Managing Director of Yashoda Group of Hospitals Dr. G.S. Rao at the Deccan Hematolink 2.0 conference at the hospital in Hyderabad on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR
According to GLOBOCAN 2020 report, India witnesses approximately 13 lakh new cancer cases annually, and blood cancers have emerged as a significant health concern, particularly in urban centres like Hyderabad. In response to this growing challenge, Yashoda Hospital organised the Deccan Hematolink 2.0 conference on Saturday, focusing on advancements in blood cancer treatment.
According to the National Cancer Registry Programme, leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma are increasingly prevalent in India, necessitating cutting-edge treatments. Speaking at the event, senior haematologist at Yashoda Hospital Dr. Ganesh Jaishetwar highlighted the evolution of blood cancer therapies.
“In the past, patients had limited treatment options, but medical technology has now advanced significantly. Targeted therapies, CAR-T Cell therapy, and gene therapy have transformed hematologic care. Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) remains a crucial treatment for laeukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, thalassemia, immunodeficiency disorders, genetic diseases, and aplastic anaemia,” Dr. Jaishetwar said.
He highlighted CAR-T Cell Therapy as the most advanced development in blood cancer treatment. This therapy modifies a patient’s immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells. Previously available only abroad at high costs, Indian pharmaceutical companies have now developed indigenous CAR-T therapies, making them more affordable and accessible to patients, he said.
Inaugurating the conference, Managing Director of Yashoda Hospitals Group Dr. G.S. Rao underscored the importance of early detection and advanced treatments. “The high incidence of blood cancer in India highlights the need for timely diagnosis, innovative therapies, and equitable healthcare access for all,” he said.
Published – February 22, 2025 08:07 pm IST
