A 2-day, pan-India medical conference – the NKD ONCOTHON – was held for oncologists and Oncology students, as part of the educational activities of the N K Dhabhar Cancer Foundation, on 29^th and 30^th July, 2023, in Mumbai. It focused on the latest advances related to lung, head and neck cancers, led by a prominent faculty from India and overseas, and was attended by over 150 dellegates.

 

The topic on Day 1 was Lung Cancer with lectures and panel discussions on its treatment including the latest chemotherapy, Immunotherapy and targeted therapy. The prominent faculty comprised renowned, expert oncologists including Dr. Boman Dhabhar, Dr. Kumar Prabhash and Dr. Ramakant Deshpande who spoke eloquently on advances in surgical techniques and treatmens for Lung Cancer; as also international speaker Dr. Tim Benepal (Consultant Medical Oncologist & Honorary Sr. Lecturer from St Georges University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK) who spoke on Redefining lung cancer management with the new age Immunotherapy Molecule that has garnerend tremendous interest in the field of oncology.

 

The day concluded with a panel discussion on ‘Evolution of Oncology in India – An Evening with Stalwarts’, moderated by Dr. Boman Dhabhar, comprising the doyens of Oncology  – Dr. Asha Kapadia (Hinduja Hospital), Dr. Sultan Pradhan, Dr. Shripad Banavali, (HOD – Medical Oncology & Director Academic at Tata Memorial Hospital), Dr. Parag Rindani (CEO – Wokhardt Hospital) and Ronnie Screwvala representing the Indian Film Industry. The Star of the evening was singer, composer, songwriter – Shaan, who spoke of his support through music for cancer patients as well as his anti-tobacco advocacy, before belting out a few songs, thoroughy enjoyed by all.

 

Day 2 focused on head and neck cancers and palliative care, with Dr. Mary Ann Mukaden, founder – Palliative care, Tata Memorial Hospital, as the key speaker. A panel discussion brough to light the importance of early Palliative Care in Cancer treatment. Senior Medical Oncologists – Dr. B K Smruti and Dr. Govind Babu talked about important treatment advancements in the field of head and neck cancers – India’s leading cancer ailments caused by tobacco consumption A panel discussion on contentious issues in head and neck cancer was moderated by expert onco surgeon Dr. Anil D’Cruz, while Dr. Sharmila Agarwal discussed the impact of Advanced Radiation Techniques.

 

The N K Dhabhar Cancer Foundtion was established in 2011 by Dr. Pouruchisti Dhabhar with the aim of providing clinical treatments and moral support to cancer patients – whether curable, palliative or terminal. The BND Onco Center, founded by Dr. Boman Dhabhar, provides comprehensive oncology treatments for all Cancer Patients. It has catered to over 50,000 patients, immaterial of their financial background. Its patients are also supported by the N. K. Dhabhar Cancer Foundation.