The 23rd Annual International Conference, RGCON 2025, organised by the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC), focused on preventive measures and advanced treatment approaches in gynecological cancers. The conference, themed “Gynecological Cancers: Innovating, Integrating, and Upgrading,” emphasised the need for advancements in research, technology, and collaboration to address the increasing burden of gynecological cancers.
RGCON 2025 brought together over 1,200 faculty members and delegates from around the world to discuss the latest developments in cancer treatment. The conference covered innovations in gynecological cancer care, including new technologies, advanced surgical techniques, and immunotherapy aimed at improving patient survival rates and quality of life.
Rakesh Chopra, Chairman, RGCIRC, highlighted the growing crisis of gynecological cancers, which account for 19 per cent of global female cancers, with India witnessing a particularly high burden. “Cervical cancer alone causes 77,000 annual deaths here, while ovarian cancer, often diagnosed at advanced stages, maintains a grim <50 per cent survival rate,” he said. He added, “Most gynecological cancers are preventable through HPV vaccination and screening or are treatable, if detected early.” He warned of a projected 55 per cent increase in cases by 2040 and called for action to bridge awareness gaps and address healthcare barriers. He also noted that RGCIRC manages 7,450 cases and performs 650 gynecologic cancer surgeries annually.
D.S. Negi, CEO, RGCIRC, discussed the institute’s use of advanced technologies for cancer diagnosis and treatment. “RGCIRC’s forte has always been leveraging advanced technologies, such as the Da Vinci Robot and Cyber-Knife, to deliver world-class cancer care. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into healthcare is set to revolutionise cancer management, and RGCIRC has already initiated a comprehensive plan to harness AI for process improvements and enhanced patient care,” he said.
Dr Denis Querleu, Honorary Professor of Oncology at the University of Toulouse, France, attended the conference as the Chief Guest. He commended RGCIRC’s contributions to cancer care and its role in advancing global oncology research.
Professor G.K. Rath, former Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and former Head of Radiation Oncology at AIIMS, Delhi, was the Guest of Honour. He spoke about India’s unique position in cancer research, particularly in the epidemiology of cancer and HPV-related cancers. “India’s diverse cancer landscape provides unparalleled opportunities to understand and address the challenges posed by this disease. Remarkably, 60 per cent of cancers in India, including tobacco and infection-related cancers like cervical cancer, are preventable. As a developing country with a vast population, India offers invaluable insights into cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment, making it an essential destination for global research on cancer control,” he said.
Dr Sudhir Rawal, Medical Director and Chief of Genito-Uro Oncology Services at RGCIRC, acknowledged RGCON 2025 as a platform driving innovation and global collaboration in gynecological cancer care. “The transformative progress in gynecologic oncology is a testament to the power of collective excellence and the unwavering dedication of our faculty and team. It is this collaboration that unlocks the future of medicine,” he stated.
Dr AK Dewan, Director of Surgical Oncology at RGCIRC, spoke about the institute’s role in pioneering sub-specialisations in surgical oncology. He highlighted RGCIRC’s early adoption of robotic surgery, recalling how the Governing Council approved the acquisition of its first Da Vinci system in 2011, making RGCIRC one of the earliest adopters of robotic surgery in India.
Dr Vandana Jain, Senior Consultant & Head of Department – Gynecologic Oncology at RGCIRC and Organising Secretary of RGCON 2025, expressed gratitude to the global medical community for their participation. She said, “As we conclude, let us carry forward the spirit of unity, innovation, and shared purpose that defines RGCON 2025. Let us continue to push boundaries, embrace innovation, and strive for excellence in patient care. Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities and make a meaningful impact on the lives of women worldwide.”
The live surgical workshop at RGCON 2025 showcased advanced procedures in gynecologic oncology. Experts from RGCIRC and global institutions demonstrated:
- Robotic and open nerve-sparing radical hysterectomies for cervical cancer, aimed at preserving autonomic nerves and reducing postoperative morbidity.
- Robotic peritoneal mesometrial resection with targeted compartmental lymphadenectomy, presenting a novel surgical approach.
- Radical hysterectomy using the MANTRA robotic system, marking a milestone in India’s medical robotics advancements.
- Robot-assisted video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy for vulvar cancer, introducing minimally invasive solutions for a complex procedure.
These demonstrations underscored RGCIRC’s role in advancing surgical oncology while ensuring patient-centric outcomes.