Radiation oncology is increasingly recognised as a vital component of comprehensive cancer care, working alongside surgery, chemotherapy, and other specialties to improve patient outcomes. By enabling organ preservation, supporting early detection, and guiding personalised treatment plans, radiation therapy plays a key role in multidisciplinary approaches that prioritise both survival and quality of life. Experts discuss how multidisciplinary approaches improve cancer treatment outcomes and patient quality of life.
Dr. S Hukku, Advisor, Dept. of Radiology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, emphasised the evolution of cancer care. “Earlier, surgery dominated treatment. Today, radiation and chemotherapy complement surgical approaches. Tumor boards in most institutions ensure all specialists’ opinions are heard, allowing patients to make informed choices,” he said.
On organ preservation, he added, “Preserving organs is possible only with early detection, highlighting the critical role of prevention and awareness. Unfortunately, more than 70 per cent of healthcare in India is corporate, where prevention often takes a backseat. Government initiatives face long queues, and NGOs have limited resources. We need to take awareness directly to the public.”
Dr. Rajender Kumar, Director & HOD, Radiation Oncology, Max Healthcare, elaborated on how multidisciplinary care is applied in practice. “Take breast cancer as an example: tests are conducted, then discussed in tumor boards to decide whether chemotherapy or surgery should come first. The patient remains central, and the team supports both medical and financial aspects of treatment,” he explained.
Dr. Robin Khosa, Sr Consultant and Clinical Coordinator, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, focused on radiation oncology’s role in organ preservation. “Radiation therapy, though only 125 years old, complements surgery by targeting microscopic tumor cells that cannot be removed visually. Advanced technologies allow precise targeting, enabling organ preservation and improving overall patient outcomes,” he said.
The experts also addressed common patient myths. Many believe that if an organ is removed, cancer cannot return. Experts clarified that microscopic disease can persist, making organ preservation and early detection critical.
The industry stalwarts discussed the critical role of radiation oncology in multidisciplinary cancer care, emphasising organ preservation, early detection, and personalised treatment to improve patient outcomes. The session, held recently at the BW Oncology Summit, was moderated by Dr. Avichala Taxak, Consultant, Peripheral Vascular and Endovascular Sciences, Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon. |
