RCHRC collaborates with IMA Ranchi to conduct a Continuing Medical Education (CME) session on advanced cancer care

Ranchi Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (RCHRC), a unit of the Tata Cancer Care Foundation, recently organised a Continuing Medical Education (CME) session in partnership with the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Ranchi. The session focused on advanced cancer care treatment and was attended by approximately 147 healthcare professionals from diverse medical specialties.

The CME session featured a distinguished line-up of speakers from the field of oncology, who provided valuable insights into cutting-edge cancer care techniques. Dr Ajit Kumar Kushwaha, Associate Professor and Head Surgical Oncology at RIMS, Ranchi, discussed the evolution of surgery in rectal cancer. Dr Deepak Kumar, Radiation Oncologist at RCHRC, educated the audience about advanced radiation techniques such as IGRT, IMRT, 4D Gating, SRS, SBRT and brachytherapy, while highlighting how well-equipped RCHRC is to handle them.

Dr Rajanigandha Tudu, Medical Oncologist at RCHRC, discussed the unique aspects of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), which requires personalised therapy. She spoke about the role of BRCA mutations in TNBC and the effectiveness of PARP inhibitors and immunotherapy in treating this type of cancer. Dr Purnima Maggi Dean, Consultant Radiologist at RCHRC, spoke about diagnostic and interventional radiology and its vital role in assisting oncologists. She stressed how medical imaging has become integral to cancer care, aiding in assessing the stage and location of cancerous tumours, as well as monitoring treatment response. Lastly, Dr Shafi Imran, Consultant Anaesthesiologist and Critical Care Specialist, discussed the importance of an integrated palliative approach to care to ensure the comfort of cancer patients.

During the session, Dr Madan Mohan Pandey, the Director of Medical Services at RCHRC, drew attention to the escalating burden of cancer in India, explaining how a lack of awareness, delayed presentation, financial constraints and limited accessibility to cancer care contribute to the country’s high mortality rates. Since the doctors in attendance were from various specialties such as general medicine, gynaecology, GI surgery, and dentistry, it was emphasised how each of them could play an important role in early detection through timely referral to oncologists.

Dr Shekhar Choudhary Kajal, President of IMA Ranchi, expressed his gratitude to the Tata Trusts and RCHRC for their efforts in bringing affordable, high-quality cancer care closer to the people of Jharkhand. Tata Trusts, through their Cancer Care Programme, have been tirelessly working to provide affordable and high-quality healthcare to millions of Indians. As part of this vision, RCHRC was established to offer a comprehensive range of cancer care services, including diagnosis, treatment, management, palliative care, and post-care support, to the people of Ranchi. The hospital works in collaboration with the National Health Mission to reduce Jharkhand’s high incidence rate of cancer by promoting early detection through screening programmes.

The CME session proved to be an effective platform for healthcare professionals to enhance their knowledge in cancer care and remind them of the critical role they play in early cancer detection.