Date of Award

Winter 1-4-2019

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

PharmD

Department

Department of Pharmacy Practice

First Advisor

Dr. Mahadev Rao

Second Advisor

Dr. Karthik S Udupa

Abstract

Background: There exists a National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) aimed at collecting cancer patient data at the hospital and population level. 33 population-based cancer registries (PBCRs) and 100+ hospital-based registries (HBCRs) are present. Continuous training of professionals and monitoring of data completeness are a requisite to ensure generation of reliable databases. Advances in information technology allow for proper planning and development in all active registries. However, due to lack of time and personnel, systematic filling in of data takes a back-seat in India. Objectives: To develop a cancer registry for Shirdi Sai Baba Cancer Hospital and Research Centre. Methods: After performing a background check on the availability of relevant data on official government websites, a case report form for adult and paediatric patients was developed. It was then validated by 6 field experts. Patients and/or patient parties were interviewed personally after seeking informed consent and providing Participant Information sheets to sensitize the answerer regarding the details of the project. Each interview was completed within 10-15 minutes depending upon the co-operation and comprehension exhibited. The information was transferred from hard copies of Case Report Forms (CRFs) to an MS Excel file and analysed. Data was visualized on Microsoft Power BI and a soft, easily usable copy of the CRF was coded with DOT NET while the Microsoft SQL server served as a database. Results: A computerized module of CRF was formulated. Various demographic parameters like age, sex, co-morbidities, menstrual status, familial history, proximity to industry and social history were evaluated. Average age was found to be 45.08 ± 19.63 years. Among n=100 patients, 48% were male and 52% were females (65% of them were in menopause). Out of n=100 patients, 13% patients resided near industrial areas suggesting a possible correlation with cancer incidence. 27 different types of cancer were exhibited and blood cancer (24%) had the most occurrences. During diagnoses, 83% patients were confirmed microbiologically. Over 50% patients were treated with chemotherapy and it was found that most blood cancer patients received Cytarabine (15%) and Cyclophosphamide (11%) followed by Rituximab, LAsparaginase and Danorubicin. Conclusion: It is inferred that there is a diverse spatial distribution of the primary sites of cancers and their geographical locations indicating the diversity of footfall in the hospital. Demographical factors seem to play a significant role in the development of cancer. This reinforces the need for a registry for a hospital like Shirdi Sai Baba Cancer Hospital and Research Centre to aid research and epidemiological assessments. It also aids therapeutic decisions and points at drug utilization patterns useful for drug procurement.

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