New Delhi, Sep 18 (PTI) Cancer specialists at a Delhi conference on Friday discussed the growing role of early detection, genomic testing and personalised therapies in improving cancer care.
More than 800 oncologists, clinicians, researchers and healthcare professionals attended the two-day ‘Max Onco Updates 2026’ at Max Super Speciality Hospital in east Delhi’s Patparganj, which brought together experts from different oncology specialties.
According to an official statement, the discussions covered advances ranging from liquid biopsy, next-generation sequencing and molecular tumour profiling to immunotherapy, CAR-T cell therapy and AI-assisted cervical cancer screening.
The focus on early detection came against the backdrop of India’s expanding
cancer screening programme. As of February 2026, more than 34.71 crore people had been screened for oral cancer, 16.24 crore for breast cancer and 8.73 crore women for cervical cancer under the government’s National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, the statement read.
Dr Meenu Walia, chairman, medical oncology, said advances in precision medicine and molecular diagnostics were creating more personalised treatment pathways, but should not overshadow prevention and early detection.
“None of this progress matters without equal attention to early detection, prevention, supportive care and long-term survivorship,” Walia said.
Sessions at the conference covered breast, lung, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, head and neck and gynaecological cancers, with discussions on newer targeted treatments and immunotherapy approaches, the statement read.
Experts also discussed the management of adverse effects linked to newer immunotherapy drugs, long-term complications following cancer treatment and the role of supportive care in helping patients through and beyond treatment.
Walia said the conference was intended to bring together clinicians to examine “evolving evidence and clinical experience” and consider how newer advances could translate into multidisciplinary cancer care.
The meeting also included a “Life Beyond Cancer” segment, in which cancer survivors showcased artwork and performances and shared their experiences after treatment.
Experts said the conference sought to bridge the gap between advances in cancer research and their application in clinical care.
“The purpose of this conference is simple yet profound — to bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and bedside care,” a doctor said. PTI MSJ MSJ KSS KSS
