Introduction
The department of Oncology at KMC Hospital is today one of the pioneering centre of bone marrow transplant (BMT) & clinical research in oncology in India. It has made a unique name for itself in a short span of time. The department is involved in management of haematological malignancies & solid tumours. The department treats approximately, 4000-5000 patients every year (with 2000 patients in day care). Emergency services are available round the clock. We are one of the centres of excellence in performing bone marrow transplants (BMT) for which patients come from abroad and allover India. The department is one of the first to conduct autologous as well as allogenic bone marrow transplantation.
The department provides chemotherapy, targeted therapy & immunotherapy. It is also involved in teaching DNB students of various disciplines. The department also participates in medical grand rounds & journal club meetings with the department of medicine. The department regularly conducts Annual Oncology updates & conferences. The department organises free cancer detection & cancer awareness programmes on breast cancer, multiple myeloma, etc.
The department works to provide quality care to our cancer patients. Oncology today is a dynamic branch where each patient's needs are catered uniquely & where constant monitoring & care is mandatory. The department of Oncology provides following services to cancer patients: -
1) Chemotherapy of Solid Cancers & Haematological Malignancies: Various solid cancers are managed with adjuvant & palliative chemotherapy regimen. Colorectal Cancer is treated with FOLFOX regimen (Oxaliplatin, Leucovorin, 5 FU) FOLFIRI Regimen (Oxaliplatin, Leucovorin, 5 FU, irinotecan), Capecitabine & new targeted drugs. Cancer of upper GI (Carcinoma Stomach, oesophagus), earlier had very poor prognosis, but the advent of new chemotherapeutic drugs has markedly increased the life span of patients. The commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs are Cisplatin, Leucovorin, 5 FU, Paclitaxel, docetaxel, Oxaliplatin,
Capecitabine. Carcinoma Breast which is today the commonest cancer in females, is being treated effectively with numerous new drugs, both in adjuvant & metastatic setting. The drugs in use are - Cyclophosphamide, Epirubicin, 5FU, Paclitaxel, Docetaxel, Vinorelbine, Anastrazole, and Letrozole & new Targeted Drugs. Carcinoma Lung, Unknown primary cancer, Primary peritoneal cancer are being treated with Carboplatin & Paclitaxel. Carcinoma lung is now treated with new drugs like - Gemcitabine, Vinrelbine, Alimta & targeted drugs.
Carcinoma Bladder is treated with Gemcitabine, Carboplatin. Pancreatic cancer & hepatobiliary cancer are treated with Gemcitabine & targeted drugs. Germ cell tumours are treated with Bleomycin, Etoposide & Platinum. Gynecological cancers like - carcinoma endometrium, choriocarcinoma, carcinoma cervix, carcinoma ovary are also treated with new chemotherapeutics drugs. Haematological malignancies treated include non - hodgkin's lymphoma (treated with Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, Adriamycin, Vincristine, Prednisolone), Hodgkin's lymphoma (treated with Adriamycin, Vinblastine, Bleomycin, DTIC), acute myeloid leukemia (treated with Cytarabine, Daunorubicin, FLAG-Regimen) and acute lymphoid leukemia (treated with Vincristine, L -Asperiginase, Adriamycin, Prednisolone).
2) Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy: The Armamentarium of drugs available to Medical Oncologist has been enhanced with availability of targeted therapy in form of Rituximab, Imatinib, Geftinib, Bortezemib, Trastuzumab. These drugs are tumour cell specific, hence are less toxic to chemotherapy and give better quality of life to patients. Rituximab is used in management of non - Hodgkin's lymphoma; Imatinib is magic bullet for CML, and Gefitinib is wonder drug for Lung and Pancreatic Cancer. Bortezemib is being used in Myeloma & Trastuzumab in Breast Cancer, Erbitux (Cetuximab) & Avastin in Colorectal Cancer. Nexavar (Sorafinib) in HCC & Renal Cell Carcinoma. Sutent (Sunitinib) in GIST, RCC. Immunotherapy is being used for R.C.C in the form of interleukin 1-2, Interferon.
3) Patient awareness programmes & community outreach programmes: The department conducts patients free awareness programmes for general public & patients on various cancers like Myeloma, Breast Cancer etc.
4) Free cancer detection camps: These camps are conducted in different parts of the country, even in remote areas. These help in detecting cancer at an early stage and hence reduce mortality