Context

Amid reports of counterfeit products replacing anti-cancer drugs, the government may soon make it mandatory for every drug vial and strip sold in India to have a Quick Response or QR code to ensure a strict track and trace mechanism, according to a proposal put forward by the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) in its recent meeting.

Cancer

• Cancer is a disease in which the body's cells grow and spread uncontrollably.
• These abnormal cells can form tumors that can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

Types of cancer:

Lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, lymphoma, blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma), skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, kidney cancer, etc

Diagnosis and treatment of cancer:

• Diagnosis: Biopsy, imaging tests and blood tests
• Treatment: There are many options available to treat cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of cancer can vary depending on the part of the body the cancer is in. Some common symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Pain
• A lump or swelling
• Cough
• Change in bowel habits

Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB)

• DTAB i.e. Drugs Technical Advisory Board is an important government body that advises on various technical matters related to drugs.
• It is a part of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and was established under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. 

Major Functions:

• Evaluation of new drugs: DTAB conducts a detailed evaluation of new drugs and decides whether they can be launched in the market.
• Combinations of drugs: DTAB evaluates combinations of different drugs and decides whether these combinations are safe and effective.
• Quality of drugs: DTAB sets standards to ensure the quality of drugs and directs pharmaceutical companies to adhere to these standards.
• Policies related to drugs: DTAB advises the government in developing policies related to drugs.
• Investigation of side effects of drugs: DTAB investigates the side effects of drugs and suggests measures to reduce these side effects.