Over two lakh cases of head and neck cancers are detected every year in India

We are excited to share that 'HCG Cancer Hospital Bengaluru Has Achieved Remarkable Milestone in Head and Neck Cancer Treatment with Low Dose Immunotherapy'. A press conference was held to announce this groundbreaking pilot study transforming the treatment landscape for head and neck cancer patients with Low Dose Immunotherapy. Our Executive Chairman, Dr. B S Ajaikumar and Dr. Satheesh C T, Consultant - Medical and Hemato Oncology, Director of Clinical Trials HCG Cancer Hospital Bangalore addressed the media explaining about the successful pilot study on Low Dose Immunotherapy Nivolumab with NACT has demonstrated remarkable efficacy and is highly cost-effective, providing an economical therapy option without additional side effects.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr. B S Ajaikumar, Executive Chairman of Healthcare Global Enterprises Limited, said, ?HCG has been tirelessly striving to serve the larger cause of cancer care through breakthrough innovation and value-based care. Cancer is fast becoming a chronic disease, and a sea change has occurred in how we stage cancer as we adopt a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment. At HCG, head and neck cancer cases represent a significant portion of the caseload. Despite the comprehensive approach, preventing the recurrence and spread of these cancers remains a significant challenge. Today, with this announcement, we embark on a journey to revolutionize head and neck cancer treatment. This study has the potential to be a game-changer in the sphere of head and neck cancer treatment. The initiative reflects HCG's commitment to advancing research and academia in India, positioning the organization as a leader in this vital healthcare domain.?

The press conference garnered a total of 75 plus coverages in publications like The Hindu, Deccan Herald, The New Indian Express, Deccan Chronicle, CNN News 18, South First, Prajavani, Vijayavani, Express Healthcare, Biospectrum etc.

A multicentric randomised pilot study on ?low dose immunotherapy? taken up by doctors at a private cancer hospital in Bengaluru has claimed effective results on head and neck cancer patients.

?This open-labelled prospective study provides an affordable cancer treatment option in the management of head and neck cancers,? claimed doctors at the HCG Cancer hospital where the study was done.

Addressing presspersons here on Wednesday, Satheesh C.T., Consultant - Medical and Hemato Oncology - and director of Clinical Trials at the hospital said the multicentric study assesses the effectiveness of neoadjuvant therapy combining low-dose immunotherapy Nivolumab and the TPF regimen (docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil) compared to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) with the TPF regimen alone.

?It has a potential role in improving the quality of life and longevity of patients with locally advanced carcinoma of the buccal mucosa,? the doctor said.

As part of the pilot study, 12 cases were studied in the 54 - 76 age group. ?In the pilot study, standard NACT is combined with low-dose Nivolumab immunotherapy, administering 40 mg every two weeks, as opposed to the full dose of 3 mg per kg of body weight,? Dr. Satheesh explained.

Cancer burden

Head and neck cancers pose a substantial global health issue, comprising 4.5% of total worldwide cancer cases with a mortality rate of 4.6%. The burden is exceptionally high in Asia, notably in India, where they make up nearly 35% of all cancer cases among individuals aged 40-60 years. Over two lakh cases of head and neck cancers are detected every year in India.