Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital launches precision oncology navigation programme

Next Generation Of Cancer Care is Preventive, Personalised and Omnichannel: Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital

Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital hosted a Global Townhall in association with Karkinos Healthcare (technology driven oncology focused firm to enable early detection) which featured international and national experts like Dr Keith T.Flaherty, professor from Havard Medicine School, Dr Suresh Advani, Mentor at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Dr Vijay Haribhakti, Director Onco Sciences, at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Dr Prashant Kumar from Karkinos and Dr T Raja, Director -Medical Oncology, Apollo Chennai.

The discussion deliberated on Precision Oncology (including each aspect of diagnostics, therapeutics and geo-political landscape). The dialogue further detailed the understanding of novel, molecularly targeted therapies in cancer and how to measure the development of response. It dwelled into discussing predictive biomarkers to define the mechanisms of action and resistance of novel therapies, as well as to identify the optimal target population.

In addition to the discussions to strengthen education about prevention of cancer as well as its treatment, Dr Tarang Gianchandani, CEO, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital along with Priya Dutt, Ex Member of Parliament, Champion of Cancer Care and Trustee of Nargis Dutt Foundation and Dr Sewanti Limaye, Director Precision Oncology as well as the treating doctor of Sanjay Dutt (actor) announced the launch of “Saarthi” a Patient Navigation programme, the first Precision Navigation Program in the country. This program will be dedicated to patients and care givers who will be collaborating with NGOs countrywide for patient navigation.

The Guest of Honour Sanjay Dutt in conversation with his treating oncologist Dr Limaye spoke about his journey from the time he was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer in August 2020 to how he approached precision based treatment under the watchful eyes of Dr Limaye and her team, and eventually achieved complete remission. He spoke about approaching the diagnosis with optimism and courage, maintaining fitness-full lifestyle and the priceless contribution of the support from his friends and family during treatment. He also spoke about his desire to champion the cause of precision in cancer care and challenges to access to cancer care.