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Research Article
Comparative Study Between Concurrent Chemoradiation and Radiation Alone in the Treatment of Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
48-61
Received:
15 July 2026
Accepted:
31 July 2026
Published:
24 August 2026
Abstract: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is an established option for suitable patients with non-metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, but evidence from resource-limited settings remains important for real-world treatment decisions. This single-centre prospective comparative study was conducted at the Department of Radiotherapy, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh, from January to December 2014, comparing early treatment response and acute toxicity between concurrent chemoradiation and radiation alone. 66 patients with histologically confirmed, non-metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were enrolled and equally allocated to two groups. Group A received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (external beam radiotherapy, 60 Gy/30 fractions over 6 weeks, plus cisplatin 70 mg/m2 every 3 weeks for three cycles); Group B received the same radiotherapy schedule alone. Patients were assessed weekly during treatment and 6 weeks post-treatment. Baseline T-category, nodal status and stage were broadly comparable between groups. Complete response was significantly higher with concurrent chemoradiation than radiation alone (66.7% vs 39.4%), while partial response was lower (33.3% vs 60.6%; χ2=4.92, p=0.048). Oral cavity tumour regression at 6 weeks was greater with concurrent chemoradiation (84.26% vs 64.39%; p=0.018), as was neck node regression (65.69% vs 41.25%; p=0.011). Among laryngeal cancer patients, complete downstaging to T0 occurred in 71.4% (Group A) versus 42.9% (Group B). Acute toxicities—nausea, vomiting, xerostomia, mucositis, and mild haematological changes—were manageable, with no grade 3/4 toxicity or treatment-related deaths. Concurrent chemoradiation produced superior early tumour response compared with radiation alone, with increased but manageable acute toxicity. Larger randomized studies with longer follow-up are warranted to evaluate survival, late toxicity, and functional outcomes.
Abstract: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is an established option for suitable patients with non-metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, but evidence from resource-limited settings remains important for real-world treatment decisions. This single-centre prospective comparative study was conducted at the Department of Radiotherapy, Rajshahi Medical Co...
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Research Article
Endometrial Cancer: Epidemiological Aspects, Management, and Prognosis at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Donka National Hospital
Mamadou Hady Diallo*,
Alhassane II Sow
,
Mamoudou Magassouba,
Alhousseny Sidibe,
Daniel William Athanase Leno,
Abdourahamane Diallo,
Ibrahima Sory Balde,
Telly Sy,
Namory Keita
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
62-69
Received:
8 July 2026
Accepted:
24 July 2026
Published:
8 September 2026
Abstract: Introduction: The objective of this study was to contribute to the investigation of the epidemiological aspects, management, and prognosis of endometrial cancer at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Donka National teaching Hospital in Conakry. Methodology: This was a descriptive study involving the collection of retrospective data over a 15-year period from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2024, focusing on cases of endometrial cancer. Results: The incidence of endometrial cancer was 2.4%. This cancer primarily affected patients aged 60 and older (58.9%), housewives (68.4%), married women (94.7%), and women with multiple pregnancies (49.5%). Metrorrhgia (100.0%) and abdominal-pelvic pain were the most frequently recorded reasons for consultation. Endometrial adenocarcinoma was the most common histological type (84.2%), and endometrial cancer was diagnosed as FIGO stage I in 34.7% of cases. Surgery was performed in 66.3% of patients, and 49.5% of them had received chemotherapy. Extrafascial hysterectomy with lymph node dissection and bilateral adnexectomy was the most commonly performed surgical procedure; extended colpohysterectomy with lymphadenectomy and bilateral adnexectomy was performed for more advanced cases. One-year survival was observed in 9 out of 10 patients, and five-year survival was recorded in nearly 4 out of 10 patients. Conclusion: Endometrial cancer is a common condition in our setting. Early diagnosis, prompt management, and improved access to chemotherapy and radiation therapy could improve patient prognosis.
Abstract: Introduction: The objective of this study was to contribute to the investigation of the epidemiological aspects, management, and prognosis of endometrial cancer at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Donka National teaching Hospital in Conakry. Methodology: This was a descriptive study involving the collection of retrospective data over ...
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Research Article
Predictors of Survival Outcomes of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Patients at a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Kenya
Lordin Alumasa Wanjala*,
Everisto Opondo,
Janai Ondieki,
Tracy Irura
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
70-83
Received:
22 August 2026
Accepted:
5 September 2026
Published:
28 September 2026
Abstract: Background: HER2-positive breast cancer is an aggressive subtype associated with poor outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to targeted therapy is limited. Despite the growing burden of breast cancer in Kenya, comprehensive data on survival outcomes for HER2-positive patients remain scarce. Objectives: This study aimed to assess survival outcomes, including overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and progression-free survival (PFS), among HER2-positive breast cancer patients treated at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Kenya. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 300 histologically confirmed HER2-positive breast cancer patients diagnosed between January 2018 and December 2023. Data were extracted from medical records, pathology reports, and treatment charts using a standardized abstraction tool. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to estimate survival outcomes. The log-rank test compared survival distributions between groups. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression identified independent predictors of survival. To address the substantial loss to follow-up (38.3%), sensitivity analyses including worst-case, best-case, and inverse probability of censoring weighting (IPCW) were conducted. Results: The 5-year overall survival was 82.3% (95% CI: 76.8–87.1%), with median OS not reached (lower bound 104.0 months). After IPCW adjustment, the 5-year OS estimate was 77.1% (95% CI: 70.4–83.8%). In unadjusted analyses, clinical stage (p=0.014) and metastasis status (p=0.040) were significantly associated with OS. However, in the multivariable Cox regression model, chemotherapy completion was the only statistically significant independent predictor of overall survival (HR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.19–0.89, p=0.024), adjusting for stage, metastasis status, trastuzumab completion, hormone receptor status, and age. Trastuzumab completion showed borderline significance for PFS (HR=0.37, 95% CI: 0.14–1.02, p=0.054). The 5-year DFS was 73.6% (95% CI: 66.8–81.2%). Conclusions: Survival outcomes for HER2-positive breast cancer patients at MTRH are favorable compared to historical regional data, though lower than high-income country benchmarks. Chemotherapy completion is associated with critical determinants of survival. Addressing financial barriers and improving treatment completion are essential to improve outcomes.
Abstract: Background: HER2-positive breast cancer is an aggressive subtype associated with poor outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to targeted therapy is limited. Despite the growing burden of breast cancer in Kenya, comprehensive data on survival outcomes for HER2-positive patients remain scarce. Objectives: This study a...
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