Unique Success Story: HCG Cancer Centre in Vijayawada Performs Second BMT Surgery for Patient with Relapsed Multiple Myeloma

HCG Cancer Centre Vijayawada one of the leading cancer chain hospitals in India, has recently performed a successful Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) on a 59-year-old woman with a rare case of relapsed Multiple Myeloma. Dr Amarnadh Polisetty, Consultant Haematologist and a team of consultants at HCG Cancer Centre in Vijayawada led the procedure.

The patient, Ms A. JayaShree, had been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma around 10-12 years ago and was recently admitted to HCG Cancer Centre, Vijayawada when she was at a later stage of the illness. Ms A. JayaShree underwent BMT treatment 6 years ago at a different private hospital, but in 2021, the disease relapsed. The consultants then began chemotherapy, however, the response to the drugs was not effective enough, and after starting Immune Therapy suggested by a team of consultants at HCG, signs of improvement were shown, and a positive response to the medicines began to be seen. After being under observation for four months while on Immune Therapy, the patient was given the green signal to undergo a Bone Marrow Transplant.

Relapsed Multiple Myeloma is a challenging disease and requires advanced and complex treatment which was successfully accomplished only because of the cutting-edge technology available to the patients at the BMT Unit, making the HCG Cancer Centre in Vijayawada unparalleled.

Speaking on the intricacy of the case, Dr. Amarnadh Polisetty, Consultant Haematologist, said, “Conducting a Bone Marrow Transplantation for a relapsed Multiple Myeloma case is extremely rare and challenging. However, the team at HCG carefully assessed the treatment plan over a short span of time based on the patient’s medical history, current health condition, and response to medication. With the advanced technology available at the HCG Cancer Centre, Vijayawada, we could execute the procedure successfully and help the patient overcome this disease. We are pleased to report that Ms. JayaShree responded well to the BMT surgery and is recovering quickly under our care.”

Ms A. JayaShree expressed her gratitude and said “I am so grateful to HCG Cancer Centre in Vijayawada for performing a second BMT surgery for my relapsed Multiple Myeloma. The care and expertise provided by the medical team were outstanding, and their dedication to my well-being never wavered. Thanks to their efforts, I have a renewed sense of hope and am ready to take on this next phase of my life.”

The hospital’s expertise in BMT surgery, coupled with its advanced technology, has performed the most challenging of cases and remains committed to providing the best and most advanced treatments for diseases.

Mortein and Malaria No More come together to launch Mission Zero Malaria

Reckitt’s well-known household insecticide brand, Mortein launched ‘Mission Zero Malaria’ with support from the Government of Uttar Pradesh in Bareilly today. Aligned with India’s goal to eliminate Malaria by 2030Mission Zero Malaria has been launched with Malaria No More, as an implementation partner and aims to enhance health awareness and inspire adoption of desired behavior change within the community, health system, and government bodies of the region.

As per the World Health Organisation, in the South-East Asia region, India accounts for 82.5% of malaria cases which is majority of the malaria burden. In 2019, 70% of the officially reported cases of malaria in Uttar Pradesh, India, came from only 2 districts, Bareilly and Budaun. Bareilly witnessed sudden and unexplained outbreaks of malaria and dengue in recent times. 2019 saw an outbreak of both malaria and dengue, and 2021 saw an outbreak of dengue. In 2022, more than 40% of malaria impacted people under the age of 18 with about 7% impacting children up to the age of 5.

Due to the consistent rise in Malaria cases in the district of Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh government took various steps to mitigate the risk and help those suffering from vector-borne diseases. However, the public and private sectors complement each other and help strengthen the system. Therefore, it is critical that the private sector collaborates with the public sector to help construct health infrastructure and facilitate healthcare provision to enhance Malaria elimination efforts. Mortein and Malaria No More will play a significant role in healthcare delivery to the targeted beneficiaries to control and eradicate Malaria in Bareilly. This partnership will ensure investments, access to technology, and innovation that can be leveraged to lessen the burden of Malaria in the district.

Ravi Bhatnagar, Director- External Affairs and Partnerships, Reckitt- South Asia said, “We are more than thrilled to take steps towards achieving ambitious goal of eliminating Malaria through our partnership with Malaria No More. This partnership will focus on targeted interventions by using advanced data management and analytics to better understand the distribution and prevalence of diseases. This information would be used to inform targeted interventions in areas that are most affected by the disease. This partnership will support India’s journey towards holistic health and well-being while leveraging advanced technologies to curb centuries-old menace of malaria towards health.”

Pratik Kumar, Country Director, Malaria No More, India, said “We are pleased to announce our partnership with Reckitt to help fight malaria in India. Through the partnership, we aim to create awareness about the disease, encourage preventive action, and improve treatment seeking and treatment compliance measures for Malaria and Dengue in the state of UP – Bareilly in particular. Together, Reckitt and Malaria No More hope to make a significant impact in reducing the burden of mosquito-borne diseases in India. The program will rely on digital technologies and innovations to reduce the incidence of malaria and dengue in target geography as we feel that technology will play a critical role in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases in India in the years to come. With this partnership of Reckitt and Malaria No More, we hope to support the vision of our Honourable Prime Minister, Shri. Narendra Modi, of eliminating Malaria from the country by 2030.”

 

Saurabh Jain, Regional Marketing Director, Hygiene, Reckitt- South Asia said, Mortein is consistently working towards serving consumer needs by offering innovative solutions to everyone. Driving sustained behavior change is essential to drive impact and thus, with Mission Zero Malaria our efforts are aligned with the philosophy of leaving no one behind. Mortein is proud to contribute to working towards the betterment of the communities in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh through various purpose programs in partnership with Malaria No More to ensure elimination of Malaria by 2030.”

Dettol Banega Swasth India has been working with the Government of Uttar Pradesh since 2015 to improve the knowledge, attitude and behaviour of children and community and ensure better hygiene and health outcomes. The campaign focused on building a future where every Indian has access to good health care and to improve average life expectancy to 80 years of age through innovation, technology, access to medical care and focused self-care. Reckitt’s various interventions across the state, include supporting villages to become Open Defecation Free, promoting hygiene and sanitation at India’s biggest religious gathering – Kumbh Mela, receiving multiple accolades and appreciation from the Government of India for its initiatives.

Cardiomyopathy: Understanding the Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

By – Dr. Jay Shah, MD (Medicine), DNB (Medicine and Cardiology), FACC, FESC, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, at HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad

Cardiomyopathy is a chronic and progressive condition that affects the heart muscles, weakening the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively throughout the body. The condition causes the heart muscles to become thick, rigid, or inflamed, leading to various complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac arrest. In addition, weakened heart muscles can cause the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, legs, and other organs, resulting in swelling and discomfort. The severity of the symptoms and the chambers of the heart that are affected depend on the type and severity of cardiomyopathy. It is essential to note that cardiomyopathy is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that requires early diagnosis and proper treatment to manage the symptoms and improve outcomes.

Symptoms

Cardiomyopathy symptoms might vary based on the type and severity of the condition. Among the most common symptoms are: 

  • Shortness of breath
  • Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
  • Irregular heartbeats
  • Dizziness or light headedness
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Shortness of breath 

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve outcomes and quality of life.

Causes

The causes of cardiomyopathy are not always clear, but there are some factors that can increase the risk of developing the disease. These factors include:

  • Family history of cardiomyopathy
  • High blood pressure
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Heart valve problems
  • Alcohol or drug abuse
  • Chemotherapy or radiation therapy

In some cases, cardiomyopathy can also occur without any known cause, which is called idiopathic cardiomyopathy.

Treatment

The treatment for cardiomyopathy depends on the type and severity of the disease, as well as the underlying cause. Some common treatments include:

  • Medications: Depending on the type of cardiomyopathy, medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms or prevent complications. Medicines which are very useful in cardiomyopathy; ARNI, SGLT2 Inhibitor, B Blockers. These are mortality benefits medicines. 
  • Lifestyle changes: Making changes to your lifestyle can also help manage symptoms and improve overall health. This may include quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular exercise.
  • Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat cardiomyopathy. This could involve implanting a device to regulate heart rhythms, such as a pacemaker or defibrillator, or performing a heart transplant.

Working closely with your healthcare practitioner to build an individualised treatment plan that is appropriate for your specific illness and needs is essential. Many people with cardiomyopathy can live normal and healthy lives with adequate treatment and care. Cardiomyopathy, a severe disorder, can have a significant impact on an individual’s health and overall quality of life. However, with prompt diagnosis, appropriate care, and lifestyle changes, the symptoms of the disease can be managed, and one’s health can be maintained.

Diagnosing And Treating Tricuspid Valve Disease

by Dr.Nikhila Pachani, MD DM Cardiologist, HCG Hospitals Rajkot

A human heart has four valves in it. The Tricuspid valve is present between the right atrium and right ventricle. Tricuspid valve disease is a condition that affects the Tricuspid valve. When the Tricuspid valve doesn’t function properly, it leads to a range of symptoms and complications, causing Tricuspid Valve Disease. 

Diagnosis of Tricuspid Valve Disease:

Tricuspid Valve Disease can be diagnosed through a wide range of tests and procedures. Some of them includes:

Physical Examination: For diagnosing the disease via physical examination, a healthcare provider listens to the heart with the help of a stethoscope and looks for signs such as an irregular heartbeat or abnormal heart sounds. 

Electrocardiogram: Also known as ECG, it is a non – invasive test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. This test can help diagnose atrial fibrillation which causes because of irregular heart rhythms. This can be an alarming sign of tricuspid valve disease. 

Cardiac Catheterization: This process is used to study the various functions of the heart. This test is done by inserting a flexible and thin tube into a blood vessel and threading it up to the artery or vein in the heart. 

Echocardiogram: This process uses sound waves to create images of the human heart and helps to diagnose problems like Tricuspid Valve Disease.

Treatment of Tricuspid Valve Disease:

With the increasing technology and medication facilities, the treatment for the Tricuspid Valve Disease has been made a bit easier. However, the treatment depends on the severity of the conditions and the symptoms causing this disease. Some of the treatment options include:

Medications: Medications to regulate the heart rate and rhythm and diuretics to reduce the fluid build-up in the body can be used to curb this disease. 

Transcatheter tricuspid Valve Repair: This procedure involves inserting a catheter through a blood vessel and repair the tricuspid valve. This is a minimally invasive procedure and is specially recommended for patients who are not ready for a surgery. 

Surgery: One way to treat the Tricuspid Valve Disease is to replace or repair the tricuspid valve completely. This is only recommended for patients with severe symptoms or complications. 

Watchful Waiting: Regular monitoring and changing the lifestyle of the patients such as less salt intake, recommending the patient to exercise daily is also an option for people whose disease are at initial stage. This helps to reduce the progression of the symptoms. 

However, prevention is better than cure. While it may not be possible to prevent the disease entirely. But steps like maintaining a healthy weight, including fruits and vegetables in your diet, excluding smoking and exercising regularly will help improve your heart rate and reduce the risk of Tricuspid Valve Disease. It is a condition that can cause a range of complications, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, it can be managed effectively. 

Healthcare providers will recommend a variety of tests and procedures to diagnose the condition. The treatment procedures might include medications, surgery or minimally invasive procedures but considering today’s lifestyle, it is always recommended that individuals should take effective steps towards the initial stage of their lives to reduce the risk of developing the condition of Tricuspid Valve Disease.

RSL calls for more veteran support in Budget

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSLA) says next week’s Federal Budget must include initiatives that improve the lives of the nation’s veterans and their families, and funding to address inequities and barriers that continue to be experienced by the veteran community.

National President Greg Melick says the RSL is looking forward to a May 9 Budget that confirms Australia’s commitment to support veterans and their families, and importantly provides the funding to fully implement the recommendations of the current Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

“We are anticipating a Budget that honours our veterans’ service and sacrifice, and one that rightly recognises the strength of their continued contribution to our communities and our country,” Greg Melick said.

Greg Melick says the Budget needs to focus on people, both serving Defence personnel in view of the recently released Defence Strategic Review, as well as veterans and their families.

“Particularly, we are looking for a commitment to demand-driven funding to support veterans’ welfare, rather than having to fight for funding each budget year,” he said.

“No previous Government has agreed to this imperative and the RSL believes it is essential that this is addressed.

“According to the 2021 Census, one in 20 Australian households include at least one person who has served or is currently serving in the Australian Defence Force. These service people make a significant and unique contribution to our nation both during and after their service.”

RSL Australia made an extensive pre-Budget submission to Treasury calling on the Government to make budgetary provisions to remove some of the inequities and barriers that veterans and their families continue to experience. This includes budgetary provisions to:

    • Establish an independent body led by a National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Wellbeing to guide prompt implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide

 

    • Extend non-liability healthcare for mental health treatment to ADF reservists on completion of the enlistment process

 

    • Strengthen the advocacy system and enhance the Advocacy Training and Development Program to better support veterans to navigate the DVA claims process

 

    • Review and uplift DVA renumeration for healthcare providers to better enable veterans to access timely and appropriate healthcare

 

    Achieve a tangible reduction in the administrative burden placed on healthcare providers in accessing DVA renumeration.

Greg Melick said it was encouraging that the current Government had already acted to implement some improvements, including to simplify and reform veterans’ entitlement legislation. This is welcomed and the RSL and the veteran community are now looking for that momentum to be accelerated in next week’s Budget.

“This Budget provides the opportunity for the Government to comprehensively change the way in which Australia treats its veterans.

“The social and economic contribution made by our veterans and their families post-service is incredibly valuable to our nation. Funding action to help maximise their skills and capabilities represents a sound investment for us all,” Greg Melick said.

Link to RSLA’s pre-Budget submission: www.rslaustralia.org/pre-budget-submission

National Media contact: Tony Harrison – 0417 318178 tony.harrison@rsl.org.au

Hamdard’s Roghan Badam Shirin encourages women to glow with confidence in its latest campaign

Hamdard Laboratories (Medicine Division) a progressive, research-based health and wellness organization, unveils a new campaign for one of the most popular products; Roghan Badam Shirin, an oil popularly used for glowing skin, healthy hair, a sharper memory, and strong bones. The campaign highlights the strength and goodness of 100%  sweet almond oil which brings out the best in a woman and makes her glow with confidence.

Conceptualized by Dentsu, the campaign shows young bold women who are glowing in confidence and aren’t afraid to make life and career choices. Encourage other women to carve themselves in the richness of Roghan Badam Shirin. The 100 percent pure sweet almond oil enriches skin with its goodness and gives an ever-shining glow going.

The campaign message goes beyond physical beauty to address overall well-being and personifies a nuanced perspective of self-confidence in one’s own skin and body. The soon-to-be-released film highlighting memory power through the consumption of Roghan Badam Shirin should attract the attention of mothers with young children.

Hamdard with its new campaign encourages women to feel confident in their own skin and believe in self-love. Through the new campaign, Hamdard aims to reach out to young consumers who want to have healthy and clear skin and are conscious of 100% pure and natural ingredients while selecting their beauty products.

Hamdard’s RBS is a multi-purpose oil that does wonders for one’s overall well-being by offering multiple health benefits. It builds immunity, relieves constipation, and strengthens bones. Great for massaging a baby and boosting a child’s memory. Strengthens hair and keeps the scalp dandruff free. The vitamin E of almond oil acts as a great moisturizer for the skin. It’s an extensively used almond oil whose purity you can trust with your eyes closed. It is 100% unani and 100% pure almond oil.

‘Our aim through this campaign is to make every woman love the skin they are in. We wanted to create a world where beauty is the source of confidence and not anxiety. Roghan Badam Shirin is that magical oil that can work on dry skin, and act like a hydrating agent, the vitamin-E-rich almond oil acts like a moisturizing oil, Its anti-inflammatory properties help in tightening the skin by penetrating at deeper levels. Almonds are also considered brain food. Hence when had with milk, it helps in boosting children’s memory and relieves constipation. Our memory film will be launched next week highlighting the product benefit ” Said, Suman Varma, CMO, Hamdard Laboratories.

“Roghan Badam Shirin stands for purity. It is one of our very trusted products. It is a multipurpose product. We also have Roghan Badam Shirin in the capsule format, for ease of consumption. It is primarily for people on the go. Hamdard always aims to establish the promise of care in every product. Our new campaign embodies our purpose of care and love for the body and mind. Our products are today available across ecom platforms besides the retail outlets” said, Abdul Majeed, Chairman & Managing Trustee, Hamdard Laboratories.

Credits for RBS beauty film –

Production team:

Production House – Karmman Line

Director – Denzil Machado

Executive Producer – Viveck Daaschaudhary

Producer – Nayan Sarmah

DOP – Boris Slavkov

Dentsu team:
Joy Mohanty – Chief Creative Officer

Hindol Purkayastha – Executive Vice President

Avinash Chandra – Associate Vice President

Apoorva Dutta – Senior Account Executive