomes on par with global standards.

“We are proud to partner with HCG, who is a renowned cancer care provider in India. With exceptional features such as the market’s fastest time-of-flight and highest effective sensitivity, Biograph Vision helps reduce scan time and injected dose, reducing patient exposure to radiation. We look forward to our journey together in transforming care delivery by setting benchmarks for precision in PET/CT imaging.” said, Mr. Vivek Kanade, Executive Director, Siemens Healthineers, India.

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* Unfulfilled supportive care needs have an adverse impact on the psyche of cancer patients, drastically lowering quality of life and affecting them both emotionally and psychologically.

*The number of cancer patients getting structured supportive care in India is dismally low

*The annual Prameya Fest for Cancer Patients will be held on Feb 15 at Jayanagar, Bengaluru, preceded by a painting competition on Feb 1

BENGALURU / January 28, 2020: Being diagnosed with cancer can be very stressful and traumatising for an individual. Apart from the uncertainty that the disease brings, patients also deal with emotional and psychological challenges like stress, anxiety and depression, which lower their quality of life. Yet, medical professionals in India either shy away from or are uncomfortable with discussing issues related to softer aspects of supportive care. This was said by oncologists of Prameya Health, an institution specializing in supportive care for patients suffering from cancer and other diseases.

Said breast cancer surgeon Dr. Sandhya Ravi, Founder of Prameya Health: “Due to cultural, religious and spiritual factors, there is generally very good family support for a cancer patient in India. Yet, there is often no separate platform to deliver supportive care in a structured manner in a non-hospital environment. The number of cancer patients getting structured supportive care is dismally low as the main focus of doctors remains on medical treatment of the disease. Even among patients, there is low awareness on getting holistic, multi-dimensional supportive care and its tremendous benefits.”

Added senior medical oncologist Dr. PP Bapsy: “Unfulfilled supportive care needs for cancer patients have an adverse impact on their psyche, including depression, anxiety and constant worry about recurrence of disease. They may also face chronic recurring illnesses in addition to psychosomatic ailments. A range of studies have shown that multi-dimensional supportive care programs improve not just treatment outcomes and quality of life, but also survival rates.”

In one such study, 360 patients who participated in the SAHAI FENS supportive care program of Prameya Health were assessed on their Quality of Life Parameters. The results showed that a holistic, multi-dimensional supportive care program has a positive impact on anxiety and depression of participants. This study was presented in the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO), Asia Congress held in Singapore in November 2019.

Said Dr. Sandhya Ravi: “Some of the activities commonly recommended as part of supportive care programs include functional aspects of care, lymphedema management, nutritional advice, counselling sessions with psycho-oncologists, relaxation and guided visualisation, meditation, yoga, mudras, art and dance therapy, spiritual group therapy sessions, and grooming, including selection of wigs and prosthesis. All of these are important and each patient may choose something that works for them or they have an interest in.”

Added Dr. PP Bapsy: “Being part of a support group where each one helps the other through shared experiences can help cancer patients. These groups provide a conducive, comfortable and safe environment for patients to share their concerns and get credible and scientific advice. Supportive care programs can help cancer patients transform their difficult experience into something positive and create a better life for themselves.”

Prameya Fest for Cancer Patients on Feb 15

“Joy of Life,” an annual festival organized by Prameya Health around the World Cancer Day, celebrates the indomitable spirit of women with cancer.patiente. Said Dr. Sandhya Ravi: “At Prameya Health, we help cancer patients and their families get back to normal life, rediscover themselves and pursue their passions. By organising this festival, we give a platform for our patients to express themselves.”

This year, the Fest will be held on February 15 at Jayarama Seva Mandali ,8th Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru. Ahead of the Fest, a painting competition with the theme “Health & Me” will be organized on February 1st. The competition is open to general public and is being held across two age groups, 10 to 20 years and 20 to 90 years. The winners will be announced on 15th February.

The main Joy of Life Festival on February 15th will include activities like musical performance, dance performance, fashion show, performing art shows and a skit. Selected patients will be provided an opportunity to showcase their creative talent and share the transformational aspects of the journey to recovery and healing.

About Prameya Health http://www.prameyahealth.com

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ನಿಗಮದ ಚಾಲಕ / ನಿರ್ವಾಹಕರಿಗೆ ಕಿದ್ವಾಯಿ ಸ್ಮಾರಕ ಗ್ರಂಥಿ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯಿಂದ ( Oral Cancer ) ಬಾಯಿ ಮತ್ತು ಗಂಟಲು ಕ್ಯಾನ್ಸರ್ ತಪಾಸಣಾ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮ .

ದಿನಾಂಕ 06 / 01 / 2020 ರಂದು ಕೆಎಸ್‌ಆರ್‌ಟಿಸಿ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಕಛೇರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕಿದ್ವಾಯಿ ಸ್ಮಾರಕ ಗ್ರಂಥಿ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯಿಂದ . ನಿಗಮದ 17 ವಿಭಾಗಗಳ ಸುಮಾರು 150 ಚಾಲಕ / ನಿರ್ವಾಹಕರಿಗೆ ( Oral Cancer ) ಬಾಯಿ ಮತ್ತು ಗಂಟಲು ತಪಾಸಣಾ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮ ಹಮ್ಮಿಕೊಳ್ಳಲಾಗಿತ್ತು . ಸದರಿ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮವನ್ನು ಶ್ರೀ . ಶಿವಯೋಗಿ . ಸಿ . ಕಳಸದ , ಭಾ . ಆಸೇ , ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥಾಪಕ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕರು ಕೆಎಸ್‌ಆರ್‌ಟಿಸಿ ರವರು ಉದ್ಘಾಟಿಸಿದರು . ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥಾಪಕ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕರು ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮವನ್ನು ಉದ್ದೇಶಿಸಿ ಮಾತನಾಡುತ್ತ , ನಿಗಮದ ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿಗಳ ಮಾನಸಿಕ ಮತ್ತು ದೈಹಿಕ ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯ ಅಡಿಪಾಯವಾಗಿರುತ್ತದೆ . ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿಗಳು ಆರೋಗ್ಯವಾಗಿದ್ದಲ್ಲ . ಇನ್ನು ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ದಕ್ಷತೆಯಿಂದ ಕೆಲಸ ನಿರ್ವಹಿಸಬಹುದು . ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿಗಳ ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ಅವರ ಕುಟುಂಬದ ಮೇಲೆ ಪರಿಣಾಮ ಬೀರುತ್ತದೆ . ಚಾಲಕ ನಿರ್ವಾಹಕರು ತಮ್ಮ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಸಮಯವನ್ನು ಮಾರ್ಗಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಕರ್ತವ್ಯ ನಿರ್ವಹಿಸಲು ತೊಡಗಿಸಿಕೊಲುವುದರಿಂದ ತಮ್ಮಗಳ ಆರೋಗ್ಯದ ಕಡೆಗೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಗಮನ ವಹಿಸುವುದಿಲ್ಲ . ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿಗಳು ಗುಟ್ಟ್ಕಾ , ತಂಬಾಕು ಸೇವನೆಯನ್ನು ಬಿಡಬೇಕು . ಆರೋಗ್ಯದ ಕಡೆ ಗಮನವಹಿಸಬೇಕು . ಆದ್ದರಿಂದ ನಿಗಮವು ಇತ್ತೀಚಿನ ದಿನಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಹೆಚ್ಚೆಚ್ಚು ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ತಪಾಸಣಾ ಶಿಬಿರಗಳನ್ನು ಏರ್ಪಡಿಸಿ , ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಆರೋಗ್ಯದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಜಾಗೃತಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಮುಂಜಾಗ್ರತೆ ಮೂಡಿಸುವ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮವನ್ನು ನಿರಂತರವಾಗಿ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದೆ . ಹೃದಯ , ಕಣ್ಣು , ಹಲವು ಮಾದರಿಯ ಕ್ಯಾನ್ಸರ್ , stress management , ನಿವೃತ್ತಿ ಪೂರ್ವ ಕಾರ್ಯಾಗಾರಗಳನ್ನು ಅಧಿಕ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾಡಲು ಈಗಾಗಲೇ ಸೂಚನೆ ನೀಡಲಾಗಿದೆ . ಇಂದಿನ ಈ ಶಿಖರಕ್ಕೆ ಹಾಜರಾಗಿರುವ ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿಗಳು ತಮ್ಮ ಸಹೋದ್ಯೋಗಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಕೂಡ ಈ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ತಿಳಿಸಿ ಜಾಗೃತಿ ಮೂಡಿಸುವುದು ಅವಶ್ಯಕವಾಗಿರುತ್ತದೆ . ಕಿದ್ವಾಯಿ ಸ್ಮಾರಕ ಗ್ರಂಥಿ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯವರು ನಿಗಮದ ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಂದು ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಕ್ಕೂ ಸೂಕ್ತ ರೀತಿ ಸ್ಪಂದಿಸುತ್ತಾ ನೆರವು ನೀಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದು , ಅವರಿಗೆ ಕೃತಜ್ಞತೆಗಳನ್ನು ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿದರು . ಆರೋಗ್ಯಕರ ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿ – ಆರೋಗ್ಯಕರ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯಾಗಿ ರೂಪುಗೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕೆಂಬುದು ನಮ್ಮ ಆಶಯ ಎಂದು ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥಾಪಕ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕರು ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು .

ಈ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಶ್ರೀಮತಿ ಕವಿತಾ ಎಸ್ . ಮನ್ನಿಕೇರಿ ಭಾ . ಆಸೇ , ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕರು ( ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿ & ಪರಿಸರ ) . ಕೆಎಸ್‌ಆರ್‌ಟಿಸಿ , ಡಾ ಚವ್ಹಾಣ್ , ಪ್ರೊಪೆಸರ್ , ಮುಖ್ಯಸ್ಥರು , Oral Cancer , ಕಿದ್ವಾಯಿ ಸ್ಮಾರಕ ಗ್ರಂಥಿ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆ , ಶ್ರೀ . ವಿಜಯಕುಮಾರ್ ರೈ , ಮುಖ್ಯ ಕಾರ್ಮಿಕ ಕಲ್ಯಾಣಾಧಿಕಾರಿ , ಶ್ರೀ . ಪ್ರಭಾಕರ ರೆಡ್ಡಿ , ಮುಖ್ಯ ಸಂಚಾರ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥಾಪಕರು ( ಕಾ ) , ಡಾ . ರಾಮಮೂರ್ತಿ ಕೆ . ಮುಖ್ಯ ಯಾಂತ್ರಿಕ ಅಭಿಯಂತರರು ( ಸಿ ) , ಶ್ರೀ .ಲಿಂಗರಾಜು ಜಿ . ಮುಖ್ಯ ಭದ್ರತಾ ಜಾಗೃತಾಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳು ಉಪಸ್ಥಿತರಿದ್ದರು .

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“Scientists studying one of the most common forms of childhood cancer have made an important breakthrough in understanding how the disease progresses”

Bengaluru: Neuroblastoma is a rare type of cancer of the nervous system that mainly affects babies and young children. It often begins in the adrenal gland but in around half of cases the condition has spread throughout the body when it is diagnosed, particularly to bone and bone marrow, and in these high risk cases survival is only about 50%.

A study, led by experts at Newcastle University and published today in Clinical Cancer Research, has focussed on neuroblastoma cells which circulate in the blood and spread through the bone marrow.

It is the first time that circulating neuroblastoma tumour cells have been identified in this way and experts say it is possible to test the effect of newer targeted types of treatments on the circulating tumour cells without the need for an invasive biopsy.

Understanding the disease

Professor Deborah Tweddle, from the newly-formed Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, led the national study and believes that it is a major step forward in trying to personalise treatment as the number of circulating tumour cells indicate the strength of the disease.

She said: “Our study is an exciting development. It has improved our understanding of the spread of neuroblastoma and why some young patients may be at high risk of the disease advancing.

“If the numbers of circulating tumour cells prove important in predicting the effects of chemotherapy then, in the future, we will hopefully be able to tailor treatment to an individual patient’s needs.

“Through a greater understanding of neuroblastoma we hope to eventually improve the cure rate and, for those children who survive, we want to make sure that their quality of life is as good as possible after treatment.

“Our ultimate aim is to give those with this devastating disease the best chance possible and increase survival rates.”

This study is an example of the pioneering research that is taking place at Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, with a focus on the ‘discovery to trial to healthcare pathway’.

Scientists collected blood and bone marrow samples from patients at five paediatric oncology centres in England and Scotland. A total of 40 patients were studied, 23 had high risk neuroblastoma at diagnosis. The team analysed the samples using specialist equipment – an Image Stream Flow Cytometer run by Dr David Jamieson – to count the number of tumour cells circulating in the blood and bone marrow by labelling the tumour cells with an antibody against a molecule called GD2 present on neuroblastoma cells and photographing them. Anti-GD2 antibody therapy is now routinely used for treatment of patients with high risk neuroblastoma.

Experts also collected the plasma of the blood after the cells were removed and found that they could still detect small pieces of tumour DNA. Genetic tests were carried out on the DNA and it was identified that they were similar to that of the main tumour.

The ImageStream Imaging Flow Cytometer, housed at Newcastle University, was funded in 2013 with a grant of £438,000 from the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. Sir Bobby launched his Foundation in 2008 and it has gone on to raise over £13.5 million to find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer.

Professor Tweddle, an Honorary Consultant in Paediatric Oncology at the Great North Children’s Hospital, Newcastle, said: “To our knowledge, this is the first study in the world to use this type of specialist equipment to look for circulating tumour cells in neuroblastoma.

“Clearly it is early days, but this study is promising as it means that we can look at tumour cells as well as tumour DNA from the same blood sample. Therefore, if it’s too hazardous to biopsy the main tumour we can get all the important genetic information we need from a blood test.”
Further research will look at a much larger number of patients and will be done as part of the next European high risk neuroblastoma trial, which is hoped will be open in the UK next year.

Patient’s perspective

Gemma Lowery sadly knows first-hand the devastation that neuroblastoma can cause.
Her inspirational son, Bradley, died at the age of six after bravely battling the illness from being a toddler. When it was revealed that the condition was terminal, Bradley appeared as mascot for his beloved Sunderland AFC and struck up a close bond with striker Jermain Defoe.

Gemma, of Blackhall Colliery, County Durham, has welcomed the Newcastle University research as she says it is key that there is a better understanding into the development of the condition.

She said: “It is extremely important that as much research as possible is done into neuroblastoma to help improve treatments for children with the condition. “In general, not enough research is done into childhood cancer so the fact that Newcastle University is leading the way in studying neuroblastoma is fantastic. “It’s great that this research is a stepping stone towards personalised treatment as the standard treatment currently given is gruelling. Bradley was on life-support for 15 days, not from the cancer but from the effects of the chemotherapy.

“The Bradley Lowery Foundation is pushing for more people to become involved in scientific research and this is an example of the importance of it.”       

Information about the Bradley Lowery Foundation Research Fund can be found here: http://bit.ly/BLFresearch

For more information, please visit Newcastle University, UK website: http://www.ncl.ac.uk/

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· Many organizations and hospitals address rehabilitation needs of cancer patients, but there is a dearth in Bengaluru of structured, easily accessible and patient friendly programs

BENGALURU / October 15, 2019: Lack of adequate information and rehabilitation facilities are the primary contributors to poor quality of life of breast cancer patients. Yet, hospitals and oncologists in Bengaluru are challenged to develop programs that support the growing number of cancer patients during treatment and follow-up. This was said by doctors from Prameya Health, the only institution in the city specializing in holistic supportive care for cancer patients. On the occasion of the ongoing breast cancer awareness month, they highlighted the need to focus on the unmet supportive care needs of breast cancer patients in Bengaluru.

Said breast surgeon Dr. Sandhya Ravi, Founder & MD of Prameya Health: “Many individuals and families continue to face complicated care issues resulting from cancer diagnosis long after completion of treatment. Many organizations and hospitals try to address their rehabilitation needs, but there is a dearth of structured, easily accessible and patient-friendly programs. Also, it is difficult for oncologists in a hospital setting to provide long-term supportive care even with the existence of a rehabilitation team. Considering the rising population of cancer patients in Karnataka, we need dedicated, stand-alone institutions specializing in preventive and supportive care.”

Prameya Health experts noted that with the progress in early detection of breast cancer and increasingly effective treatment, more and more women are now living beyond the disease. The whole point of early detection and effective treatment is to provide long and good quality of life. Support and education are crucial parts of care and these need to be provided on an ongoing basis to patients. India is also seeing the prevalence of cancer in younger age groups as compared with the global average.

Supportive care refers to services that help cancer patients, their caregivers, and their families to cope with the disease and its treatment from the time of diagnosis, through treatment and beyond, with the goal to improve quality of life. It helps patients embark on a journey of wellness, which is a complete state of physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease. The goal is to treat the symptoms in a comprehensive manner, and address the psychological, social and spiritual effects the diagnosis has on the patients and those who are caring for them.

Added Dr. Sandhya Ravi: “It takes time to sort through and process the emotional turmoil that comes with the diagnosis of breast cancer. It is important for patients to voice their fears, worries and uncertainties with an empathetic group. They need to know that they are not alone and that other women with the same condition have similar feelings. The goal of a good supportive care program is to restore the confidence in a woman that has been shattered by the diagnosis of cancer and help her reclaim control of her life. It helps to draw her into a community to share, connect and recover. There is evidence from several Quality of Life studies done in India and from Western literature about the benefits of supportive care. The testimonials of the patients who have participated in such programs is proof of this.”

According to experts from Prameya Health, a good supportive program covers areas such as physical needs, educational needs, social support, psychological support, spiritual support, and also rehabilitation support or end-of-life and bereavement care. It also doubles up as place to meet new people and be a part of a fast-growing support community.

Said Dr. Sandhya Ravi: “It is often seen that medical and social support for patients of breast cancer diminishes over the years and they have to manage their own care and fend for themselves. Empowering patients by helping them to use their own strengths and resources through supportive care programs, which are preventive, personalized and participatory, will go a long way to address this need. These will provide a wellness model for cancer survivors too.”

Prameya Health’s FENS Program

At Prameya Health, these issues are addressed with the help of its FENS program, denoting the Functional, Emotional, Nutritional and Spiritual Dimensions of care. While physical aspects include factors such as body image, functional disability, fatigue and fertility, the emotional aspects involve the fear of recurrence and progression of cancer, anxiety, depression and sexual issues. The social aspects include various taboos and cultural issues regarding victims of cancer.

Functional Dimension: The functional dimensions deal with General Fitness and workshops in Yoga, Dance, Music, Arts and Crafts. Special sessions help with management of Lymph-edema.

Emotional Dimension: Addresses the emotional requirements of a patient (anxiety, depression, stress) through motivation and counselling, meditation and relaxation practices. A psychosocial rehabilitation alongside social integration programs is emphasized upon.

Nutritional Dimension: This dimension deals with the nutritional requirements and various practical questions regarding diet before, during and after treatment.

Spiritual Dimension: In the spiritual dimension, the patient is encouraged to re-establish an inner connect with oneself to accelerate the process of healing.

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