Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), under the able leadership of Prof. Avinash Chandra Pandey, organized a two-day workshop on the topic, “Roadmap: Proton –Hadron Therapy and Advanced Technology Research and Development in Indian Context”, where deliberations were made by eminent scholars from India and abroad. The Chief Guest Prof. JB Nadda, Director CEC,inaugurated the workshop.
During the workshop, Prof. JB Nadda emphasized and elucidated the immense need for research to make the country hub of knowledge and lead from the front to Vishwa Guru. He said, “The need of the hour is to create a wholesome ecosystem of medical technology hardware and software that can offer low-cost and sustainable solutions of deadly diseases like cancer etc.” He further quoted Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s slogan of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vijvan, Jai Anusandha,’ and emphasized the research-oriented approach.
Mission:
The objective is to put our country at the forefront of Oncology care with the help of an indigenous (AtmaNirbharBharat) technologies based on current state-of-the-art experience.
Cancer: Current Situation In India
Cancer is one of the most deadly disease in India with about 0.9 million deaths per year. The survival rate is further affected by screening, treatment, data quality, awareness, training and cancer care. Shockingly, around 70% of the patients are diagnosed at the last stage, which ultimately heightens the mortality rate.
Opportunity for capacity building and leadership with proton therapy for India
Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation therapy designed to kill only the cancer cells sparing healthy tissues. It functions by involving charged particles called protons instead of conventional radiation therapy, i.e. X-Rays. Being a part of intensity-modulated treatment, also called Proton Beam Therapy (PBT), doctors direct cancer-fighting energy towards precise locations within the body, especially for children and tumours close to vital organs like the brain, heart and lungs. The concerned Proton Therapy is possible due to the hard labour of intense R&D (PIMMS) at CERN during the 90s. Additionally, nations like Italy and Austria have partnered with the CERN regarding the creation of national Proton and Hadron Cancer treatment facilities.
According to surveys and reports, around 300,000 patients per year could gets benefitted from Proton Therapy. Many cancer patients suffer through a cancer type that demands Proton Beam treatment.
The PBT further offers an opportunity to bring cost-effective treatment for the masses, considering ‘Centre of Excellence as a hub leading all the national spokes.
Obstacles in the path of efficient Cancer Treatment in India
- Lack of screening early leads delays in diagnosis and treatment
- Ignorance of actions to be taken if and when found diagnosed
- Lack of Research and inadequate Infrastructure for treating Cancer using new-age therapies
The Roadmap:
Several Medical Institutions worldwide have emerged as medical power only due to efficient research work. The propagation of research work in India is also essential in bringing new theories and innovative ideas. With a view of eliminating all the emerging challenges and making India lead in the concerned field, the creation of the “Centre of Excellence” is of key importance. The project will further promote the indigenous, that ultimately lead towards the accomplishment of the target of being Vishwa Guru.