Head and Neck Cancer in India

Cancer is a leading health problem in India, with approx 1 million cases occurring each year. Cancer accounts for 8% of the main causes of deaths in India.

The increasing number of Head and Neck cancer cases is a cause of major concern as it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Factors involved are poor socioeconomic condition, oral consumption of tobacco in its various forms, use of lime with betel-leaf and betel-nuts, alcohol and smoking habits. Over one third of all cancers in India occur in the head and neck. In the Western world in general, head and neck cancers account for less than 10% of all cancers (4% in the USA). While the primary reason for this unusually high incidence is the Indiscriminate use of chewing tobacco in its various forms. In tobacco users, the oral cavity bears the brunt of the carcinogen and nearly 80,000 – 100,000 oral cancers are diagnosed every year in the country.

Head and neck cancer includes many different malignancies. According to various studies, the prevalence of Head and Neck cancer with respect to total body malignancies varies from 9.8% to 42.7%. The commonest Head and Neck Cancer is oropharyngeal carcinoma (28.62%) followed by oesophageal and oral cavity cancers (19.41%) and (16.28%) respectively. Carcinoma of ear is the least common (0.43%) of Head and Neck cancer.

With respect to oral cavity and oropharynx the commonest site involved is tongue (32.67%). Carcinoma cheek and tonsil formed more than 20% of oral cavity malignancies.

In the gender distribution, male cases were far more common than female (2.9:1). Oropharyngeal cancer is commonest in males while in females oesophageal cancer is the commonest.

Histopathological pattern - Head and Neck cancer in India

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the commonest histological type in Head and Neck cancer (93.29%) cases It is followed by verrucous carcinoma (1.52%) cases. SCC is also the commonest type seen in laryngeal (100%) and hypopharyngeal (99%) cancers. In the cancers of oral cavity verrucous carcinoma formed only 1.5% cases, the rest being SCC.

Sample Site Profile

In India for a typical oncology trial a mix of sites (Academic institutions, Private/corporate multi specialty hospitals, Government aided research centers and super specialty cancer hospital can be chosen. Where Academic institutions offer vast patient pool however, on the other hand private setups are quick to open. Site are spread across India with majority of them being in Metros and A class cities.

An example of a cancer site with extensive GCP trials experience is a Mumbai-based national comprehensive cancer center for prevention, treatment, education and research in oncology. It is recognized as one of the leading cancer centers in Asia.

Every year nearly 30,000 new patients registered in the hospital from all over India and neighboring countries. Over 1000 patients attend the outpatient department daily for medical advice, comprehensive care or follow-up treatment.

Evidence-based medicine is the cornerstone of the clinical programs. In addition, clinical research programs and randomized clinical trials contribute increasingly to improved delivery of care.

In line with recent advances in information technology, this cancer center has established comprehensive computerization of medical records, material management and administration and also improved communication by extension of electronic mail and Internet facilities.

Site has also set up a 50 bedded exclusive research facility for basic research and clinical research. More than 100 clinical trials and research projects have been conducted over last five years.

Head and Neck trials in India statistics

Head and Neck Cancer Trials in IndiaParticulars CountPhase 1 trials 1Phase 2 trials 8Phase 3 trials 1Phase 1 & 2 trials 1Phase 2 & 3 trials 2Total trials (Head and Neck) 14No of Investigator involved 34No of Sites 27

Regulatory strategy in India

Veeda Oncology would be pleased to make a detailed proposal for conducting your early phase clinical studies in France. Please contact us for further details:

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