Pilot study on ‘low dose immunotherapy’ claims effective results in treatment of head and neck cancer patients
The Hindu
Bengaluru doctors claim effective results on head and neck cancer patients from a multicentric randomised pilot study on “low dose immunotherapy”. 12 cases were studied in the 54-76 age group, combining NACT with low-dose Nivolumab immunotherapy. This provides an affordable cancer treatment option with potential to improve quality of life and longevity. Head and neck cancers make up 35% of all cancer cases in India, with over two lakh cases detected annually.
A multicentric randomised pilot study on “low dose immunotherapy” taken up by doctors at a private cancer hospital in Bengaluru has claimed effective results on head and neck cancer patients.
“This open-labelled prospective study provides an affordable cancer treatment option in the management of head and neck cancers,” claimed doctors at the HCG Cancer hospital where the study was done.
Addressing presspersons here on Wednesday, Satheesh C.T., Consultant - Medical and Hemato Oncology - and director of Clinical Trials at the hospital said the multicentric study assesses the effectiveness of neoadjuvant therapy combining low-dose immunotherapy Nivolumab and the TPF regimen (docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil) compared to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) with the TPF regimen alone.
“It has a potential role in improving the quality of life and longevity of patients with locally advanced carcinoma of the buccal mucosa,” the doctor said.
As part of the pilot study, 12 cases were studied in the 54 - 76 age group. “In the pilot study, standard NACT is combined with low-dose Nivolumab immunotherapy, administering 40 mg every two weeks, as opposed to the full dose of 3 mg per kg of body weight,” Dr. Satheesh explained.
Head and neck cancers pose a substantial global health issue, comprising 4.5% of total worldwide cancer cases with a mortality rate of 4.6%. The burden is exceptionally high in Asia, notably in India, where they make up nearly 35% of all cancer cases among individuals aged 40-60 years. Over two lakh cases of head and neck cancers are detected every year in India.
Eighty-six participants from 11 countries will descend on Kolahalamedu in scenic Wagamon, nestled along the Western Ghats, for a five-day paragliding competition beginning on March 19.
Deputy CM Shivakumar plans to revise Cauvery water tariff by one paise per litre to address mounting losses.
Tagore Centenary Hall in Kozhikode to be demolished for a modern multipurpose complex with advanced facilities and amenities.
Bengaluru records hottest day of the year with temperatures exceeding 35°C, dry air and no clouds forecasted.
Vivek Atray's inspiring journey from civil servant to motivational speaker, author, and sports enthusiast resonates with the youth. He released his new and fifth book The Middle of Everything in March
BJP infighting intensifies with Lingayat community conventions planned by rival camps in Karnataka.
‘Appu’, the 2002 Kannada film directed by Puri Jagannadh, launched Puneeth Rajkumar as a hero in the Kannada film industry. The movie was re-released as a part of the actor’s 50th birth anniversary celebrations
Hyderabad Holi 2025: Colours, beats & treats fill the streets
Cocoa farmers in Andhra Pradesh face crisis as domestic prices fall, demand government intervention for fair pricing.
Special Court denies bail to Ranya Rao for gold smuggling; investigation into international syndicate continues, involving actor Tarun Raju.
36-hour hackathon tackling human-animal conflict with innovative solutions, judged by IT and Forest Department experts for cash prizes.
Namma Raste conference highlights citizen-driven initiatives for better urban mobility, accessibility, and safety in Bengaluru.
Coimbatore Corporation to convert medians under flyovers into green spaces with private funding for city beautification and maintenance.