Dr. Ashok Vaid,Chairman, Cancer Institute,Medanta – The Medicity
Cancer continues to remain one of the biggest health challenges in India, with 14 lakh incidences of cancer cases in the country in 2023 alone, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Among men, the most common types of cancer are oral, lung, and of the oesophagus, while in women, the most frequently occurring cancer by far is breast cancer, followed by that affecting the cervix and ovary.
North East India is particularly hit hard by cancer — it has the highest incidence of cancer in India, with Mizoram reporting a lifetime risk of developing cancer at a staggering 21.1% for men, an analysis of data from 43 population-based cancer registries (PBCRs) across India has revealed.
Several factors drive the high prevalence of cancer, with tobacco use being a major contributor—particularly to the elevated cancer rates in the Northeastern states.
Over the years, treatments like chemotherapy and radiation have saved many lives, but they often bring tough side effects. However, Precision Medicine is transforming cancer care in India, offering more targeted and personalized treatment options.
Precision Medicine: A New Era of Cancer Care
Traditional approaches such as chemotherapy and radiation have saved countless lives, but often bring difficult side effects because they target healthy cells along with cancerous ones. A new approach—precision medicine—is reshaping cancer treatment in India by tailoring therapy to the genetic profile of each patient’s tumour.
Unlike the conventional “one-size-fits-all” methods, precision medicine uses genetic testing to detect mutations that drive cancer growth. This enables doctors to prescribe therapies that specifically attack those weaknesses.
Key advantages include:
- Better treatment results: By hitting the cancer at its source, targeted therapies can be more effective in shrinking tumours and prolonging survival than standard treatments.
- Fewer side effects: Since these drugs focus on abnormal cells, healthy tissues are less affected, improving patients’ quality of life.
- Early detection and prevention: Genetic testing can also identify people with inherited risks, making preventive steps and early intervention possible.
Despite its promise, precision medicine faces hurdles in India. Some of these challenges to consider include:
- Cost: Advanced genetic tests and targeted therapies remain expensive, raising concerns about access across different income groups.
- Infrastructure needs: Specialised labs, trained oncologists, and systems to analyse genetic data are not yet available everywhere.
- Awareness: Both patients and healthcare providers require greater knowledge of how precision medicine works and when it can be used.
Several initiatives are already underway to expand access to precision medicine:
- Government efforts: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science and Technology supports research and development in this area.
- Collaborative models: Partnerships between government, private hospitals, and research institutes are helping to scale precision medicine.
- Clinical trials: Ongoing studies focused on the genetic profiles of Indian patients are critical for developing therapies that work best in the local context.
Looking ahead
Precision medicine represents a turning point in the way India approaches cancer care. With collaborative effort, greater awareness, and improved infrastructure, it has the potential to improve survival rates, reduce treatment side effects, and ultimately bring new hope to millions of patients and their families.