Thoracic cancer meet

On the second day of the 8th annual international conference RGCON-2009 organised by Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre with the theme “Thoracic Cancer: New Frontiers and Horizon”, medical researchers talked about the possibility of a cancer vaccine for lungs that can stop growth of the tumour.

On the second day of the 8th annual international conference RGCON-2009 organised by Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre with the theme “Thoracic Cancer: New Frontiers and Horizon”, medical researchers talked about the possibility of a cancer vaccine for lungs that can stop growth of the tumour.

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Research is on globally for the project and it won’t be far before the vaccine is introduced in markets to benefit patients suffering from lung cancer.

“It is not going to be a preventive vaccine like that available for smallpox, but it will help in stopping the growth the tumour,” said Dr (Col) R. Ranga Rao, senior consultant and professor of medical oncology and the organizing secretary.

The three-day event, which began on Friday, aims at promoting scientific and practical medical education in the field of thoracic cancer. Almost 750 newly diagnosed cases of lung and esophageal cancers are registered every year at the institute. As is the trend in most developing countries, only about 20 per cent of these patients are in treatable condition.

“The vast majority of patients are diagnosed in advanced stages, where treatment doesn’t prove as beneficial as it does in early stages,” said Rao. There is a need to create awareness not just among the masses but doctors as well, he added.

The event bring most experts of thoracic cancers, on a single platform. “As many as 600 national and international faculty are taking part to share their expertise,” Rao added.