Team Boccia India has once again etched its name in the annals of sporting glory with a stellar performance at the prestigious World Boccia Challenger Series held in Manama, Bahrain, from November 14 to 21, 2024. Competing against some of the world’s finest Boccia talents, the Indian contingent clinched an impressive haul of gold and bronze medals in the individual events, cementing their position as a formidable force on the international stage.

The Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC) recently hosted the second edition of its Neuro & Spine Onco Conference, bringing together approximately 200 neuro-oncology experts from across India to discuss the latest advancements in managing brain and spine tumors.

The conference provided a platform for multidisciplinary discussions on innovative strategies to make central nervous system (CNS) cancer treatments safer, more effective, and patient-friendly. Attendees included surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, neuropathologists, neuro-anesthetists, neuro-radiologists, and neuro-psychologists, highlighting the collaborative nature of tackling these complex conditions.

Raising Awareness About CNS Tumors

Dr. (Prof.) Ishwar Chandra Premsagar, Chief of Neuro & Spine Oncology Services at RGCIRC and the event's organizing chairman, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about brain and spine tumors. “These critical organs govern essential functions like movement, speech, vision, and hearing. Tumors can lead to lifelong disabilities if not managed effectively. Given the absence of screening tests for brain tumors, recognizing warning signs like persistent headaches or seizures is crucial,” he noted.

CyberKnife: A Game-Changing Technology

A central focus of the conference was the CyberKnife, a cutting-edge radiation tool acquired by RGCIRC in 2023. Designed for precise, non-invasive cancer treatments, CyberKnife employs a robotic arm to deliver radiation from 360 degrees.

“CyberKnife administers highly focused radiation with surgical precision, targeting tumors while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. This approach minimizes side effects and enhances treatment outcomes compared to traditional radiation,” explained Dr. Premsagar.

The technology has been a significant advancement in treating neuro and spine cancers, as well as other malignancies, offering hope to patients with complex tumors.

Specialized Sessions and Collaborative LearningThe event featured specialized sessions on topics such as pediatric tumors, spine tumors, radiation therapy, and the role of pathology in tumor management. Discussions explored cutting-edge surgical techniques, advancements in radiation therapy, and the value of multidisciplinary approaches in improving patient outcomes.

Experts also shared insights into recent innovations and research findings, emphasizing the need for collaboration and knowledge sharing to refine cancer care.

Empowering Healthcare Professionals

By fostering an exchange of expertise and ideas, the conference aimed to equip healthcare professionals with the tools and knowledge to enhance the quality of care for patients with brain and spine cancers.

The Neuro & Spine Onco Conference underscored RGCIRC's commitment to advancing neuro-oncology and reaffirmed its role as a leader in specialized cancer treatment.