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On World Cancer Day, it is essential to spread awareness about how emerging technologies are transforming cancer care and the steps needed to make these innovations more widely accessible
Advances in diagnostic and treatment methods have contributed to better prognoses, but the key remains catching cancer in its initial phases.
Advancements in medical technology are reshaping cancer care in India, offering new hope to millions of patients. From cutting-edge imaging techniques to innovative treatment modalities, these developments are enhancing accuracy of cancer detection, improving treatment precision, and ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
Despite these advancements, India continues to face significant challenges in early detection and access to high-quality treatment, particularly in second-tier cities. With over 1.39 million new cancer cases reported annually, late-stage diagnoses remain a concern, often limiting treatment options and reducing survival rates. Expanding access to advanced therapies and strengthening healthcare infrastructure are critical for addressing these gaps.
On World Cancer Day, it is essential to spread awareness about how emerging technologies are transforming cancer care and the steps needed to make these innovations more widely accessible. Prof. Dr. Somashekhar S P, Chairman – Medical Advisory Board, Aster DM Healthcare – GCC & India, Global Director – Aster International Institute of Oncology – GCC & India, Lead Consultant – Surgical & Gynaecological Oncology shares all you need to know:
Fluorescence Guided Surgery: Illuminating Cancer Detection
Enhancing Surgical Precision Cancer detection and surgical accuracy are being revolutionized by fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS). This technique uses fluorescent dyes or agents that bind to cancer cells and cause tumors to glow under specific lighting conditions. By enabling surgeons to visualise malignant tissue in real-time, FGS allows for more precise tumor excision while preserving healthy tissue. This approach reduces recurrence rates and enhances post-operative outcomes. Leading hospitals in India are adopting this technology, but access remains limited, particularly in second-tier cities. Expanding initiatives like Ayushman Bharat to cover fluorescence-guided surgery can help bridge this gap.
Adaptive Radiation Therapy
A recent development in radiotherapy, adaptive radiation therapy (ART), modifies treatment regimens in response to alterations in a patient’s anatomy over time. ART uses advanced imaging technologies like cone-beam CT to account for tumor shrinkage, weight loss, or organ shifts, delivering radiation more precisely. This approach enhances treatment effectiveness while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Hospitals in India are integrating ART into cancer care, but accessibility outside major metropolitan centers remains a challenge.
Immunotherapy and Precision Medicine
Immunotherapy, which stimulates the immune system to combat cancer, is redefining treatment. Innovative therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy have shown promising results in treating blood cancers and some solid tumors. When combined with precision medicine—which tailors treatment based on a patient’s genetic profile—these advancements are improving survival rates while reducing side effects. However, the high cost of CAR T-cell therapy and precision medicine remains a major barrier to widespread adoption in India.
Nanotechnology and Liquid Biopsy
Nanotechnology is improving cancer treatment by enhancing drug delivery. Nanoparticles can deliver chemotherapy directly to tumors, reducing systemic toxicity. Meanwhile, liquid biopsy technology, which detects circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in blood samples, is enabling non-invasive cancer detection and real-time monitoring of treatment responses. These advancements have the potential to revolutionize cancer care in India, but widespread implementation requires greater awareness and investment.
These developments get us one-step closer to making cancer a treatable illness, even while obstacles like treatment resistance still exist.
Early detection remains the most effective way to improve cancer survival rates. Expanding awareness programs and strengthening screening initiatives for common cancers such as breast, cervical, and lung cancer will help catch cases at earlier, more treatable stages.
On this World Cancer Day, let us unite to bridge gaps in cancer care, invest in research, and ensure that every patient—regardless of socio-economic status—has access to life-saving treatments. By expanding access to advanced technologies, supporting indigenous innovation, and prioritizing early detection, we can make cancer a manageable disease rather than a death sentence.
