India faces more than 1.4 million new cancer cases annually (1), with a high proportion of individuals diagnosed at advanced stages. Yet access to advanced radiation therapy – a cancer treatment that uses high-intensity X-rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumours – remains uneven, especially outside metro areas. Elekta, a global leader in precision radiation therapy, is working to change that by training oncology professionals in adaptive radiation therapy (ART).
ART is a technique in which clinicians can adjust the treatment plan during a patient’s therapy course based on daily, high-quality imaging. This adaptation is important as it allows for precise targeting of a tumour, even if its size, shape, or location has changed due to internal anatomical variation,s such as the bladder or bowels being full on some days and empty on others. It can lead to improved tumour targeting, and a reduction of the radiation dose given to organs at risk, which can reduce toxicities and side effects.
ART’s potential to improve outcomes and quality of life is especially relevant in India, where over 1.4 million new cancer cases are diagnosed annually. Head and neck cancers account for nearly 30 per cent of all cases, while breast and cervical cancers remain the most common among women.
Integrating ART into everyday practice
A recent workshop and evening scientific symposium in Jaipur marked a key step in Elekta’s efforts to scale ART across India’s oncology ecosystem. The event, Elekta Connect, featured expert lectures, panel discussions and a live demonstration of online ART in action.
“Through Elekta Connect, we want to accelerate the clinical adoption of adaptive radiation therapy in India,” says Elekta spokesperson Shankar Seshadri, Vice President Elekta India. “Our focus is on equipping oncologists – particularly those practising in high-burden regions – with the tools and expertise to deliver precision cancer treatments. ART is no longer aspirational; it’s becoming a standard of care for patients who need it most.”
One of the critical pillars of the program is the hands-on workshop for upskilling clinicians who plan radiation treatment for patients. “Elekta’s training and technology are empowering clinicians to bring ART to patients who need it most. Through hands-on workshops and tailored innovations, we’re bridging the skill gap and expanding access to world-class cancer care,” said Karan Mehrotra, Marketing Head – India, Marketing Manager Middle East & Africa at Elekta
“Adaptive radiotherapy will enable us to modify treatment plans in real time based on daily anatomical changes, which is especially critical for head and neck cancers where tumour and organ motion is common,” says Dr Ramesh Purohit, Professor of Radiation Oncology, Geetanjali Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur. “To meet India’s rising cancer burden, we need to make this technique part of routine care.”
“ART will be especially important for patients diagnosed at advanced stages, where precision can reduce side effects and improve quality of life,” says Dr Manish Chomal, Senior Radiation Oncologist, RHL Renova Cancer Centre, Jaipur. “Combined with expanded access to early screening, I believe we have real potential to improve cure rates and bring more equitable cancer care to patients across the country.”
References:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10231735/#:~:text=The%20estimated%20number%20of%20incident,2025%20as%20compared%20to%202020.