Cancer care at MTMH Jamshedpur on par with leading centres:  Dr Koshy Varghese

MTMH to host conference on Precision Oncology in Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur, September 2: As part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations, Meherbai Tata Memorial Hospital (MTMH) is set to host a one-and-a-half-day national conference on Precision Oncology at Taj Vivanta, Golmuri. The event will begin on September 6 and conclude on September 7, 2025. More than 150 delegates from across India, including doctors, specialists, and researchers, are expected to participate.

Addressing a press conference at MTMH on Tuesday, Director Dr. Koshy Varghese said the conference will provide an opportunity to learn about cutting-edge developments in precision-based cancer treatment. “The reason for this focus is that cancers often involve genetic mutations. Earlier, we could not always treat patients according to their unique genetic profile. But with precision oncology, therapies can now be targeted to match the genetic makeup of individual patients. This marks a huge shift in treatment, and such a large-scale dedicated oncology conference is taking place in Jamshedpur after nearly 30 to 40 years,” he said.

The theme of the conference is Precision Oncology, reflecting MTMH’s vision of excellence in cancer care. Precision oncology focuses on tailoring treatment strategies to an individual’s genetic profile, using targeted drugs and therapies to directly inhibit tumour growth. This personalised approach aims to improve treatment outcomes while reducing side effects.

Dr. Varghese explained that precision oncology combines the latest in modern drugs, radiation, and surgical techniques. He added that the conference will not only benefit specialists but also help the wider community understand that advanced, standardised cancer treatment is now available in Jamshedpur.

Dr. Tamojit Chaudhuri, Head of Department and Senior Consultant at MTMH, noted that cancer treatment has made significant progress over the past decade. “Ten years ago, many cancers were not considered curable. Today, with targeted therapies and molecular profiling, outcomes have improved tremendously. Conferences like this will help spread awareness among the public as well as health administrators that cancers once thought untreatable can now be managed or even cured,” he said. However, Dr. Chaudhuri also pointed out the high cost of advanced treatments, which remains a challenge for patients.

According to MTMH officials, the deliberations will explore how precision oncology will emerge as a game-changer in cancer treatment. Experts will also discuss how institutions like MTMH can prepare to be “future ready” and integrate these advanced therapies into routine care.

The academic program includes sessions on major cancer types such as breast, head-neck, gastrointestinal, gynaecological, and genitourinary cancers. Discussions will cover recent updates from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), molecular profiling techniques, and advances in precision imaging.

The conference will feature leading oncologists and researchers from across India, including:

• Dr. Ashutosh Mishra, Surgical Oncologist, AIIMS Delhi
• Dr. Somnath Roy, Medical Oncologist, Tata Medical Center Kolkata
• Dr. Ashu Abhishek, Radiation Oncologist, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai
• Dr. Dillip Kumar Muduly, Professor & Head, Surgical Oncology, AIIMS Bhubaneswar
• Dr. Poonam Panjwani, Onco-Pathologist, Tata Memorial Hospital Mumbai

These experts will bring their insights and experiences to Jamshedpur, making the conference a unique academic platform for knowledge sharing.

Collaborative Learning

With participants from premier institutions such as AIIMS, Tata Memorial Hospital Mumbai, TMC Kolkata, and Apollo Proton Cancer Centre Chennai, the conference will foster collaborative learning. Case-based discussions, interactive sessions, and strategic exchanges will help clinicians, researchers, and hospital administrators understand how to apply precision oncology in real-world practice.

Dr. Varghese emphasised that this initiative demonstrates MTMH’s commitment to bringing world-class cancer care to Jharkhand and the eastern region of India. “By hosting this event, we are showing that our patients can access the same standard of treatment that is available in leading centres of the country. It is not just about knowledge sharing, but also about building confidence among patients and their families that advanced treatment is within their reach,” he said.

Organisers believe that the conference will be a milestone for Jamshedpur’s medical community. By bringing together oncologists from different parts of India, the event aims to bridge knowledge gaps, encourage innovation, and highlight the importance of personalised medicine in cancer treatment.

As MTMH celebrates 50 years of service, the Golden Jubilee Conference on Precision Oncology stands as a testament to its evolving journey—from a regional cancer hospital to a centre that embraces the future of oncology care.

Medical Superintendent Dr. Abhishek Thakur and Administrator Amitav Chatterjee were also present at the press meet. They highlighted that the event has been meticulously planned by MTMH and Tata Main Hospital’s oncology specialists.