In the global fight against cancer, India is emerging as a key player, leveraging advanced diagnostics and innovative treatments to tackle the growing burden of this disease. With aging population and rising incidence of cancer, the nation has stepped up efforts to ensure timely detection and effective care. From cutting-edge imaging technologies to groundbreaking treatments, India’s healthcare system is undergoing a transformation that aims to provide comprehensive and personalized solutions for cancer patients.

Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit, Senior Director, Medical Oncology, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, says India has made significant progress in cancer diagnosis and treatment in the last decade. The country now boasts several advanced technologies and methods that enhance early detection and improve patient outcomes.

Imaging techniques: He says advanced imaging modalities such as PET-CT scan, MRI and high-resolution ultrasound are widely used for precise tumor localization and staging. These tools are essential to determining the most effective treatment plans.

biopsy technique

According to Dr. Rajpurohit, conventional biopsy, along with minimally invasive options such as fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsy, allows accurate histopathological evaluation, which is important for accurate diagnosis.

genetic testing

He says that with the understanding that a significant percentage of cancers have a genetic component, genetic testing is becoming increasingly important. Tests that identify specific mutations can guide targeted treatments and help assess familial cancer risk, enabling proactive management.

multidisciplinary approach

Dr. Rajpurohit explains that cancer treatment in India often involves a collaborative approach between various specialists, including medical oncologists, surgical oncologists and radiation oncologists. This teamwork ensures that patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs.

• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy: He says these remain the mainstays of cancer treatment. Chemotherapy uses cytotoxic drugs to target rapidly dividing cells, while radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. Both modalities are often used in conjunction with surgery.

• Immunotherapy: As Dr. Rajpurohit explained, this innovative treatment uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Drugs such as checkpoint inhibitors have shown promise in treating various malignant diseases, including melanoma and lung cancer.

• Targeted Therapy: He explains that targeted therapy focuses on specific molecular targets associated with cancer. By attacking these targets, these treatments may be more effective and less toxic than traditional chemotherapy.

liquid biopsy

Dr. Rajpurohit explains that liquid biopsy, which analyzes circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the blood, is expected to revolutionize cancer diagnosis. These non-invasive tests can provide real-time insight into tumor dynamics, treatment response, and potential recurrence, allowing more personalized treatment strategies.

CAR-T cell therapy

They highlight chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy as an unprecedented form of immunotherapy that modifies a patient’s T-cells to better recognize and attack cancer cells. By 2025, CAR-T therapy is expected to have widespread applications, particularly for hematological malignancies, and potentially for solid tumors.

combination treatment

According to him, the future of cancer treatment will probably include a combination of immunotherapy, targeted therapy and conventional treatments. This approach aims to increase efficacy and reduce the likelihood of resistance, leading to better outcomes for patients.

personalized medicine

Dr. Rajpurohit believes that advances in genomic profiling will enable oncologists to tailor treatment plans based on the genetic makeup of both the patient and the tumor. This precision medicine approach is expected to improve treatment efficacy and reduce side effects.

advanced supportive care

Dr. Rajpurohit emphasizes the increasing importance of holistic care with greater emphasis on supportive treatments including nutritional counseling, psychological support and palliative care to improve the overall quality of life of cancer patients.

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