The 7th edition of the Apollo Cancer Conclave 2024, organized by Apollo Cancer Centres, was held at the Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, Mumbai. The event brought together over 2,000 oncologists from India and more than 450 international speakers, including renowned oncology experts, healthcare leaders, and clinical researchers. The conclave focused on the latest advances and innovations in cancer care, with a particular emphasis on integrating contemporary treatment practices with precision oncology.
Held from November 8th to 10th in Mumbai, the conclave served as a platform for healthcare professionals, featuring panel discussions, workshops, and research presentations that offered invaluable insights into both established and emerging cancer care methodologies.
With India’s cancer burden expected to rise from 1.41 million new cases in 2022 to 2.69 million by 2050, the conclave highlighted the critical need for prevention in tackling the growing cancer epidemic. Experts worldwide are emphasizing that prevention is now the most effective response to the increasing incidence of cancer.
The conclave's emphasis on fostering cross-border collaboration, promoting knowledge exchange, and driving the adoption of new practices underscored its commitment to advancing prevention-focused clinical strategies. With over 100 sessions and numerous interactive discussions, the Apollo Cancer Conclave 2024 established itself as a pivotal event in the healthcare calendar for oncology specialists committed to fighting cancer with both effectiveness and empathy.
The conclave covered seven organ-specific oncology tracks, each featuring expert speakers and dynamic discussions. These tracks included breast, gynaecology, gastrointestinal, medical, head and neck, uro-oncology, and haematolymphoid cancers. The sessions showcased the transformative potential of technology and precision medicine, emphasizing patient-centred innovations that are reshaping cancer care worldwide.
Track 1: Breast Oncology
Led by Dr. Nita Nair, Lead Consultant - Breast Surgery, Apollo Cancer Centres ( ACC) this session centred on Robotic Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy (RNSM), a new surgical procedure in breast cancer management. Experts also highlighted the growing role of genetic testing in understanding breast cancer risks and treatment responses. Additionally, advances in artificial intelligence, digital pathology, and targeted imaging were discussed as new frontiers for precision diagnosis in breast oncology.
Track 2: Gynaecologic Oncology
Chaired by Dr. Richa Bansal, Consultant - Gynec, Laparoscopic Oncology & Robotic Surgery, ACC, this track addressed key challenges in managing ovarian and cervical cancers. A special focus was placed on fertility preservation and minimally invasive surgical techniques. The session also included an interactive workshop on pelvic exenteration, a surgical procedure for treating gynaecologic malignancies. Additionally, the Apollo Cancer Centre's commitment to ensuring access to cervical cancer vaccinations was highlighted as a vital preventive measure.
Track 3: Gastrointestinal Oncology
Led by Dr. Rajesh Shinde, Consultant - HPB & GI Oncology and Robotic Surgery, this session explored minimally invasive gastric cancer surgery and discussed interpersonal approaches for the management of gastrointestinal cancers.
Track 4: Precision Oncology and Rare & Challenging Cases
Dr. Jyoti Bajpai, Lead - Medical and Precision Oncology, ACC, chaired this track, which delved into the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals facing cancer. Experts discussed global challenges in managing sexual minority cancers, presenting proposed solutions and strategies. The track also focused on the role of molecular profiling and artificial intelligence in oncology, exploring how genetic sequencing, predictive diagnostics, and AI tools are revolutionizing cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Track 5: Head and Neck Oncology
Led by Dr. Anil D’Cruz, Director Oncology & Senior Consultant Head & Neck Oncology, ACC, this session provided critical insights into managing complex head and neck cancer cases, particularly those involving organ preservation in cancers of the tongue and larynx. The discussion included advanced surgical strategies, including robotic-assisted surgeries, aimed at prioritizing functional outcomes for patients.
Track 6: Haematolymphoid Cancers
This track, focusing on stem cell transplants, CAR T-cell therapy, and advances in cellular therapies, was led by Dr. Punit Jain, Consultant Hematology, Hemato oncology & Program Co ordinator Bone Marrow Translant (BMT), ACC, for adult haematolymphoid oncology, and Dr. Vipin Khandelwal,Consultant - Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, ACC, for paediatric haematolymphoid oncology. The sessions explored cutting-edge advancements in treatment and patient care.
Track 7: Uro-Oncology
Led by Dr. Ashwin Tamhankar, Consultant - Uro Oncology & Robotic Surgery, ACC, this track highlighted breakthroughs such as Proton Therapy in managing prostate cancer The discussion centred around the most optimal treatment approaches for muscle-invasive bladder cancer and management with advanced lymphadenectomy techniques. The session also explored precision medicine and the use of biomarkers to tailor treatment plans, supported by case studies and real-world data.
The Apollo Cancer Conclave 2024 successfully showcased ground-breaking advances in cancer care and precision oncology, emphasising the significance of clinical collaboration and innovative approaches in cancer treatment. The event emphasized Apollo Cancer Centres' continued leadership in transforming global cancer care, positioning the organization as a pioneer in patient-centred, precision oncology. The 7th edition of the Apollo Cancer Conclave marked a pivotal shift in cancer care, showcasing a move from the contemporary to precision oncology. The emphasis was on the transformative role of collaboration and innovations that promise to greatly enhance clinical outcomes, offering targeted, patient-centric approaches in cancer care.
The event concluded with the announcement of the 8th edition of the Apollo Cancer Conclave, which will be held in Delhi in 2026, continuing the tradition of advancing cancer care through learning, cross pollination and global collaboration.
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