More cancer research can improve treatment: Experts

CHENNAI: Oncologists at a private cancer research centre are working on reducing the impact of radiation as part of cancer research. It’s aimed at changing various aspects of clinical practice, such as screening, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and prevention by leveraging advanced technologies which can then be scaled to benefit the global community.

On World Cancer Research Day, oncologists at Apollo Cancer Centres and Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC) gave an insight into the research that’s being done on prostate and breast cancer, and cancers in geriatric patients that are most prevalent in India.

The research aims to evaluate advanced technologies to reduce cardiotoxicity during radiotherapy thus improving quality of life without impacting outcomes. It’ll help in the early detection of cancers, identify the right treatment for effective management of the conditions, and improve survivorship.

Dr Srinivas Chilukuri, APCC, said, “It’s crucial that we conduct large-scale and high-quality research on common Indian cancers to achieve better clinical outcomes using cost-effective solutions.”

Experts said that there are significant challenges in breast cancer management due to a high incidence of comorbidities such as obesity and hypertension. Cardiac complications due to radiotherapy is a significant side effect that affects survival in breast cancer patients.

Dr Sapna Nangia, senior consultant, APCC, said, “Research helps identify the causes of cancer and is pointing the way to improved methods of diagnosis and treatment. Research is the only way that paves way for breakthroughs in prevention, early detection, screening, diagnosis, and treatment.”