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The Society of Surgeons of Pakistan and The Society of Surgical Oncology of Pakistan with factions from various major centres comprising of surgical oncology, medical and radiation oncology collaborated to reach consensus on breast cancer management guidelines and a framework of "good practice" minimum standards of care. The aim of the task force was to enhance treatment standards, which have a direct correlation with improving patient mortality and morbidity and long-term survival whilst taking into consideration economic limitations of access to leading centers of excellence as well as minimum expertise required in health care. These multidisciplinary guidelines, whilst not exhaustive, aim to provide an algorithm of care for breast cancer patients at tertiary care centres and district level hospitals to provide most appropriate treatment.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the commonest non-Hodgkin lymphoma encountered by hematopathologists and oncologists. Management guidelines for DLBCL are developed and published by countries with high income and do not cater for practical challenges faced in resource-constrained settings. This report by a multidisciplinary panel of experts from Pakistan is on behalf of three major national cancer societies: Society of Medical Oncology Pakistan, Pakistan Society of Hematology, and Pakistan Society of Clinical Oncology. The aim is to develop a practical and standardized guideline for managing DLBCL in Pakistan, keeping in view local challenges, which are similar across most of the low- and middle-income countries across the globe. Modified Delphi methodology was used to develop consensus guidelines. Guidelines questions were drafted, and meetings were convened by a steering committee to develop initial recommendations on the basis of local challenges and review of the literature. A consensus panel reviewed the initial draft recommendations and rated the guidelines on a five-point Likert scale; recommendations achieving more than 75% consensus were accepted. Resource grouping initially suggested by Breast Health Global Initiative was applied for resource stratification into basic, limited, and enhanced resource settings. The panel generated consensus ratings for 35 questions of interest and concluded that diagnosis and treatment recommendations in resource-constrained settings need to be based on available resources and management expertise., Competing Interests: Munira MoosajeeTravel, Accommodations, Expenses: Roche Kamran RashidHonoraria: Roche/GenentechSpeakers' Bureau: Roche/Genentech, Lilly MedicalTravel, Accommodations, Expenses: Roche Usman AhmadHonoraria: RocheTravel, Accommodations, Expenses: RocheNo other potential conflicts of interest were reported.

Objective: To assess the burden of sleep disorders in the elderly, and the effects of various co-morbidities linked with sleep disorders., Methods: The longitudinal cross-sectional study was conducted in different outpatient departments at a tertiary care centre in Islamabad, Pakistan, from June 2014 to June 2015, and comprised patients of either gender aged 60 years or above. Pittsburgh sleep quality index and Epworth sleepiness scale were used to measure the quality and patterns of sleep and daytime sleepiness in the elderly. Data was analysed using SPSS 21., Results: Of the 1000 subjects, 638(63.8%) were males, and 362(36.2%) were females. The overall mean age was 66.96±7.05 years. Epworth sleepiness scale >10 was found in 265(26.5%) subjects, while Pittsburgh sleep quality index score in 516(51.6%) was >5. Sleep quality score in 578(57.8%) women was statistically significant compared to 478(47.8%) males (p<0.05)., Conclusions: There was a significant burden of sleep-related disorders in the subjects.

Objective: To compare the pathological complete response in human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER-2) positive breast cancer patients getting neoadjuvant chemotherapy with or without trastuzumab., Study Design: Retrospective randomised double-arm observational study., Place and Duration of Study: Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore, from 2008 to 2016., Methodology: HER2-positive, lymph node positive, breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) were retrospectively observed. Patients getting neoadjuvant trastuzumab, fulfilling the inclusion criteria were studied. The comparison group included randomly selected equal number of HER2-positive breast cancer patients having similar tumor characteristics, getting NACT only. Pathological complete response (pCR) was defined as no residual invasive or in situ residual tumor in breast tissue, or in the lymph nodes. One hundred and fifty-six patients were studied. Eighty-nine patients with HER2-positive disease received trastuzumab preoperatively. Sixty-four (n=64) patients received the complete standard dose of neoadjuvant trastuzumab along with chemotherapy. Almost equal number of patients (n=67) with HER2- positive disease were selected by random assortment for the reference group who did not receive trastuzumab before surgery., Results: The pathological complete response of study group was (n=32) 50%, which was 26.1% higher than the reference group (n=16) 23.9%; and this difference was statistically significant with a p-value of 0.002 (<0.05). The overall pCR was 36.6% (n=48)., Conclusion: Addition of trastuzumab to neoadjuvant chemotherapy doubled the pCR in HER2-positive breast cancer. Targeted therapy should be offered to all eligible patients with HER2-overexpressing breast cancer.

Objective: To determine the impact of Rituximab and international prognostic index score on survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients., Method: The retrospective study was conducted at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore, from January to May 2013 and comprised record of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who were treated from 2007 to 2010. Baseline international prognostic index score, stage at presentation were noted and the records were divided into two groups A and B on the basis of the type of chemotherapy. SPSS 19 was used for statistical analysis., Results: Of the 93 patients in the study whose records were reviewed, 54(58%) were men. Overall median age was 43 years (range: 18-76). Stages at presentation were stage-I 14 (15.1%), stage-II 41 (44.1%), stage-III 20 (21.5%) and stage-lV 18 (19.4%). International prognostic index risk categorisation was low risk 59 (63.4%), low intermediate risk 23 (24.7%), high intermediate risk 10 (10.8%) and high risk 1 (1.1%). There were 31 (33%) patients in Group A and 62 (67%) in Group B. Median follow-up was 3.9 years (range: 1.2-6.1). Overall survival at 4 years was 66.4%; for Group A 65.3% and for Group B 66.7% (p < 0.4). On the basis of risk categories, overall survival was statistically significant (p < 0.001) between the groups., Conclusion: International prognostic index risk categorisation had statistically significant impact on survival. However, there was no evidence of a significant survival benefit between types of chemotherapy. Further controlled trials are needed in this regard.

Background: Ovarian sex cord-stromal tumours (SCST) are relatively uncommon neoplasms that account for approximately 5-7% of all primary ovarian tumours. The aim was to report experience with sex cord stromal tumours (SCST) of ovary in a low and middle income country., Methods: Clinical records of 56 patients with histopathologically-established SCST of ovary admitted to a tertiary care cancer hospital in Pakistan between April 1995 and December 2011 were reviewed., Results: Median age at presentation was 41 years (Range 4-77). Forty one (73%) patients were premenopausal and 15 (26.8%) were postmenopausal. The most common presenting complaint was abdominal pain (28.1%). Thirty seven patients (66%) had stage-I, 2 had stage II and II each, and 15 (26.8%) had stage IV disease. Five years survival in patients with early stage (stages I & II) was 91% while in those in the late stage (II & IV) was 84% (p=0.79). Histopathologically, 49 patients (85.7%) had Granulosa cell tumour, and 7 (12.5%) had Sertoli Lyedig cell tumour. CA-125 was high only in 8 patients (14.3%). Adjuvant chemotherapy was give in 16 (28.6%). Thirty six (64%) were disease free at last follow up, 10 (18%) succumbed to disease and 10 (18%) were alive with disease. On univariate and multivariate analyses, late stage at presentation was the sole factor significantly associated with mortality., Conclusion: Ovarian sex cord-stromal tumours of ovary are relatively uncommon malignancies with good prognosis if diagnosed early and treated adequately. Survival in our study was comparable to those reported elsewhere. Among various factors, late stage of tumour at presentation was found to be the only factor significantly associated with mortality.

Objective: To determine the impact of Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index risk categorisation on the survival of patients with follicular lymphoma treated in one centre., Method: The retrospective study comprised follicular lymphoma patients treated from 1997 to 2010 at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore. Their baseline prognostic index score, stage, bone marrow involvement and high-grade transformation were recorded. Risk categorisation was done according to the index score. SPSS 19 was used for statistical analysis., Results: Median age of the 70 patients studied was 54 years (range: 23-98). There were 42 (60%) males. Overall, 58 (83%) patients presented with stage III/IV disease. Bone marrow was involved in 42 (60%) cases. High-grade transformation was reported in 12 (17.1%). According to risk categorisation, 21 (30%) were low risk, 21 (30%) intermediate and 28 (40%) were in high-risk category. Patients were treated with standard chemotherapy. Median follow-up was 3 years (range: 1-9). Median overall survival was 4.1 years (95% Cl: 4.7-6.4).The Kaplan Meier estimated overall survival at 5 years was 26 (43%). Five-year overall survival in the low, intermediate and high risk groups was 14 (66%), 10 (47%) and 7 (25%), respectively (p < 0.02)., Conclusion: The Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index showed significant prognostic value with high scores having poor overall survival compared to patients with low and intermediate scores.

Background: Early onset breast cancer is associated with poor outcomes but variable results have been reported. It is a significant problem in Pakistani women but remains under reported. Breast conservation plays an important role in surgical management of this younger patient group. The objective of this study was to determine the outcome of breast conservative therapy in patients with early onset breast cancer in our population and compare it with their older counterparts., Materials and Methods: A review of patients with invasive breast cancer who underwent breast conservation surgery at Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital from 1997 to 2009 was performed. Patients were divided into two groups i.e. Group I age ≤ 40 and Group II >40 years. A total of 401 patients with breast cancer were identified in Group I and 405 patients in Group II. Demographics, histopathological findings and receptor status of the two groups were compared. The Chi square test was used for categorical variables. Outcome was assessed on basis of 10 year locoregional recurrence free survival (LRRFS), disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) . For survival analysis Kaplan Meier curves were used and significance was determined using the Log rank test. Cox regression was applied for multivariate analysis., Results: Median follow up was 4.31 (0.1-15.5) years. Median age at presentation was 34.6 years (17-40) and 51.9 years (41-82) for the two groups. Groups were significantly different from each other with respect to grade, receptor status, tumor stage and use of neoadjuvant therapy. No significant difference was present between the two groups for estimated 10 year LRRFS (86% vs 95%) (p=0.1), DFS (70% vs 70%) (p=0.5) and OS (75% vs 63%) (p=0.1). On multivariate analysis, tumor stage was an independent predictor of LRRFS, DFS and OS., Conclusions: Early onset breast cancer is associated with a distinct biology but does not lead to poorer outcomes in our population.

Objective: To assess stress levels, job satisfaction and working hours of the residents in Medicine and Surgery and to explore a correlation among the three factors., Methods: The questionnaire-based. Cross-sectional study was conducted in 2011 at two tertiary level teaching hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan (Ziauddin University Hospital and Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan). The study population comprised 176 residents, General Health Questionnaire-12 was used to assess the mental health of the residents and a standardised Job Satisfaction Survey tool was used to assess their work satisfaction., Results: A total of 176 residents participated in the study; 115 (65%) from Medicine, and 61 (35%) from surgery. Of the total residents, 99 (56.3%) were under stress, and there was no significant difference in stress between Medicine and Surgery residents. Besides, 133 (75.6%) residents reported to be satisfied with their jobs. There was a statistically significant difference in job satisfaction between Medicine and Surgery residents (p < 0.001). Mean number of working hours per week reported by Medicine and Surgery residents were 74.82 +/- 15.95 and 92.07 +/- 15.91 respectively (p < 0.001). A positive correlation of mean working hours with both stress (p = 0.009) and job satisfaction (p = 0.029) was found., Conclusions: Medicine and Surgery residents tend to differ on mean working hours and job satisfaction. The greater mean working hours of the residents could be a possible reason for increased stress and decreased job satisfaction among the residents.

Background: Malignant Phyllodes Tumour (MPT) is considered to be a rare disease of the breast. The most frequent clinical presentation of a MPT is a rapidly growing breast lump., Methods: Consecutive cases of MPT registered between Jan 1, 1995 and Dec 31, 2012 at the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan, were reviewed, to obtain information on age, tumour size, treatment given, disease-free survival, and overall survival. Disease-free survival was computed between the dates of surgery and recurrence, whereas, the overall survival time between the dates of diagnosis and last contact, both in months., Results: A total of 101 cases of Phyllodes tumour were recorded. These included: malignant tumours (42) benign (27), and borderline (32). Malignant Phyllodes tumours (42 cases) were studied further and 41 included for additional analysis. The mean age of the women in the study was 40.3 +/- 12.5 (22-72 years). Of the 33 patients who were disease-free after surgery, 15 had a recurrence, whereas, 18 did not have a recurrence. In those who had surgery alone versus those who received radiation treatment in addition to surgery, the median disease-free survival was 117 and 44.2 months, respectively. The mean overall survival time was 33.7 months., Conclusion: In this study, patients presented at a younger age than in other studies. Further exploration into molecular, biologic, geographic, and socioeconomic factors is needed to clearly understand the epidemiology of this disease in our population.

Pathogenic germ line mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes confer elevated risk of breast and ovarian cancer in females and have a link with variety of cancers other than breast cancer in males. Here we report the first case of a 45-year-old Pakistani male with renal cell carcinoma who was identified to harbor a disease-associated BRCA1 germ line mutation, 2080insA. Detailed description of the family history, clinical presentation and histopathological features of the renal cell carcinoma are presented.

House job is the important year of the clinical experience under supervision before the start of the own practice as a phsician. It is understood that clinical experience of new medical graduates are poor and they are expected to learn clinical skills by one year house job experience. Hence there is need to asess the basic clinical skills competency. A questionnaire was given to thirty house officers regrding the ten basic clinical procedures which are expected from all of them to learn and carry out independently till the end of their house jobs. They were asked to fill it up according to their competency level at the beginning and end of their jobs. The purpose of the study was to assess the competency level of the house officers individually which will provide information to the supervisors what needs attention so that remedial action can be taken in time. This study was undertaken to find out how much confidence the house officers acquire during house job in carrying out specified procedures.

Background: Prevalence of blindness in Pakistan is estimated to be 0.9%, which comes to about 1.25 million persons. A significant number of these are persons under 20 years of age. To make these children useful citizens in future, special facilities are to be provided to these children for their education and training. A study was done to find out the visual status of the students studying in a blind school in Abbottabad, Pakistan, the only such facility in the region., Method: A total of 50 patients were examined during our visit to the blind school in Abbottabad. Age of the patients ranged from 6 to 27 years (mean: 12.32 years). All the students, who were otherwise healthy, were included in the study., Result: The most common disorder identified was malformed globe or traumatic eyes (16 cases, 32%), in most of the cases, leading to phthisis bulbi. Other conditions noticed were Retinitis Pigmentosa (10 cases, 20%), Keratoconus, Optic atrophy, Buphthalmos (6 cases each, 12%), corneal opacity (4 cases, 8%) and retinal detachment (2 cases 4%)., Conclusion: We should work towards betterment of these schools by providing them with more funds, equipment and manpower. Regular visits of Ophthalmologists to these schools may be helpful. Genetic counselling should be arranged for the families.

Objectives: To analyze records of patients seen with malignant epithelial ovarian cancer at a tertiary care cancer hospital in Pakistan and obtain information on factors as laterality, histology, CA-125 levels, and stage of the disease, determine age at presentation and, assess menopausal status of the patients. Also, to review results obtained in light of data published in indexed journals., Patients and Methods: We analyzed 544 cases of malignant ovarian epithelial tumors registered at the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center from December 1994-December 2003., Results: Mean age at presentation: 48.1 years (SD 13, range 4-82 years); commonest histological sub-type: serous cystadenocarcinoma (28.6%); most frequently seen stage: 3 (43.5%), followed by stage 4 (22.4%); post-menopausal: 56.8% of the women; bilateral disease: 41.2% of the women; and Cancer Antigen-125 (CA-125) level: elevated in 70% of the females., Conclusions: Stage at presentation in majority of the cases was advanced as compared to that seen in the west. With only minor variations, our findings seem consistent with those reported in other local studies. However, it is imperative to conduct an extensive population-based study to understand the impact of, and develop strategies for the management of ovarian cancer in Pakistan.

Objectives: To study the clinico-epidemiological profile of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) in Pakistan., Patients and Methods: We retrospectively studied all histopathologically proven cases of HL, who presented between Dec 1995 to June 2003 at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Hospital (SKMCH & RC). All the relevant information was obtained through the hospital based cancer registry and medical records of the selected patients., Results: Six hundred and fifty eight histopathologically confirmed cases of HL were identified. There were 505 males and 153 females, with a male to female ratio of 3.3: 1. Patients ranged in age from 1 year - 84 years. The mean age at presentation was 23.8 years. Three hundred and twenty cases (48.6%) belonged to age group 18 years of age. Histopathologically, mixed cellularity (MC) constituted 63.8% of cases, followed by nodular sclerosis (NS) 19.9%, lymphocyte predominant (LP) 7.3% and lymphocyte depleted (LD) 1.2%. Early stage (stage I and II) disease was present in 43.9% of patients at presentation, while 56.1% patients presented with advanced stage (stage III and IV). The majority of patients (81.2%) presented with cervical lymphadenopathy., Conclusion: The clinico-epidemiological pattern of Hodgkin's lymphoma in Pakistan manifested is similar to that observed in other developing countries, with male predominance, mixed cellularity as the commonest histological type, advanced stage at presentation and absence of bimodal age distribution.