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Possible antioxidant and anticancer effects of plant extracts from Anastatica hierochuntica, Lepidium sativum and Carica papaya against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells

Rasha Aly Ahmed El Sayed¹, Zeinab Eid Madboly Hanafy¹, Hend FouadAbd El Fattah² and Asmaa Kutb Mohamed Amer¹

¹Zoology and Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Girl's), Cairo, Egypt

²Pathology department, National Cancer Institut, Cairo University,Cairo, Egypt.

Asmaakutb86@gmail.com

Abstract:This study is undertaken to investigatethe antioxidant andantimutagenic effects of three natural extracts ofAnastatica hierochuntica(AH), Lepidium sativum(LS)and Carcia papaya(CP) against in vivo Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in Swiss albino mice. EAC was induced by intraperitoneal injection of EAC-cells in the female mice. EAC-bearing mice were orally treated with 500 mg/kg bodyweight of AH, LS and CP extracts for 7 days afterEAC intraperitoneal transplantation.Ninetyfemale mice were divided into nine groups (10 mice/group), control group, oil, AH, LS and CPgroups,EAC group (mice were inoculated with 2.5× 10⁶ intraperitoneally (i.p), EAC+AH, EAC+LSand EAC+CP.The antitumor activity of AH and LS was pronounced in the results of this study as indicated by the increase of EAC tumor-bearing mice lifespan. Liver enzymes were greatly improved by treatment with AH and LS. However, the increase in glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity that was accompanied by the marked decrease of MDA indicate the antioxidant activity of these plants. Furthermore, the reduction in MPO level in serum of EAC bearing mice revealed an obvious anti-inflammatory activity of these plants specially CP. Also, the three plants decreased chromosomal aberration and DNA fragmentation induced by EAC in mice.

[Rasha Aly Ahmed El Sayed, Zeinab Eid Madboly Hanafy, Hend Fouad Abd El Fattah and Asmaa Kutb Mohamed Amer. Possible antioxidant and anticancer effects of plant extracts from Anastatica hierochuntica, Lepidium sativum and Carcia papaya against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells. Cancer Biology 2020;10(1):1-16]. ISSN: 2150-1041 (print); ISSN: 2150-105X (online). http://www.cancerbio.net.1. doi:10.7537/marscbj100120.01.

Key words: Anastatica hierochuntica, Lipidium sativum, Carcia papaya, Ehrlich ascites carcinoma, ALT, AST, MDA, GPx, MPO, chromosomal aberrations, DNA fragmentation

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Dosimetric planning study for 3D hypofractionated radiotherapy in early breast cancer patients

Sara Hassan Shams El Din¹, Shaimaa Lasheen¹, Mohamed Hassan¹, Farouk Hagag¹, Rania Moussa^2.

¹NEMROCK Center- Kaser Al-AINI- Faculty of Medicine- Cairo University, Department of clinical oncology, Cairo, Egypt.

²NEMROCK Center- Kaser Al-AINI- Faculty of Medicine- Cairo University, Department of medical physics, Cairo, Egypt.

Sara.hassan.shams85@gmail.com

Abstract: Background: Breast-conserving surgery and radiotherapy are standard alternatives to mastectomy for eligible patients with early stage invasive breast cancer. However, one drawback with conventional RT to the whole breast is the 6-7 weeks length of treatment involves treatment of the whole breast at 1.8 - 2 Gy daily fractions for 46 - 50.4 Gy, followed by a sequential boost to the tumor bed for 10-18 Gy. Patients and Methods: Our prospective phase II study conducted at Kasr El-aini Center of Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine (NEMROCK). Early stage breast cancer who underwent BCS were recruited and planned using 3D conformal technique to receive a hypofractionated radiation schedule using 40 Gy/2.67 Gy per fraction over 3 weeks to the whole breast with Concurrent boost 8.0 Gy/0.5 Gy per fraction over 3 weeks. Dosimetric parameters for the coverage of the breast CTV were set using V38, V36 Gy and the homogeneity using the Dmax and the Dmin. For the coverage of the boost PTV V45.6Gy and V43Gy were used and for dose homogeneity Dmax and Dmin. As regard dose constrain for organ at risk (OAR), no more than 20% of the ipsilateral lung exceeds 16 Gy, no more than 5% of the whole heart exceeds 20 Gy. Results: During the period from June 2014 to January 2017, a total of 63 patients were included. The dosimetric parameters for the coverage of target volumes and dose constrain for OAR were in compliance with our protocol. Conclusions: Hypofractionated radiotherapy in three weeks to the whole breast with a concomitant boost in patients undergoing breast conserving surgery (BCS), allows acceptable and feasible outcomes in terms of dosimetric parameters.

[Sara Hassan Shams El Din, Shaimaa Lasheen, Mohamed Hassan, Farouk Hagag, Rania Moussa. Dosimetric planning study for 3D hypofractionated radiotherapy in early breast cancer patients. Cancer Biology 2020;10(1):17-22]. ISSN: 2150-1041 (print); ISSN: 2150-105X (online). http://www.cancerbio.net. 2. doi:10.7537/marscbj100120.02.

Key words: Dosimetric planning - Hypofractionation - Concomitant boost - Breast conserving therapy - Tumor bed.

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Accelerated hypofractionated Whole Breast Irradiation with Concurrent TB Boost: Toxicity & cosmesis

Sara Hassan Shams El Din¹, Shaimaa Lasheen¹, Mohamed Hassan¹, Farouk Hagag¹, Rania Moussa^2.

¹NEMROCK Center- Kaser Al-AINI- Faculty of Medicine- Cairo University, Department of Clinical Oncology, Cairo, Egypt.

²NEMROCK Center- Kaser Al-AINI- Faculty of Medicine- Cairo University, Department Of Medical Physics, Cairo, Egypt.

Sara.hassan.shams85@gmail.com

Abstract: Background: Conventional fractionated radiation therapy over 4-5 weeks with sequential boost is the standard of care for postoperative RT treatment for patients with early stage breast cancer who undergo breast conservative surgery (BCS). However, the use of an accelerated RT course can be used in departments with high patients flow to reduce waiting list and machine loads as well as to improve patient compliance. Patients and Methods: This is a prospective phase II study conducted at Kasr El-aini Center of Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine (NEMROCK). Patients who underwent breast conservative surgery were recruited according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Recruited patients were planned using 3D conformal technique to receive a hypofractionated radiation schedule using 40 Gy/2.67 Gy per fraction over 3 weeks to the whole breast with Concurrent boost 8.0 Gy/0.5 Gy per fraction over 3 weeks. All patients was evaluated for acute toxicity and cosmetic outcome. Results: During the period from June 2014 to January 2017, a total of 63 patients with a median age of 51 years were included. Regarding acute skin toxicity, only 20% of patients developed GII skin toxicity, while 68% of patients developed G0-I skin toxicity, none of the patients developed GIII or more skin toxicity. The overall cosmetic assessment was excellent in 80.95 % of patients and good in 19% of patients. Conclusions: Hypofractionated radiotherapy in three weeks to the whole breast with a concomitant boost in patients undergoing breast conserving surgery (BCS), allows acceptable outcomes in terms of acute toxicity and early cosmetic results and is a good approach for our department NEMROK due to the reduction of 15 days when compared to standard RT treatment of breast cancer. long- term follow up data are needed to assess late toxicity, cosmesis, and clinical outcomes.

[Sara hassan Shams El Din, Shaimaa Lasheen, Mohamed Hassan, Farouk Hagag, Rania Moussa. Accelerated hypofractionated Whole Breast Irradiation with Concurrent TB Boost: Toxicity & cosmesis. Cancer Biology 2020;10(1):23-30]. ISSN: 2150-1041 (print); ISSN: 2150-105X (online). http://www.cancerbio.net. 3. doi:10.7537/marscbj100120.03.

Key words: Altered fractionation - Concomitant boost - Breast conserving therapy - Tumor bed.

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Enforcing End-to-side, duct-to-mucosa pancreatico-jejunostomy with seromuscularjejunal flapis an effective method to prevent pancreatic leakage after pancreatico-duodenectomy

Waheed Y. Gareer, Alaadin Hussein

Surgical Oncology department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt

alaadin.osman@yahoo.com

Abstract: Despite the improvement in perioperative outcomes over the past years and the reduction in operative mortality, pancreatic fistula still represents a common complication and is still considered the main cause of mortality after pancreatico-duodenectomy (PD). The reported incidence of such fistula differed in many researches with some series defining the incidence to range from 2% to 22%while others reported the incidence tobe between 5% to 40%, depending on the definition of leakage. Most of these leaks resolve with just conservative treatment and just keeping properly placed drains. But it may lead to sepsis, severe hemorrhage and may reach to mortality in 20% to 40% and result in prolonged hospitalization and increased hospital expenses; and so prevention of fistula is of sure considered better than treatment of its complications. Multiple risk factors for fistula development were identified including soft pancreatic texture;size of pancreatic duct, exocrine function of the pancreatic remnantandthetechnique of anastomosis.Notably the anastomotic technique is the only factor that can be modified by surgeons.As alternatives to the conventional PJ anastomosis, Several techniques were tried in the search for reducing the incidence of fistula formation including isolated Roux loop pancreatico-jejunostomy, end-to-end anastomosis with invagination of the pancreatic stump in the jejunum, pancreatico-gastrostomy and the use of pancreatic stents whether internal or external stents but no technique showed clear evidence to be considered superior. Aim: To evaluate the efficiency and safety ofseromuscularjejunal flap done to enforce the classic end-to-side, duct to mucosa pancreatico-jejunostomyand monitoring rate of fistula occurring with this technique.Methods: seventy-three patients underwent the classic non pylorus preserving pancreatico-duodenectomy procedure by our surgical team from May 2013 to June 2019;in all these cases we performed end-to-sideduct-to-mucosa pancreatico-jejunostomy with sero-muscular jejunal flap, and stent insertion. The drain amylase was measured on 5^th and 8^th postoperative days.Results: There were 73 patients who underwent end-to-side, duct-to-mucosa pancreatico-jejunostomy with sero-muscular jejunal flap formation. The mean operative time was 250.3 ± 30.0 min, also, the mean time needed to perform the pancreatico-jejunostomy was 22.4 min, ranging from 17 to 26 min. drain amylase level was normal in 69 patients with only 4 patients (5.48%) developedamylase elevation that normalized on the 8^th postoperative day with conservative treatment.one of them needed 12 days to normalize his drain amylase level.none of the 73 patients had any clinical symptoms .one patient developed deep venous thrombosis. There wasonly1 post-operative mortalitydue to myocardial infarction.Conclusion: Enforcing end-to-side pancreatico-jejunostomy with Seromuscularjejunal flap is a safe and technically easy method to prevent panctreatic fistula after pancreatico-duoedenectomy.

[Waheed Y. Gareer, Alaadin Hussein. Enforcing End-to-side, duct-to-mucosa pancreatico-jejunostomy with seromuscularjejunal flapis an effective method to prevent pancreatic leakage after pancreatico-duodenectomy. Cancer Biology 2020;10(1):31-35]. ISSN: 2150-1041 (print); ISSN: 2150-105X (online). http://www.cancerbio.net.4. doi:10.7537/marscbj100120.04.

Key words: Whipple; Pancreatico-jejunostomy; Seromuscularjejunal flap; pancreatic fistula

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Role of the nutritional support and omega3 in minimizing the side effects of chemotherapy in colorectal cancer patients

Alaa Ibrahim Zaky El-sherief¹, Prof. Dr. Hesham Ahmed Tawfik¹, Prof. Dr. Sohair Mostafa Soliman² and Prof. Dr. Nesreen Mohamed Sabry¹

¹ Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt

²Anesthesia and Intensive Care Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt

Abstract: Background: Cancer is usually associated with cancer cachexia syndrome, which is one of the factors contributing to deterioration of the results of surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Fish oil supplementation has been proposed to have anti-inflammatory, anticachectic and antitumoral effects. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nutritional support and omega3 for minimizing and treatment of chemotherapy toxicity, the performance status and continuity of chemotherapy without dose delay or reduction in patients with colorectal cancer. Patients and methods: Patients were randomly divided into two groups, each group included (30) patients: Group A: patients with CRC received chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy and with nutritional support without omega3. Group B: patients with CRC received chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy and with nutritional support with omega3. The changes of nutritional status, toxicity of chemotherapy and continuity of chemotherapy during six cycles of chemotherapy was investigated. Results: Before the third cycle, NRS was higher (worse) in group A than group B with significance between two groups. BMI was maintained more in group B than group A with significance. Also, the phase angle was higher in group B than group A with significance (p = 0.004). level of albumin was maintained in group B more than group B with significance. As regard CRP level, it was higher in group A than group B with significance. Before the 6^th cycle (after six months of follow up), NRS was higher (worse) in group A than group B with significance between two groups. Performance status was better in group B than group A with significance. As regard BIA items (BMI, FFM, FFM index and phase angle) were higher in group B than group A with significance. level of albumin was maintained in group B more than group A. As regard CRP level was higher in group A than group B with significance. Before both third and sixth cycles common toxicity of chemotherapy (anemia, febrile neutropenia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and anorexia) observed more in group A than in group B with significance of all except anemia and febrile neutropenia. Number of patients who need hospitalization was more in group A than group B with significance before the third cycle (4(13.33%) versus 0(0.0%) respectively) and before the 6^th cycle (11(6.7%) versus 1(3.33%) respectively). Continuity of chemotherapy was better in group B than group A with less treatment gap in group B than group A with significance before sixth cycle. Time of free of toxicity was longer in group B than group A with significance before third cycle (p = 0.026) and before sixth cycle (p <0.001). Conclusion: administration of omega 3 (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) during chemotherapy in colorectal cancer effective in improving the nutritional status (including lean body mass and phase angle) and increase the tolerability of chemotherapy with decrease the need of treatment gap and hospitalization between cycles.

[Alaa Ibrahim Zaky El-sherief, Hesham Ahmed Tawfik, Sohair Mostafa Soliman and Nesreen Mohamed Sabry. Role of the nutritional support and omega3 in minimizing the side effects of chemotherapy in colorectal cancer patients. Cancer Biology 2020;10(1):36-46]. ISSN: 2150-1041 (print); ISSN: 2150-105X (online). http://www.cancerbio.net. 5. doi:10.7537/marscbj100120.05.

Keywords: Role; nutritional; support; omega3; minimizing; chemotherapy; colorectal; cancer; patient

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Prevalence and patterns of gastrointestinal cancers among obese patients, from a teaching hospital in Saudi Arabia

Duaa J. Alhazmi¹, Dina H. Alsohaibi¹, Hamidh A. Almusayliem¹, Ola A. Bukhari¹, Aseel A. Alharbi¹, Aisha A. Alharbi¹, Saleh M. Aldaqal²

¹Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

²Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

E-mail: Duaajamil95@gmail.com

Abstract: Background: Obesity is associated with many comorbidities. Several studies concluded that there is an association between obesity and different types of cancers. But the prevalence and patterns of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers among obese patients still need to be investigated. Objective: To determine the prevalence and patterns of GI cancers among obese and non-obese patients. Method: The current case-control study was performed using medical records of all adult patients who were diagnosed with GI cancers at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) from January 2010 until May 2018, with a sample size of 834. We excluded participants who had a missing body mass index (BMI) value. SPSS 21 software package was used for data analysis. Result: 532 patients with GI cancer included in the study divided into non-obese and obese based on their BMI. Obese patients represented 22.9% (n=122) while 77.1 % (n=410) are non-obese. The mean age at diagnosis in obese was 56.63 years and in non-obese was 56.65 years. The mean BMI of obese was 34.18kg/m². There were more females in the obese group than non-obese (54.9% vs 34.9%, p=0.00007). The commonest tumor site in obese was colorectal cancer (CRC) followed by gastric and pancreatic cancers while in non-obese was CRC followed by gastric and esophageal cancers (p=0.348). There was no difference in the death rate among obese and non-obese (27.9% and 34.1%, p=0.194). Obese patients have higher positive lymph node than non-obese (p=0.236). Conclusion: Our study showed that GI cancers are common among obese females and the commonest sites are CRC, gastric and pancreatic cancers in obese than non-obese and screening obese female is highly recommended in our society.

[Duaa J. Alhazmi, Dina H. Alsohaibi, Hamidh A. Almusayliem, Ola A. Bukhari, Aseel A. Alharbi, Aisha A. Alharbi, Saleh M. Aldaqal. 3Prevalence and patterns of gastrointestinal cancers among obese patients, from a teaching hospital in Saudi Arabia. Cancer Biology 2020;10(1):47-52]. ISSN: 2150-1041 (print); ISSN: 2150-105X (online). http://www.cancerbio.net. 6. doi:10.7537/marscbj100120.06.

Key words: Obesity; body mass index; gastrointestinal cancer

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PDL1 Expression as a Prognostic Factor in Female Patients with Invasive Breast cancer

Walid Almorsy¹, Asmaa Elkady¹ and Dareen Mohamed²

¹Clinical Oncology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Gharbia, Egypt

²Pathology Department Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Gharbia, Egypt

walidaa1@hotmail.com

Abstract: In relation to the apoptosis program, programmed death-1 ligand 1 (PDL1) has been named as a programmed cell death1 receptor. There is growing indication of a dynamic crosstalk among the breast cancer cells and immune system. The existence of regulatory T cells in peripheral blood in addition to the breast tumors tissue are documented in many advanced studies. So, we aimed in this study to evaluate PDL1 as a prognostic factor in relation to other clinicopathological factors and survival. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study was performed at Clinical Oncology Department, Tanta University Hospital, from Jun 2011 to Jun 2016 on one hundred and sixty three (163) female breast cancer patients with histopathologically confirmed invasive ductal carcinoma. Patient's data were recorded. Specimens from affected lesions of breast tissues were fixed in formalin and processed for hisopathological examination after staining with IHC for PD-L1. Results: PDL1 expression was significantly connected with N stage, hormonal levels, lymphovascular invasion, grade of tumor (p), tumor size, molecular subtypes and menopausal status. The 5-years OS owing to PDL1 expression was 50.1% for positive expression and 72.6% for negative expression (p<0.001). The 5-years DFS according to PDL1 expression was 22.4% for positive expression and 77.9% for negative expression (p <0.001). The results revealed to a significant 5-years OS rate with PDL1 expression and age in multivariate analysis. The 5-years DFS showed significant correlation with PDL1 expression, nodal status, hormoenal status and Ki67 expression. Conclusion: PDL1 expression was significantly associated with N stage, hormonal levels, lymphovascular invasion, grade of cancer, tumor size, molecular subtypes and menopausal status.PDL1 expression was independent prognostic factors for invasive breast carcinoma and therefore can be considered as independent indicator for bad prognosis and can be used as goal for the discovery of novel treatments.

[Walid Almorsy, Asmaa Elkady and Dareen Mohamed. PDL1 Expression as a Prognostic Factor in Female Patients with Invasive Breast cancer. Cancer Biology 2020;10(1):53-60]. ISSN: 2150-1041 (print); ISSN: 2150-105X (online). http://www.cancerbio.net.7. doi:10.7537/marscbj100120.07.

Keywords: PDL1; Expression; Prognostic; Factor; Female; Patient; Invasive Breast cancer

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Evaluation of the Predictive and Prognostic Role of BCL2 in Non-Metastatic Locally Advanced Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Patients: A Clinicopathologic and Immunohistochemical Study

Asmaa E¹, Hanan S¹, Dareen M²

¹ Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt

² Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt

asmaaelkady15@yahoo.com

Abstract: Background: Breast cancer is common and the second most common leading cause of cancer death in females. So, continuous researches for new prognostic markers which will aid in therapy are mandatory. BCL2 has been associated with estrogen receptor positivity and good prognosis in breast cancer. However contradictory data have been reported in several studies concerning the role and the prognostic impact of this marker in triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs). The aim of this work is to study the expression of BCl2 in locally advanced non-metastatic TNBCs and to correlate these data with clinicopathologic findings and patient disease free survival (DFS) to assess its prognostic significance. Patients & Methods: Paraffin blocks obtained from 61 female patients with non-metastatic locally advanced invasive TNBCs were analyzed for BCl2 immunohistochemical expression. All patients treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), with a sequential regimen containing anthracycline and taxanes -based regimen at Clinical Oncology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University Hospital during the period between January 2009 and December 2014. Results:   This study included 61 female patients with non metastatic locally advanced TNBC.  BCL2 was inversely correlated with response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (P value = 0.005). Tumor grade showing a border line significant correlation with it, with a higher frequency of grade III cancers being BCL2 negative (P value= 0.0598). There was no statistical significance between BCL2 positivity and tumor size, (P value= 0.807), nodal status (P value= 0.948), age (P value= 0.933), as well as lympho-vascular invasion (P value= 0.705). The 1 year, 2 year, and 3 year DFS for patients whose tumors are positive for BCL2 without residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was 92 %, 81% and 70% compared to 91%, 80% and 65% for the women with BCL2 negative tumors, respectively. (P value = 0.799). The 1 year, 2 year, and 3 year DFS for patients whose tumors are positive for BCL2 with residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was 95 %, 79% and 70% compared to 85%, 53% and 40% for the women with BCL2 negative tumors, respectively (P value= 012). Conclusion: In TNBC patients, adding BCl2 to the panel of markers used in current clinical practice could provide prognostic and predictive information. BCl2 appears to be potentially useful marker of good prognosis in patients with non-metastatic locally advanced TNBCs who had residual disease, with a sequential regimen containing anthracycline and taxanes -based regimen and can be used to detect patients with aggressive behavior who can benefit from more aggressive treatment .

[Asmaa E, Hanan S, Dareen M. Evaluation of the Predictive and Prognostic Role of BCL2 in Non-Metastatic Locally Advanced Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Patients: A Clinicopathologic and Immunohistochemical Study. Cancer Biology 2020;10(1):61-68]. ISSN: 2150-1041 (print); ISSN: 2150-105X (online). http://www.cancerbio.net. 8. doi:10.7537/marscbj100120.08.

Key words: BCl2, Triple-negative breast cancer, Clinicopathologic study, Immunohistochemical Study

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Metronomic Capecitabine as a salvage therapy in advanced Gastric cancer

Rasha Abd El-Ghany Khedr MD¹, Asmaa Mohammed Ali El-Kady MD²

¹Associate professor, Clinical oncology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt

²Lecture, Clinical oncology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt

Khedr_rasha@yahoo.com

Abstract: Recently, for treatment of different types of tumors, metronomic chemotherapy, as cytotoxic agents are administered with a continuous low doses. Aim: We aimed to investigate the efficiency and safety of treatment with metronomic capecitabine in patients suffering from advanced gastric tumor. Methods: Patients with advanced gastric tumor who progressed on first line chemotherapy for their metastatic disease were treated with 500 mg /m² capecitabine, twice daily continuously for 28days, followed by a 7-day rest period, every 5 weeks) till progression or significant toxicity. Computed tomography scanning is used for assessment of cancer response by applying response evaluation criteria in solid cancers. Results: Forty one patients were enrolled. The overall response rate (partial response and complete response) was 21.95% (9/41), and cancer control percentage (overall response and stable disease) was 63.41% (26/41). Median time to progression (TTP) was 9 months. The 1-year PFS (progression free survival) rates were 30.7%. 18 months was the median overall survival (OS). The OS rates within 1 and 2 years were 74.7% and 16.8%, respectively. The furthermost common treatment-related side effect was the hand-foot syndrome, presenting in 39.02% (16/41) of patients and only one case (2.44%) with grade 3 toxicity hand-foot syndrome. Diarrhea was recorded in 17.08% of patients (7/41) with 4.88% (2/41) of them had a grade 2 toxicity. Conclusion: Metronomic capecitabine was efficient and well tolerated as save therapy in patients suffering from advanced gastric tumor.

[Rasha Abd El-Ghany Khedr, Asmaa Mohammed Ali El-Kady. Metronomic Capecitabine as a salvage therapy in advanced Gastric cancer. Cancer Biology 2020;10(1):69-76]. ISSN: 2150-1041 (print); ISSN: 2150-105X (online). http://www.cancerbio.net. 9. doi:10.7537/marscbj100120.09.

Keywords: Metronomic; Capecitabine; salvage; therapy; advanced; Gastric; cancer

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Impact Of Privatization Of The Nigerian River Basin Authorities On Water Use Efficiency

Ajiboye Abiodun

Senior Lecturer, Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension Services

Ekiti State University PMB 5363, Ado Ekiti. Ekiti State, Nigeria

E-mail Address: abiodun.ajiboye@eksu.edu.ng

Abstract: The study examined the impact of privatization on efficiency of water use in selected irrigation schemes under the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority of Nigeria. Government policy is aimed at achieving food self-sufficiency through the proposed privatization of these schemes hence making water an economic good whose use will thus be levied more rationally. Data was drawn on 414 small-scale irrigation farms under the two existing tenure Systems in 7 irrigation schemes in the basin. The DEA results showed that on the average, substantial overall inefficiencies characterized the farms in both the User Allocation and Farmer Occupier tenure systems. Unlike the situation in the rice farms, vegetable and maize farmers under the Farmer Occupier System demonstrated considerably higher levels of efficiency than those in the other system. For the vegetable farmers, it was a switch of value dominance between the CRSTE and the VRSTE. The result of the price simulation showed an irregular pattern of marginal efficiency change in all the DMUs of both systems. This result frowns at the proposed privatization, should the new investor transact resources in a way that is not at par with the prevailing open market condition thereby overshooting the margins of farm-level efficiency.

[Ajiboye Abiodun. Impact Of Privatization Of The Nigerian River Basin Authorities On Water Use Efficiency. Cancer Biology 2020;10(1):77-88]. ISSN: 2150-1041 (print); ISSN: 2150-105X (online). http://www.cancerbio.net. 10. doi:10.7537/marscbj100120.10.

Keywords: Privatization, River Basin Authorities, Water, Efficiency, DEA

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