On the occasion of World Cancer Day, Voice of Healthcare hosted a compelling virtual discussion titled “United by Unique: Why Personalised Care is the Future of Cancer Treatment,” aligning with the global theme that underscores a powerful truth — while cancer unites humanity in a common fight, every patient’s journey is deeply individual.
The session featured Dr. Suresh H. Advani, Senior Medical Oncologist at H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, one of India’s most respected pioneers in oncology, in conversation with Dr. Manisha Khurana, Editor-in-Chief, Voice of Healthcare and Founder, NextEdge Precision Medicine Insights.
Setting the context, Dr. Khurana highlighted how cancer care has evolved beyond a uniform approach. Advances in precision medicine, genomics, targeted therapy, immuno-oncology, and patient-centric care are reshaping outcomes, making treatment not only more effective but also more humane.
Dr. Advani reflected on his decades-long clinical journey, noting that oncology has undergone radical transformation over the last century. “Cancer is rising due to environmental and lifestyle changes, but what has changed most dramatically is how we treat it,” he said. From low-dose chemotherapy to high-dose regimens, followed by targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and now cellular therapy, each decade has brought breakthroughs that have redefined survival and quality of life.
Explaining the theme United by Unique, Dr. Advani drew a parallel between human genetics and cancer biology. “We are united as human beings, yet each of us is genetically unique. Similarly, cancer is not one disease but thousands of diseases, each with multiple subtypes,” he said. Even within a single cancer such as breast or lung cancer, distinct molecular variations demand different treatment strategies.
A major shift in cancer care, Dr. Advani explained, has come from understanding the genetic defects that transform normal cells into cancerous ones. A single gene mutation—or a combination of mutations—can drive disease progression. Identifying these mutations has enabled the development of drugs that precisely target the faulty pathways.
“Thirty years ago, lung cancer was considered almost uniformly fatal. Today, it is no longer so,” he said. The routine use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has made genetic profiling an immediate priority once cancer is diagnosed. Many patients with specific mutations can now be treated with targeted oral therapies, a reality that was unimaginable a few decades ago.
Technological advancements have also dramatically reduced the time required for genetic testing. What once took weeks can now be done in days, allowing clinicians to initiate personalised treatment plans much faster.
Dr. Advani also highlighted the growing role of liquid biopsy, which allows clinicians to detect tumour DNA circulating in the blood. This minimally invasive technique enables monitoring of disease progression and detection of new mutations, sometimes from even a single cancer cell. “Today, one cell can give us enormous information,” he noted, calling it a phenomenal leap in oncology diagnostics.
As cancer data grows increasingly complex, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) has become indispensable. Dr. Advani described AI as a powerful extension of human intelligence, capable of analysing thousands of gene interactions within seconds.
“Cancer cells are controlled by thousands of genes interacting with each other. AI helps us understand these interactions and stay updated with global discoveries in real time,” he said. From reading mammograms with greater accuracy to guiding treatment decisions, AI is rapidly becoming integral across prevention, diagnosis, and therapy — especially enabling doctors in smaller towns to access world-class knowledge.
Personalisation today goes far beyond naming a cancer type. Dr. Advani explained how detailed pathology reports — including hormone receptor status, HER2 expression, and proliferation indices — are essential for planning treatment. “A report without this information is incomplete,” he said, adding that closer collaboration between pathologists and clinicians has become critical.
He cited the example of HER2-positive breast cancer, where targeted therapies have dramatically improved outcomes once patients were correctly identified. This shift has also transformed drug development and clinical trials, ensuring treatments are tested and prescribed only to patients who are most likely to benefit.
During a rapid-fire segment, Dr. Advani addressed common cancer myths, including the belief that sugar feeds cancer, biopsies spread tumours, or that cancer is incurable. “These are absolute myths,” he said, emphasising that many cancers today are completely curable, especially when detected early.
He stressed that early detection remains the single most life-saving intervention, not only improving survival but also preserving organs and quality of life. “Nearly 50% of cancers can be prevented, and many more cured if diagnosed early,” he noted.
Looking to the future, Dr. Advani expressed optimism. While cancer incidence may rise, advancements in prevention, early diagnosis, precision medicine, and AI-driven care are set to make a significant impact. Even patients with advanced disease can now be treated effectively, with a strong focus on maintaining dignity and quality of life.
For patients and families battling cancer, his message was simple yet powerful: “Science is on your side. Never lose hope. Hope is what keeps us alive.”
As the session concluded, the discussion reinforced the essence of World Cancer Day’s theme — while the fight against cancer unites us all, recognising and treating each patient’s uniqueness is the key to shaping the future of cancer care.
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