Scientific Program

Conference Series Ltd invites all the participants across the globe to attend 30th Experts Meet On Cancer Therapy Melbourne, Australia.

Day 2 :

  • Session: Pharmacology and Toxicology | Cancer | Clinical Therapies | Cancer Causes | Oncology Nursing | Drug Discovery and Drug Screening | Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics

Session Introduction

B Singh and P R Gajurel

North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, India

Title: Pharmacological potential medicinal plants of Indian Eastern Himalaya: Note on present status of occurrence and conservation

Time : 11:05-11:40

Speaker
Biography:

Dr. Binay Singh is currently working as Professor in the Department of Forestry at NERIST, India. Initially he worked as Assistant and Associate Professor after his Ph.D. He has a long teaching and research experience in the field of horticulture and forestry. His field of research include horticultural crops, agroforestry systems, and forest resource utilization and livelihood, ethnobotany etc. He has been working on medicinal plant and their management in the Indian Eastern Himalayan region through various Govt of India funded projects. He has published more than 60 research articles in his field of research. He served as the Advisor, Horticulture, North Eastern Council, Govt of India and as a Director, North Eastern Regional Centre of National Institute of Rural Development, Govt of India. He is the recipient of the S. N. Ranade Memorial award for Junior Scientist for excellence in Micronutrient Research , India. Senior Research Fellowship Indian Council of Agricultural Reasearch.

Abstract:

Medicinal plants are one of the important forest resources under non timber forest producing plant species and because of their Ethno medicinal and pharmacological values they are prioritized in management and conservation practices. The Indian Eastern Himalayan is a rich floristic diversity region of the world and recognized as one of the biodiversity hotspot of the world. Because of the altitudinal variation, it harbors almost all the forest types’ viz. tropical sub-tropical, temperate and alpine forests. Medicinal plants form one of the important components of these forests and particularly the tropical and alpine forest form the habitat of a large number of high value medicinal plants having pharmacological potential. Many of the medicinal herbs like Acorus calamus, Berberis aristata, Coptis teeta, Embelia ribes, Garcinia pedunculata, Homalomena aromatica, Illicium,griffithii, Podophyllum hexandrum, Piper peepuloides, P. mullesua, Sapindus mukorsii, Swertia chirayita, Taxus wallichiana etc. are distributed in the region. To understand their status of occurrence, ecological distribution, threats and conservation status, we have conducted various field studies during the past 10 years. Field survey and studies were conducted in various forest areas including tropical, sub-tropical and temperate forests. Here we discussed the present status of diversity, management and conservation aspects of some high value medicinal plants of eastern Himalayan state of Arunachal Pradesh. The study resulted the records of occurrence of about 40 high value medicinal plant species from the different forests of the state. The tropical and subalpine vegetation comparatively showed rich species diversity in all the forest types. Among the recorded species 46 belong to Dicotyledons, 7 Monocotyledons and 2 Gymnospermic species. Habit wise grouping reveals that majority of these species represent the herbs followed by shrubs and trees. Amidst the various types of threats recorded for all the species in the present study the Anthropogenic and biotic threats like unsustainable collections, grazing, trampling and rapid developmental activities. As majority of the species are either exploited for their roots and rhizome without proper harvesting methods, these species become highly threatened in the forests. Although some conservation initiative is initiated by the Govt. faster and affective management practices need to be added to conserve and commercial use of these species.

Nasira Tajamal

OGDCL Medical Center, Pakistan

Title: Incidence of Colorectal Carcinoma in Young Population of Islamabad

Time : 11:40-12:15

Speaker
Biography:

Nasira Tajamal has graduated MBBS in Jinnah Sindh Medical College, Pakistan. She has later joined Public Health Sector in 1998 at a government organization Oil & Gas Development Company, Pakistan. She has also completed her degree of MPH in Medical Epidemiology from Center for Health and Population Studies Islamabad. She has seven research papers published in OGDCL (Oil & Gas Development Company Limited) Magazine Talash.

Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to promote awareness concerning increased incidence of colorectal cancer in younger population and its clinical plus pathological features compared to older patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2017 to October 2017 on patients with diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma admitted through emergency or outpatient departments
to surgical wards of PIMS Hospital, Islamabad. Data concerning age, gender, presentation, site of tumor, surgery performed and TNM staging was used for analysis. Total numbers of patients studied were 27. Males were 17 (63%) and females were 10 (37%). Patients between the ages of 10 to 20 were 4, (15%), out of these patients 2 were declared unfit for surgery because of wide spread tumor within the abdomen as well distant metastasis. There were 9 (33%) patients between the ages of 21 to 30 and among these 4 was inoperable because of widespread disease. Patients between the ages of 31 to 40 were 5 (19%), 2 were inoperable, while cases between the ages of 41 to 50 were 4 (15%). There were 3 (11%) patients between the ages of 51 and 60 and 2 (7%) cases were between the ages of 61 to 70 years. Total 8 (30%) patients were inoperable and they were young patients, therefore colorectal carcinoma is more aggressive in young patients and 18 (82%) patients between the ages of 10 to 50 years had left sided disease.

Speaker
Biography:

Dr. P. R. Gajurel presently working as Associate Professor in the Department of Forestry at NERIST, India has been working in plant diversity and taxonomy of higher plants in the Eastern Himalayan region of India since past 20 years. During the past 10 years he has extensively working on medicinal plants and their management and conservation including the traditional knowledge systems. He discovered three new species of Piper and one sub species of Primula etc. He has already guided 8 Doctoral thesis in the field in the area of taxonomy, ethnobotany and forest resource utilization. He has received various national and international awards for his research activities. Some of the awards are Young Scientist award, by Department of SWcience & Technology (DST), Govt of India; K. S. Manilal award for best paper presentation by Indian Association for Angiosperm Taxonomy (IAAT), India; Singapore Botanic Garden Research Fellowship by Singapore National Park Board, Badal Datta Award of Ethnobotany by East Himalayan Society for Spermatophyta Taxonomy (EHSST), India etc.

Abstract:

The north east India with its eastern Himalayan region is bestowed with diversified medicinal plants which include the globally significant medicinal herbs as well as the underutilized Ethno medicinal herbs. The region comprises of 8 administrative states including the biodiversity rich states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim of eastern Himalaya. More than 200 ethnic communities are residing in the region and majority of them are still dependent on locally available plants species for curing the different health ailments. Understanding the traditional knowledge and practices of these tribes not only pave the way for identification of the medicinal plants but also for finding new pharmaceutical leads and formulation of valuable drugs. To understand the important Ethno botanical knowledge and the herbal practices adopted by the indigenous people, the authors have been exploring the region continuously for the few years. During the field visits and ethno botanical data collection the authors could come across with many ethno medicinal plants which are used for different diseases and ailments. Although some of the medicinal plants used by these communities are already known for their therapeutic potential but the complete bioactive properties of these plants are yet to be explored. Moreover, the pharmacological relevance of some of these ethno medicinal plants needs to be experimented. This will certainly benefit the mankind and also the poor communities through benefit sharing of the commercial outcomes. The present paper discussed the ethno botanical uses and pharmacological potential of five medicinal plant species used by the local communities of North East India.
The botanical identity and uses of the five medicinal plants are as follows
 
1. Coptis teeta Wall family Rananculaceae habit Herb in which roots are used for malarial fever and also as tonic,
2. Campylandra aurantiaca Baker family Liliaceae habit Herb part of rhizomes are used for dysentery, diarrhea, stomachic,intestinal worm, malaria, arthritis etc.
3. Piper pedicellatum C. DC family Piperaceae, habit Shrub in which tender leaves are used to relief muscular and body painand also taken as nutritive vegetable,
4. Rhynchotechum ellipticum (Wallich ex D. Dietrich) A. de Candolle family Gesneriaceae habit Shrub in which leaves used as health tonic, improve lactation and muscle pain,
5. Gynura cusimbua (D. Don) S. Moore family Asteraceae habit Herb part of leafy shoots are used for cut & wound, stomachic, gastritis, hemorrhoids and constipation.

 

Speaker
Biography:

Elham Bidram has finished her PhD at chemical & Biomolecular Engeering from University of Melbourne. Her project was focused on new polymeric system designed for cancer therapy using 2D carbon polymers. She just started her post-doctoral studies at Faculty of Advanced Sciences & Technologies in University of Isfahan. Isfahan.

 

Abstract:

An effective strategy to inhibit endocytosis in tumorcells is presented. The results suggest that the binding connects neighboring receptors, neutralises endocytosis,and causesmetabolic deprivation.As a result, tumour cell survival and proliferation are reduced.Live cell confocal microscopy imaging reveals that the cellular interaction of these modified networks dependedon the surface chemistry. In vitro exposure of tumor cells to this system reduces the cell viability by 35% compared to a 50% reduction using methotrexate (100 μM). The combination of the modified networks with methotrexate (MTX) or doxorubicin (DOX) showsa greater toxicity(80% reduction in cell viability) than the individual agents. The proposed setup demonstrates a significant synergy in limiting tumour cellgrowth.

Speaker
Biography:

Khalid Aftab has completed his PhD in Pharmacology, graduated from Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and University of Karachi, Pakistan. He is currently working as a Professor and Head of Pharmacology in SMC, University of Health Sciences. He has published more than 50 papers in scientific journals of international repute and has participated in many conferences, gave lectures and poster presentations globally. His focus is on the biodiversity and pharmacological activities of marine organisms.

Abstract:

Holarrhena pubescens belongs to the family Apocynacea, commonly known as kurchi is highly reputed in traditional medicine as a remedy for Amoebic dysentery and other Intestinal ailment. Bioassay-directed fractionation by chromatographic methods the ethanolic extract of Holarrhena pubescens resulted in the isolation of steroidal alkaloids i.e. Holamide and Pubscinine. Holamide showed a three proton doublet at 1.45 (J=6.56 Hz) and two AB doubles at 3.17 and 3.00 each for on proton (J=12.06 Hz) in the 1H NMR spectrum suggested that it belongs to conanine series of alkaloid (A class of compound with the steroid nucleus and a five members heterocyclic ring with nitrogen). In contrast pubscinine showed one methyl at 1.28 while the doublet is missing a three proton singlet was observed at 2.28 due to a vinylic methyl indicated a double bond in the 18, 20-epimino ring of the conanine series of alkaloids. In anaesthetized rats, the Holamide and Pubscinine caused a fall in blood pressure in a Dose-Dependent Manner. Pretreatment of animals’ atropine completely abolished the hypotensive response of acetylcholine; whereas hypotensive effect of holamide and pubscinine were not modified by Atropine. Similarly Acetylcholine produced contractile effect in guinea-pig ileum, which was antagonized by atropine; however both (Holamide and Pubscinine) failed to produce any stimulant response on guinea-pig ileum. These data indicate that the steroidal alkaloids i.e. Holamide and Pubscinine from Holarrhena pubescens mediated hypotensive response through a mechanism different to
that of acetylcholine.

Speaker
Biography:

Nasira Tajamal has graduated MBBS in Jinnah Sindh Medical College, Pakistan. She has later joined Public Health Sector in 1998 at a government organization Oil & Gas Development Company, Pakistan. She has also completed her degree of MPH in Medical Epidemiology from Center for Health and Population Studies Islamabad. She has seven research papers published in OGDCL (Oil & Gas Development Company Limited) Magazine Talash.

Abstract:

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. It is estimated that more than 1.7 million new cases of breast cancer occurred among women worldwide. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too. For men the life time risk of getting breast cancer is 1 in 1000. A cross sectional study on breast cancer is carried out in the medical center of Oil and Gas Development Company Islamabad. The purpose of this study is to find out the incidence of breast cancer in different age groups of females and its response to the available treatment in Pakistan. The period of study was from July 2017 to June 2018. Total number of 210 females was screened between the ages of 25-65 years, with different complaints related to their breast. 29 females were found having breast cancer. 10 patients were with stage-4. Five of them were between the ages of 30-40 years, one was 28 years and 4 were between the ages of 40-65 years. Stage-3 patients were 5, two were between the ages of 30-40 years and 3 between the ages of 40-65 years and patients with stage-2 were 13. Among the 13 stage-2 patients, 7 were between the ages of 30-40 years and 6 were between the ages of 40-65 years. This study concluded early diagnosis and treatment could save the life of females with breast cancer

Speaker
Biography:

Xiaolong Xu has completed his PhD from China Agriculture University and has studying traditional Chinese’s herbal medicines with anti-inflammatory properties.
He is also engaged in pathogenesis of sepsis, psoriasis and inflammatory diseases. He is continuing his research works in Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Beijing Key Laboratory of Basic Research with Traditional Chinese Medicine on Infectious Diseases.

Abstract:

Current data have shown that Punicalagin (PUN), an ellagitannin isolated from Pomegranate, possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. However, its direct targets have not yet been reported. This is the first report that PTP1B serves as a direct target of PUN, with IC50 value of 1.04 μM. Results from NPOI further showed that the Kon and Koff of PUN-PTP1B complex were 3.38e2 M-1s-1 and 4.13e-3 s-1, respectively. Computation simulation by Autodock 4.0 predicted that PUN inhibited PTP1B via binding to Cys215, Arg221 and Arg24. Moreover, inhibition of PTP1B by PUN promoted an M2c macrophage polarization and enhanced anti-inflammatory expression, including IL-10 and M-CSF. Based on gene expression profile, we elucidated that PUN treatment significantly up-regulated 275 genes and down-regulated 1059 genes. M1 like macrophage marker genes, such as Tlr4, Irf1/2, Hmgb1 and Stat1 were down-regulated, while M2 marker genes, including Tmem171, Gpr35, Csf1, Il1rn, Cebpb, Fos, Vegfα, Slc11a1 and Bhlhe40 were up-regulated in PUN-treated macrophages. Hmox-1, a gene encoding HO-1 protein, was preferentially expressed with 16-fold change. Inhibition of HO-1 obviously restored PUN-induced M2 Polarization and IL-10 secretion. In addition, phosphorylation of both Akt and Stat3 contributed to PUN-induced HO-1 expression. This study provided new insights into the mechanisms of PUN-mediated Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant activities and provided new therapeutic strategies for Inflammatory diseases.

Speaker
Biography:

Graduated from Toho Academy of Music in Tokyo, as a pianist and composer, invited by the Boston Symphony,she came to the USA in 1961 as one of the first Japanese women. She then received Master of Art from New York University and finished her Ph.D. credits in Philosophy in 1965. In 1967, Tatsumura then turned to an independent career and became the top International Classical and Cultural Impresario/producer. Until 1992, she produced an average of 2,000 cultural events each year, traveling to more than 140 countries. She was presented with numerous honors for her work. She studied Oriental Traditional Medicine of Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China. In 2,000 she received her PHD and OMD from the International Academy of Education in Tokyo. She established the Oki-Do Holistic Health Center in 1994 in NY and in 2001 the GAIA Holistic Center (501C3 nonprofit organization)at the wake of 9/11 tragedy, for body mind and spirit, aiming for the noninvasive natural healing methods based on the wisdom of the East. Dr. Kazuko Tatsumura has written numerous articles and several books: FE “Overcoming Cancer and Other Diseases in a Holistic Way”, “Your Immune Revolution & Healing Your Healing Power “(with Toru Abo, M.D.) Dr. Kazuko has been invited as a speaker at World Congresses of Holistic Health. She teaches and lectures all over the world. She has received many honors from different countries, many for humanitarian causes. She is well known as a philanthropist.

Abstract:

Onnetsu means comfortable heat. Dr Kazuko Onnetsu Therapy invented by Dr. Kazuko Tatsumura Hillyer emits froma special ceramic;

1) Precise 8-10μ of vibration of Infrared SunRay.

2) Vibration of Terahertz, and

3)various degrees of heat.

When Onnetsuki is slid over the skin, healthy areas are comfortable, but IF deep tissue is cold, unhealthy or degenerated, “hot spot” is detected by the temperature sensation reported from the patient. Dr Kazuko Onnetsu Therapy is both a diagnostic and therapeutic. When this hot spot is effectively treated with Far-Infrared, Terahertz & Heat, Dr Kazuko Onnetsu Therapy, the hot sensation subsides and the Disease conditions improve. Dr. Kazuko’s protocol must be followed. Dr Kazuko Onnetsu Therapy is based on four historical and scientific facts.
1. NASA's finding regarding Far-Infrared vibration from Sun light 8-10μ only. Also, added is the specific Terahertz vibration: .Healing vibration
2. Traditional Japanese Concept of the significance of Body Temperature; Raising Cold Temperature.
3. Immunology Theory by Dr. Toru Abo, balancing autonomic nervous system to improve condition of white cells; Raising Immunity.
4. Promoting four flows of Energy through acupuncture technique: blood, body fluid, Oxygen, Ki(Chi)
Dr. Kazuko has taught her Onnetsu Therapy to MDs and health practitioners over the past decades all over the world: are practicing it in the hospitals and clinics. Clinical Trials have shown improvements on cases (including but not limited to) as arthritis, asthma, various cancers, diabetes, tuberculosis and various painful conditions. Clinical studiesfrom Cuba and Peru will be presented.

Speaker
Biography:

Yeni Purnamasari has completed her Master Degree of Biomedical Sicience at the age of 25 from Brawijaya University and now assigned as Internship Doctor in Aisyiyah Hospital Malang in East Java, Indonesia.

Abstract:

Coelomic fluid of the earthworm had a lot of bioactive substances as therapeutic drug and anticancer effect that has been proven in many medical research.  The benefit of coelomic fluid as anticancer effect needs further investigation. This study aimed to investigate whether the coelomic fluid of the earthworm Lumbricus rubellus as combination of 5-Fluouracil has role in decreasing focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and calcium intracellular expression (iCa2-) on colorectal cancer HT-29 cell line. HT-29 cells were cultured by adding coelomic fluid with 5-Fluouracil (5,10, and 20 g/ml) and without 5-Fluouracil (0, 20 g/ml) for 24 hours. We assessed the percentage of FAK level using flowcytometri and iCa2+ using immune-fluorescence. The result showed that after treating HT-29 cells with combination of coelomic fluid and 5-Fluouracil in different concentration, the percentage FAK level significantly decreased in dose combination (p < 0.05) and iCa2+ percentage compare each groups was significantly differences (p< 0.05). Corelation between percentage FAK and iCa2+ showed that there is a strong correlation (R = 0.77). This suggest that treating combination coelomic fluid and 5-fluouracil in HT-29 cells made the decrease in FAK percentage and also followed by iCa2+ percentage. Our finding suggested that coelomic fluid of the earthworm Lumbricus rubellus could prove useful as a combination of 5-fluouracil in colorectal cancer therapy.

 

  • Session: Ethno pharmacology | Surgery | Cardiovascular Pharmacology | Cancer Stages | Toxicology | Robotic Surgery | Pharmacogenetics & Pharmacogenomics

Session Introduction

Dr Nasira Tajamal

MBBS, MPH, (Pak) MPH in Medical Epidemiology (USA), Islamabad Pakistan

Title: Incidence of Colorectal Carcinoma in Young Population of Islamabad
Biography:

Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to promote awareness concerning increased incidence of colorectal cancer in younger population and its clinical plus pathological features compared to older patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2017 to October 2017 on patients with diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma admitted through emergency or outpatient departments to surgical wards of PIMS Hospital, Islamabad. Data concerning age, gender, presentation, site of tumor, surgery performed and TNM staging was used for analysis.
Total numbers of patients studied were 27. Males were17 (63%) and females were 10 (37%). Patients between the ages of 10 to 20 were 4, (15%), out of these patients 2 were declared unfit for surgery because of wide spread tumor within the abdomen as well distant metastasis.  There were 9 (33%) patients between the ages of 21 to 30 and among these 4 was inoperable because of widespread disease. Patients between the ages of 31 to 40 were 5 (19%), 2 were inoperable, while cases between the ages of 41 to 50 were 4 (15%). There were 3 (11%) patients between the ages of 51 and 60 and 2 (7%) cases were between the ages of 61 to 70 years. Total 8 (30%) patients were inoperable and they were young patients, therefore colorectal carcinoma is more aggressive in young patients and 18 (82%) patients between the ages of 10 to 50 years had left sided disease.

Speaker
Biography:

Will be updated soon.

Abstract:

Data of 92 patients diagnosed with borderline ovarian tumours (BOTs) during the period from 2010 to 2017 in the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Cairo University, Egypt were retrospectively evaluated, Median follow up period was 42 months. The mean age at diagnosis was 42.7 yrs. Histopathology was serous in 63%, mucinous in 28.3%, and endometrioid in 3.3%. 65 patients (70.7%) had Stage IA disease, 17 patients had Stage IB disease (18.5%), 4 patients had Stage IC disease (4.3%), 2 patients had Stage II disease (2.2%) and 4 patients had Stage III disease (4.3%) at diagnosis .49 patients (53.3%) underwent fertility sparing surgery, of which 19 patients underwent Unilateral ovarian cystectomy, 5 patients underwent Bilateral ovarian cystectomy, 25 underwent Unilateral salpingo-oopherectomy.43 patients (46.7%) underwent radical surgery including hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy.39 patients had micropapillary disease (42 %) and 2 patients had microinvasive disease (2.2%) on histopathology.6 patients (6.5 %) had peritoneal implants of which 1 was invasive and 5 were non-invasive. Recurrence rate in the entire study group was 18.5% , 17.6% among patients underwent radical surgery and 82.4% among patients underwent fertility sparing surgery. 12 of the recurrences (70.6%) were borderline whereas 5 were invasive (29.4%). Stages  IA and IB had significantly higher disease free survival than other stages. Patients with micro invasion had significantly lower free disease free survival 10.5 (9.52 – 11.5) Vs77.6 (70.9 – 84.1) .Radical surgery had significantly higher FDS than fertility sparing surgery 75.8 (70.2 – 81.4) Vs 68.5(58.2 – 78.8) 

Aarti Sharma

Govindrakshak Ayurvedic and Acupuncture centre ,Punjab

Title: Ayurveda a ray of hope for hepatocellular carcinoma
Speaker
Biography:

Dr Aarti Sharma born 1983  did Bachelor of Ayurvedic medicine and surgery (BAMS) from one of the premier Ayurvedic college , Govt . Ayurvedic college , Patiala (India) in 2007 . Since then she  has been practising ayurveda for the treatment  of  lifestyle disorders, stress, gynaeocolgical issues,hepatic disorders ,arthritis and other chronic ailments in her own clinic named Govindrakshak Ayurvedic and Acupuncture centre , Ludhiana (Punjab). During these years, she  also completed Masters in nutrition and dietetics, Post graduate diploma in Acupuncture and moxibustion , Post graduate diploma in yoga and naturopathy along with a short term course in panchkarma . Suggesting a patient about diet, yoga, naturopathy, panchkarma along with Ayurvedic medicines and healthy lifestyle has always helped her  patients for better recovery in a short span. She has been presenting her findings at various national and International conferences.Her work has been appreciated in all conferences.

Abstract:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a very fatal disease having its primary origin in liver. Chronic liver disease, Viral hepatitis,   alcohol abuse ,aflatoxins, hemochromatosis,  alcohol abuse, cirrhosis, exposure to various carcinogens and non alcoholic fatty liver disease are some of the major  risk factors  associated with  primary liver cell malignancy. The case presented here is of  male patient who  had a very  high value of AFP ( Alfa fetoprotein ) tumor marker. His Computed tomography scan and ultrasonography reports  clearly  diagnosed him  for hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). He was given ayurvedic treatment for his hepatocellular carcinoma .He was prescribed herbal decoction of Giloya (Tinospora cordifolia), haldi (Curcuma longa) along with  triphala {combination of 3 herbs: amla (Phyllanthus emblica), harada (Terminalia chebula),  baheda (Terminalia bellirica)} along  with various ayurvedic  formulations  particularly punarnavarishta and kalmeghasav . Patient showed significant improvement with treatment . His chief complaints of nausea , right abdominal pain, loss of appetite  subsided in  forty days of  treatment . During course of treatment, patient was advised for AFP (Alfa fetoprotein) tumor marker test thrice and in all the three tests performed at different intervals, his reports were found to be in normal range . After around ten months of treatment, patient was advised for ultrasonography which showed miraculous improvement with no abnormality detected. This case study shows Ayurveda, science of life which is most ancient healing science offers a ray of hope for patients suffering from dreadful condition of liver cancer 

Speaker
Biography:

Abdolsaleh Jafari is PhD candidate in health economics at Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran and joined the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Australia in July 2018 as adjunct researcher. Before starting PhD programme in Iran, Abdolsaleh worked as instructor and faculty member of department of health economics at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran for 3 years. Abdosaleh published more than 25 articles in peer review journals.

Abstract:

Chemotherapy for lymph node cancer is often composed of several drugs that are used in a treatment program. The aim of this study was to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis of IEV drug regimen (ifosfamide, epirubicin, and etoposide) versus ESHAP drug regimen (etoposide, methylprednisolone, high-dose cytarabine, and cisplatin) in patients with lymphoma in the south of Iran.

Speaker
Biography:

Will be updated soon.

Abstract:

Background

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in Zambian women, and its upward trend in Zambia in the past decade is worrisome. Multiple sexual partners, early indulgence in sexual activities and the use of vaginal herbs among others have heightened the risk of contracting the Human Papilloma Virus infection, which is the major cause of cervical cancer.

Methods

A qualitative research design on the use of ‘insunko’ vaginal herb coupled with descriptive phenomenological approach was applied, which involved the retrospective and prospective cervical cancer data obtained from patients’ files at the Zambia Cancer Diseases Hospital (CDH). 10 focus group discussions from 10 hospitals across Zambia involving 30 (n =30) Gynecologists and Cervical Cancer Screening Nurses were conducted to determine the extent of use of ‘insunko’ vaginal herb. The samples were 5,719 (n = 5,719) for the descriptive study. Our study was authorised by the National Health Research Authority of Zambia.

Results

Cervical cancer in Zambia mostly affected age groups 30 – 39, 40 – 49 and 50 – 59 years. ‘Insunko’ herb is widely used in Zambia for sniffing (smoking) while women also use it vaginally for sexual pleasure of the male partner during sexual intercourse. Standardised Incidence Rates (SIR) for all ages have been very high in Monze (493.82; 95% CI = 431.07 – 556.57), Lusaka (413.11; 95% CI = 391.2 – 435.02), Katete (319.58; 95% CI = 276.91 – 362.25) and Chipata (305.04; 95% CI = 274.92 – 335.16). Multiple sexual partners and polygamist marriages are associated with cervical cancer incidence with correlation coefficient r = 0.710 and – value of 0.021. Age groups affected with cervical cancer are associated with women known to be using ‘insunko’ vaginal herb with – value = 0.019.

Conclusions

The upward trend of cervical cancer in Zambia has been triggered by the culture of having multiple sexual partners and early indulgence in sexual activities. The use of ‘insunko’ vaginal herb is a kind of sexual discrimination with serious health consequences in women. The government should initiate and implement policies to fight the ignorant sexual culture in order to protect women’s rights

 

Speaker
Biography:

Yu-Chen Enya Chen is studying her PhD degree at University of Queensland. Is on third year of PhD and has published a review paper as first author in BBA Cancer Review 2017 (Chen et al.). Is in progress in publishing her second paper. Her PhD project so far has presented an interesting study towards the understanding of the antibody resistant of patients with progressive chronic lymphocytic leukaemia disease. The study shows the evidence of the importance of macrophages as a major contributor to CLL diseases progression.

 

Abstract:

Antibody therapies for treating chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) remain a challenge for many CLL patients who are insensitive to antibody treatment. A high percentage of CLL patients that are resistant to the current combination therapy of chemotherapeutics and immune-therapeutics has always been a clinical challenge. Understanding the mechanisms driving disease progression and treatment resistance is key to improving patient outcomes. Many studies including our own laboratories have shown that resistance to therapeutic antibodies against CLL is due to the survival signals from the monocyte derived macrophages (MDMs), and also an acquired resistance of monocyte derived macrophages to participate in FcγR-dependent antitumour responses. However, the FcγR-dependent signalling pathway in macrophages has not been well studied. Our recently published data suggested that SYK and BTK are involved downstream of FcγR-dependent signalling pathway (referred to as ITAM; Oncogene, 36(17):2366-2376, 2017). In this study we investigate the involvement of PI3K isoforms as they have been known to be an important pathway regulator for cellular function in various immune cells such as T cells, B cells and NK cells as well as in cancerous cells. To examine the expression and involvement PI3K isoforms in contributing to FcγR-dependent ADCC by MDMs, we used different inhibitors to specifically target each PI3K isoform at a time to investigate the effect on ADCC responses by MDMs. Examination of PI3K expression showed that PI3Kα, β, and δ are expressed in MDM whereas PI3Kγ is below the limit of detection. We also reported that the PI3Kδ-selective inhibitor, idelalisib and the pan PI3K inhibitor BKM120 (Buparlisib) were able to inhibit ADCC in response to the CD20-targeting therapeutic antibody, obinutuzumab. Similarly, both buparlisib and idelalisib were able to inhibit AKT phosphorylation at concentrations that also inhibited ADCC.

This is the first report to show that PI3Kd is involved in FcgR signalling in MDMs from CLL patients or in MDMs from any tumour type. Based on these findings we conclude that PI3Kd is a critical effector molecule for antitumour responses to therapeutic antibodies in CLL.

Speaker
Biography:

Will be updated soon.

Abstract:

Background

There has emerged an herb in Zambia called ‘insunko’ which is widely used for snuffing while females also use it vaginally to make their private part tight and warm during sexual intercourse. The consumption of ‘insunko’ Zambian herb, which has an unknown chemical composition, has brought mixed feelings among many Zambians. This study therefore aimed at determining toxicity and carcinogenicity of ‘insunko’ Zambian herb.

Methods

Samples were collected from six of the ten provinces of Zambia namely; Eastern, Lusaka, Luapula, Muchinga, Copperbelt and North Western between 4th December 2017 and 4th February 2018 after ethical clearance from the National Health Research Authority of Zambia ‘Insunko’ Zambian herb was sampled by way of purchasing from Chipata, Lusaka, Mpika, Mwense, Kitwe and Solwezi (n = 6). ICP-MS Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA) was used for toxic heavy metals analysis. 𝐶𝑎𝑟𝑐𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑖𝑐 risk = CDIing× ðµð´ð¹ × ð‘†ð¿ð¹; 𝐻𝑎𝑧𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝐼𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑥 (𝐻𝐼) = C DIing × 𝐵𝐴𝐹. 𝑅𝑓D0

Results

Toxic heavy metals have been detected in ‘insunko’ Zambian herb in high concentration. The Mean concentration ± SD in mg kg-1 was; Arsenic = 0.07 ± 0.04, Cadmium = 0.13 ± 0.05, Cobalt = 0.49 ± 0.27, Chromium = 1.46 ± 1.04, Copper = 5.58 ± 2.91, Manganese = 77.05 ± 35.29, Nickel = 0.91 ± 0.52 and Lead = 0.79 ± 1.22. Hazard Index for Chromium, Manganese, Copper and Arsenic was greater than one (HI > 1) implying that these heavy metals are toxic and carcinogenic to consumers of ‘insunko’ Zambian herb.

Conclusions

‘Insunko’ Zambian herb is toxic and carcinogenic as in contains toxic and carcinogenic heavy metals in high concentration. These toxic metals cause cancers, GIT disorders, degenerative, hematopoietic, cardiovascular, neurologic and cognitive problems as well as male infertility. The ministry of health, ministry of agriculture and drug enforcement commission should take up the challenge and protect the ignorant users of ‘insunko’ Zambian herb.

Biography:

Will be updated soon.

Abstract:

Background

Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is the most prevalent HIV and AIDS-associated cancer worldwide. Zambia has been considered as part of the “KS belt”, where endemic KS has been prevalent. This study sought to assess the burden of Kaposi’s sarcoma and treatment modalities in Zambia from 2007 to 2014 and to identify major risk generations in the era of HIV.

Methods

A Time Series Cross Sectional (TSCS) study nested on the Zambia National Cancer Registry (ZNCR) histopathological and clinical Kaposi’s sarcoma data was conducted after ethical clearance from the Zambia National Research Authority. Central Statistics Office (CSO) demographic data were used to determine the prevalence and Age-specific rates while World Standard Population was used to determine Standardised Incidence Rate (SIR) and Standardised Mortality Rate (SMR). Our sample was 2521 (n = 2521). We used Graph Pad Prism version 7.04 and SPSS version 21 in our data analyses.

Results

KS has been highly prevalent in Lusaka, Central and Eastern Provinces of Zambia. It has also been more prevalent in males than in females with Mean distribution of 18.99 in males and 12.14 in females and 95% CI of 12.56 – 25.42 and 8.41 – 15.87 respectively. SIR was 22.97 per 100,000 population with 95% CI of 21.99 – 23.95. This study established a strong positive association between Kaposi’s sarcoma and HIV positive Kaposi’s sarcoma with p- value of

0.000. The 1970 – 1979 generation has been the most affected by KS. SMR was 122 with 92.9% of KS deaths occurring in HIV positive patients. The combination of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy (62.9%) has been the most commonly used treatment modality in Zambia.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of KS in Zambia is as a result of the high prevalence of HIV. There is a need for a revised treatment strategy that would integrate nanoparticle therapeutics in the KS treatment scheme in Zambia. The identified two key intervention points for the reduction of KS morbidity are; the HIV infection point and improving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) services. HIV health education for the youths should be intensified to create a strong HIV primary barrier which would result in a possibly future HIV free generation thereby reducing KS.