On the
occasion of World Cancer Day, the Illuminate Oncology Townhall 2.0, hosted in
Mumbai organised by Dr Sewanti Limaye (Convener) from Sir H.N. Reliance
Foundation Hospital (HN RFH), brought together leading global and Indian
experts to explore new advancements in cancer treatments, cutting-edge
diagnostic tests, and breakthroughs in immunotherapy and cancer vaccination.
With discussions centered on CAR-T cell therapy, novel advanced
immunotherapeutics, and emerging cancer vaccines. “Illuminate” symbolized the
mission to “enlighten” the oncology community and people on groundbreaking
conversations in oncology, mission to elevate the cause of multidisciplinary
cancer care and celebrate the power of patient advocacy and patient voice.
Illuminate
Oncology Townhall 2.0 brought together pioneering minds from across the globe
to discuss advancements in multidisciplinary treatments, precision medicine,
and patient-centered cancer care, pioneering efforts in cancer prevention and
screening, diagnosis, and treatment through global collaboration and
knowledge-sharing.
Dr.
Tarang Gianchandani, Group CEO, Reliance Healthcare Services and CEO, Sir H.N.
Reliance Foundation Hospital, said, “Further to the WHO theme of ‘United by
Unique,’ we hosted Illuminate to bring the unique expertise and knowledge of
top oncology experts from across the globe to India. The discussions led to a
very productive exchange of ideas with experts sharing enlightening insights on
multidisciplinary treatments and precision oncology. This is another stride in
the hospital’s commitment to provide comprehensive and cutting-edge cancer care.
The celebrated experts of our oncology department and top-tier healthcare
infrastructure enable best care for patients. ”
Dr. Vijay
V. Haribhakti, chair of Oncosciences, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital,
added, "With cancer cases projected to rise significantly, it is
imperative to strengthen our approach through knowledge exchange and
collaboration. Illuminate 2.0 provided a space where leading experts could
discuss breakthroughs in cancer treatment, such as strategic preventative
approaches like tobacco avoidance, screening, and surgical innovations. These
conversations will play a key role in shaping the future of oncology care in
India and beyond.”
Dr.
Sewanti, director of Medical and Precision Oncology, Sir H.N. Reliance
Foundation Hospital, and the Convener of Illuminate Oncology Townhall 2.0, a
unique and remarkable oncology meeting, highlighted the evolving landscape of
cancer treatment, stating, "Through this Oncology Townhall, we wish to
bring multidisciplinary cancer care to the forefront of discussion and present
it as a mandatory requirement in planning the care for a cancer patient today.
We also wish to appeal to the masses to own Cancer Screening efforts and help
bring about a revolution in Cancer Prevention. The townhall was focused on
discussions on newer diagnostics, novel therapeutics and the recent buzz about
advanced immunotherapeutics, cancer vaccinations and cellular therapeutics with
specialists from all across the world. It is also a celebration of the
ever-powerful patient voice and the contribution of patient advocacy in moving
the field forward."
The
symposium was honored by the presence of social activist and First Lady of
Maharashtra Amruta Fadnavis who inaugurated the event along with Group CEO Dr
Tarang Gianchandani, who spoke on the success of the New Health Seva Plan that
was launched earlier by Chairperson Nita Mukesh Ambani at the 10th year
celebration of Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital.
The New
Health Seva Plan has been designed to provide financial assistance to patients
from economically weaker sections, ensuring cervix and breast cancer prevention
and access to advanced cancer therapies without financial distress. This
initiative reinforces the hospital’s commitment to inclusive and compassionate
healthcare.
Mrs
Fadnavis also launched the Prostate Cancer Screening program called “Bring Your
Dad”, which was conceptualised by Dr Santoshi Nagaonkar, Director of Urology,
Uro-oncology, HN RFH.
Led by
Dr. Sewanti Limaye, director of Medical and Precision Oncology, the event
brought together some of the world’s foremost oncologists alongside India’s
leading cancer specialists. Notable attendees included Nobel Laureate Dr. James
Allison, Prof. Padmanee Sharma, Prof. Sangeeta Goswami, Prof. Anil Sood and
Prof. Seth Lerner from The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA;
Prof. Ashutosh Tewari from Mount Sinai, NY; Dr Aditya Shreenivas from City of
Hope, USA; Dr Aya El Halali from Hongkong; Prof. Herbert Loong from The Chinese
University of Hong Kong; Dr. Shaheenah Dawood from Dubai, Dr. Kumar Prabhash,
head of Medical Oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital; Dr Massimo Cristofanilli
from Weil Cornell Dr. Andy Gaya from Cromwell Hospital, London, UK; and Padma
Shri Dr. Suresh Advani, Mentor, Medical Oncology at Sir H.N. Reliance
Foundation Hospital. The event also features Prof. Sachet Shukla, director of
Cancer Vaccines, MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA, along with Dr Prashant Kumar
and Datar Genetics who are advancing local cell lysate cancer vaccine
development and Prof. Ezra Cohen from UCSD, USA who is world renowned in
peptide cancer vaccine development. Dr Swaminathan Iyer from MD Anderson Cancer
Center, USA and Dr Hari Parmeshwaran from Medical College of Wisconsin spoke on
CAR-T cell therapy and its role in both liquid and solid tumors.
In
addition to expert discussions, Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt shared his cancer
journey and experiences alongside his doctor, Dr. Sewanti Limaye, and his
sister Ex Member of Parliament and cancer activist Priya Dutt and his childhood
friend Paresh Ghelani, a passionate advocate for cancer awareness. They also
shared his experience with Peptide Cancer Vaccine developed by Prof. Ezra Cohen
at UCSD.
With a
focus on global expertise, innovation, and patient-centric advancements, Illuminate
– The Multidisciplinary Cancer Care Townhall in Mumbai proved to be a landmark
event in the field of oncology.
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