With close to four decades of experience in surgical oncology, Dr. Chaturvedi returns to Apollo, bringing unparalleled clinical expertise and deep institutional leadership shaped over years of advancing cancer care in India. His return marks a significant step in Apollo’s long-term commitment to building a cancer care system that is not only expansive in reach but consistent in quality, ensuring that patients across India have access to the subspecialised, organ-specific, and technology-driven treatment they deserve. 

Dr. Chaturvedi holds an M.B.B.S., M.S. in General Surgery, and M.Ch. in Surgical Oncology. Over 38 years, he has managed complex cases across head and neck, breast, thoracic, gastrointestinal, gynaecologic, and other malignancies, with specialised expertise in robotic and minimally invasive procedures and radiofrequency ablation. He established one of North India’s leading cancer ecosystems, implementing organ-specific units, multidisciplinary tumour boards, and national research collaborations. As organising secretary of the first Indian Cancer Congress in 2013, he co-created and executed a landmark oncology event that set a benchmark for future platforms. He has also served as the president of leading professional bodies, including the Indian Society of Oncology, the Indian Association of Surgical Oncology, and the Oncology Forum, further strengthening his leadership in the field.

Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd, said: “At Apollo Hospitals, we firmly believe that health is a national priority and a shared responsibility. Further, cancer care in India demands availability, precision, consistency, and institutions that are built to deliver outcomes at scale. Dr. Chaturvedi is one of the finest surgical oncologists, renowned worldwide.  An institution builder, his acumen in assembling the right teams, introducing contemporary processes, and creating a culture of clinical excellence is exactly what the Apollo Oncology Network needs at this stage of its growth. His return to Apollo is a homecoming, and we are confident that under his leadership, we will reach significantly more patients with the quality of care they deserve,  and take us closer to our mission.”

A longstanding advocate for cancer prevention and tobacco control, Dr. Chaturvedi has played an influential role in shaping the policy of oncology and awareness at a national level.

Further, it is a homecoming for Dr Chaturvedi, who previously served as Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals between 2000 and 2004.

Dr. Harit Kumar Chaturvedi, CEO and Clinical Head, Apollo Oncology Network, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, said: “I am deeply honoured to return to an institution that has consistently set the benchmark for cancer care in India. Apollo has built something truly remarkable, a network with the scale, the technology, and the clinical intent to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. My goal is to build on this strong foundation by deepening subspecialisation, expanding robotic and minimally invasive surgical capabilities, and strengthening multidisciplinary care protocols across every facility. I look forward to contributing to Apollo’s vision of making world-class oncology accessible to every Indian who needs it, regardless of where they live.”

He is joined by a team of over 25 highly specialised oncologists, further strengthening Apollo’s capability to deliver comprehensive, multidisciplinary, and efficient cancer care across diverse treatment pathways. Apollo Hospitals remains steadfast in its commitment to transforming cancer care in India through subspecialisation, early detection, and equitable access to treatment. Dr. Chaturvedi will lead the Apollo Oncology Network, which has been breathing hope into lives for over 30 years. With over 400 oncologists to oversee the delivery of high-end precision Oncology Therapy, the Network is spread across India to help people win over cancer.

Today, people from 147 countries come to India for cancer treatment at Apollo Hospitals.  With the first Pencil Beam Proton Therapy Centre in South Asia & the Middle East, Apollo Hospitals has all that is needed to strengthen the fight against cancer. 

The post Apollo Hospitals Enhances Oncology Expertise with Dr. Harit Kumar Chaturvedi and a Team of 25 Specialists appeared first on NRI News.

The facility was inaugurated by the leadership of Ruby Hall Clinic, including Dr. P.K. Grant, Dr. Simon Grant, and Dr. Himesh Gandhi, alongside the Kalyani family, represented by Dr. Baba Kalyani, Mrs. Sunita Kalyani, and Mr. Amit Kalyani of Bharat Forge. They were joined by international experts from Focal One, including Prof. Pascal (University of Toulouse), Dr. Damian, Vice President and CEO, and Mr. Ryan. The initiative has been made possible by the support of the Kalyani family, who have contributed to establishing the Kalyani Institute of Robotic HIFU Therapy at Ruby Hall Clinic, to improve access to advanced cancer care in India.

With over 40,000 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed annually in India, many men traditionally delay treatment due to the risks associated with invasive surgery or radiation – specifically concerns regarding recovery time and long-term functional health.
Robotic HIFU addresses these fears by offering:
• Targeted Precision: Destroys cancerous tissue while sparing surrounding healthy structures.
• Non-Invasive Nature: A completely incision-free and radiation-free procedure.
• Rapid Recovery: Typically performed as a day-case, allowing patients to return to their lives almost immediately.
• Preserved Quality of Life: Significantly reduces the risk of urinary and sexual dysfunction compared to traditional methods.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. P.K. Grant, Chairman and Managing Trustee of Ruby Hall Clinic, said, “The introduction of the Indian subcontinent’s first Robotic HIFU therapy at Ruby Hall Clinic marks an important milestone for cancer care in our region. Our commitment has always been to bring advanced and meaningful medical technology to patients in India rather than wait for it to reach us years later. Establishing this programme reflects that philosophy and ensures that our patients have access to treatment options that prioritise both outcomes and quality of life.”

Dr Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director Bharat Forge, whose family’s philanthropic support made the institute possible, emphasised the importance of local access: “I have always believed that advances in technology should be used for the good of society. This programme is a clear example of how digital and AI-enabled innovation can make a real difference to patients by offering precise, minimally invasive treatment. Under the leadership of Dr Himesh Gandhi, the Robotic HIFU system has already begun delivering encouraging results for patients. I would like to congratulate Dr Purvez Grant and his team for making it possible for us to bring this technology to society.”

Dr Simon Grant, Physician and Trustee, Ruby Hall Clinic, noted, “FOCAL ONE offers a level of precision that allows us to treat only the areas affected by cancer with the intention of maintaining functional outcomes. We assess that cancer control can be achieved while preserving day-to-day quality of life for patients.”

Ms. Natalie Grant Nanda Ruby Hall Clinic, SPL, “Bringing the Indian subcontinent’s first Robotic HIFU therapy to Pune continues that legacy while setting the foundation for the next generation of cancer care. We are honoured to have the support of the Kalyani family in making this possible.”

From a clinical perspective Dr Himesh Gandhi, Consultant Uro-oncologist and Director of Robotic Surgery at Ruby Hall Clinic, said, “For many men, the fear of the treatment is as great as the fear of the cancer itself. Robotic HIFU removes that barrier, offering a non-invasive pathway that prioritises the patient’s functional independence and quick return to daily life.”

With the establishment of the Kalyani Institute of Robotic HIFU Therapy, Ruby Hall Clinic strengthens its position as a leader in advanced oncological care with an emphasis on accessibility, clinical excellence, and improved patient experience.

The post Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune Launches Groundbreaking Robotic HIFU Therapy for Enhanced Patient Care appeared first on NRI News.

LONDON, UK: The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, a world-leading specialist cancer center, has today announced a pioneering partnership with NTT DATA, a global leader in digital business and technology services, and CARPL.ai, a leading enterprise imaging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning operations (MLOps) platform. Together, they have designed and built an advanced AI-powered radiology analysis service for the development and evaluation of AI in medical imaging, designed to transform cancer research and, ultimately, improve patient outcomes.

AI’s potential to enhance the speed and accuracy of identifying imaging biomarkers has long been recognized. Funded by a three-year grant from the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the service will be used for research at The Royal Marsden and the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), including projects in collaboration with other research teams. This research initiative will focus on developing and evaluating AI algorithms to improve the accuracy of cancer evaluation, including sarcoma, lung, breast, brain, and prostate cancers. This will lead to faster response times, more accurate diagnoses, and better-targeted treatments.

The service runs on an MLOps clinical imaging platform, built and operated by NTT DATA. To enable this, NTT DATA developed a bespoke AI computing solution leveraging high-performance Dell servers and utilizing the latest GPU processing capacity orchestrated by the CARPL.ai platform, which helps test and manage AI algorithms and includes a large collection of radiology AI models.

NTT DATA is also providing specialist imaging AI consulting services, helping researchers at The Royal Marsden test and evaluate emerging AI tools in real clinical settings, while extracting maximum insight and value from both in-house and commercial algorithms.

“AI has immense potential to support clinicians in diagnosing and treating cancer earlier and more precisely,” said Professor Dow-Mu Koh, Professor in Functional Cancer Imaging and Consultant Radiologist in Functional Imaging at The Royal Marsden. “By working with NTT DATA and CARPL.ai, we’ve created a scalable research environment that allows us to explore the full potential of AI safely and in a way that could one day transform cancer diagnosis and treatment across the NHS.”

Minister of State for Health, Karin Smyth, said: “Our 10-Year Health Plan will modernize the NHS, replacing outdated systems with cutting-edge digital solutions. While this trial is in its early stages, it represents exactly the kind of collaboration between the NHS, industry, and academia that will help build a health service fit for the future. Early detection saves lives, and innovations like AI will transform how cancer is diagnosed and treated – helping patients receive faster and more effective care.”

Professor Mike Lewis, NIHR Scientific Director for Innovation, said: “Cancer is one of the biggest killers in the UK. That must change. This three-year grant will help researchers push the boundaries of AI-driven technology for cancer detection and diagnosis.

This AI-powered service represents the cutting edge of cancer research, and it is going to transform treatment, better support NHS staff, and ultimately change patients’ lives. It is another great example of how NIHR-funded and supported research will ensure the best care is there when patients need it.”

Tom Winstanley, Chief Technology Officer at NTT DATA UK & Ireland, commented: “This service is a great example of responsible innovation in practice, showing the ethical, secure use of AI in healthcare. We are very proud to support The Royal Marsden in pushing the boundaries of cancer research.”

Once the service is live, research teams at The Royal Marsden will be able to evaluate a range of AI models across several cancer types. These studies will generate critical insights into how AI can support clinical decision-making and shape future approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Through CARPL.ai’s centralized interface and built-in monitoring tools, the research teams will also be able to track model performance over time, enabling faster feedback loops between development and deployment – a crucial step towards clinical translation. NTT DATA will continue to work closely with The Royal Marsden to support this next phase of research, which will ultimately improve cancer care and patient outcomes.

The post The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust Collaborates with NTT DATA and CARPL.ai appeared first on NRI News.

NEW DELHI: Vedanta’s BALCO Medical Centre (BMC), an emerging leader in India’s oncology space, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian co-researcher in a team to receive the prestigious Cancer Grand Challenges Award. This recognition, with a substantial $25 million grant for cancer research, underscores BMC’s position as a pioneering institution in India’s oncology landscape. The recipient team PROSPECT, comprising clinicians, advocates, and scientists from BALCO Medical Centre and other esteemed institutions around the world, will be addressing the critical issue of early-onset cancer challenge.

Jyoti Agarwal, Chairperson, of Vedanta Medical Research Foundation, expressed her gratitude, stating, “We are honored to have been chosen for this prestigious award, which significantly advances the battle against cancer. Over the past six years, at BMC, our leaders, employees, and stakeholders have worked tirelessly to ensure that we have access to the best technologies and that our patients and communities feel safe and confident. With this support from Cancer Grand Challenges, our efforts are not only continued but also strengthened. With collaborative efforts, I am confident that we can positively contribute to the overall healthcare landscape.”

Team PROSPECT is one of five global teams being funded this year by Cancer Grand Challenges, which was founded in 2020 by Cancer Research UK and the National Cancer Institute US, to invite diverse world-class research teams to come together, think differently, and take on some of cancer’s toughest challenges. The teams will be funded by Cancer Research UK, the National Cancer Institute, the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK, and the Institute of National Du Cancer through Cancer Grand Challenges with a total investment of $125m to tackle some of the toughest challenges in cancer research.

“Together with our network of visionary partners and research leaders, Cancer Grand Challenges unites the world’s brightest minds across boundaries and disciplines and aims to overcome cancer’s toughest problems,” said Dr. David Scott, Director of Cancer Grand Challenges. “With this investment, our largest to date, we continue to grow our global research community, and fund new teams that have the potential to surface discoveries that could positively impact cancer outcomes.”

Vedanta’s BALCO Medical Centre, a state-of-the-art tertiary care Oncology facility in Central India, has been at the forefront of cancer care, providing multidisciplinary treatment and support. The institution is recognized as a referral center for advanced radiation therapy, brachytherapy, nuclear medicine, surgeries, chemotherapy, and many more. Since its inception in March 2018, BMC has treated more than 37,000 patients. Additionally,

the institution has received many certifications and accreditations including LEED certification, NABH, FSSAI, NABL, Nursing Excellence, and CAHO certifications. This significant grant underscores BMC’s commitment to pioneering research and delivering innovative solutions to address critical healthcare challenges in India.

Dr. Bhawna Sirohi, Medical Director at Vedanta Medical Research Foundation (BALCO Medical Centre) and the lead principal investigator for the PROSPECT-India study, says “The worrisome increase in colorectal cancers stresses the importance of early detection and lifestyle choices for prevention. There’s a dire need for cancer screening in high-risk areas to facilitate early diagnosis and prompt treatment, especially with the shifting demographics toward a younger population. This grant will speed up global cancer research, focusing on understanding the reasons behind the rise in early-onset colorectal cancer and strategies for prevention”.

Early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) is an important emerging global problem among individuals younger than 50 years. Team PROSPECT aims to address this by understanding the pathways, risk factors, and molecules involved in its development. The team’s vision is to understand and ultimately try to reverse the network of causal factors throughout the life course that disrupt normal biological processes to promote EOCRC. The team will employ a disruptive, transdisciplinary approach spanning cells, individuals, and populations to uncover the mechanisms linking lifetime exposures to early-onset colorectal cancer and test new strategies to combat this cancer type.

Currently, Cancer Grand Challenges brings together 1,200 researchers and 16 teams from across the world to take on 13 challenges. The spirit of giving back is part of the Vedanta’s core values. This achievement brings the company closer to fulfilling the vision of contributing to the community and making a lasting impact on society.

The post Vedanta’s BALCO Medical Centre Bags Prestigious Cancer Grand Challenges Award appeared first on NRI News.

BENGALURU: The incidence of child cancer in India is approximately 38-124 per million children with over 50,000 children being diagnosed with the dreaded disease each year.  This incidence has been increasing over the last two to three decades. This was said by cancer experts of Sammprada Hospital, a leading cancer hospital in Bengaluru.

 Said Dr.Intezar Mehdi, Consultant Paediatrics Oncology and Hematology, Sammprada Hospital, Bengaluru: “In the majority of cancer cases in children, the exact cause is not known. In a few cases, genetic, environmental, and infections may play a role. The good news is that pediatric cancer cure rates are much better than cancer in adults as the disease biology is different. In the West, 80-85% of child patients with cancer are fully cured. In India, cure rates have been improving in the last couple of decades. To increase outcomes, it is important that symptoms are recognized early, and treatment begins the earlier possible.”

Talking about the serious signs and symptoms of cancer in children that parents should not ignore, he said: “Generally signs and symptoms of childhood cancer are non-specific and subtle. A high index of suspicion is the key to early diagnosis. Parents should watch out for unexplained fever, weight loss, night sweats, glands in the neck, armpit, or groin, headaches, vomiting, seizures or neurological problems, swelling in the abdomen or chest, bone pains and swelling, and bleeding or pallor. These symptoms may be early warning signs of cancer in children.”

Leukemia, lymphomas, and brain tumors are the most common cancers in children. Wilms tumor, neuroblastoma, bone tumors, soft tissue tumors, and liver and eye tumors are other common ones.

Dr.Suma, Consultant of Paediatrics Oncology, at Sammprada Hospital, Bengaluru, said “There is a wide care gap between the availability of services in rural areas compared to urban areas. This gap needs to be bridged. Government schemes for the treatment of child cancer are essential. Better collaboration between government and the private sector, as well as between state, national, and international agencies would go a long way in improving the situation for children with cancer in the country. Philanthropic NGOs can play a big role in ensuring treatment for thousands of child patients each year.”

The post Child Cancer Experts Stress On Early Identification of Symptoms For Better Outcomes appeared first on NRI News.

MUMBAI: Building on its international presence in the oncology space, Venus Remedies, a global leader in pharmaceutical innovation, has secured marketing authorization for docetaxel from Israel and cytarabine from Colombia.

While docetaxel, an antineoplastic agent, is beneficial in the treatment of breast, prostate, head, neck, and non-small cell lung cancer, cytarabine is useful in acute non-lymphocytic leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, and chronic myelocytic leukemia.

Israel’s pharmaceutical market, valued at about $5 billion, is projected to grow at a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% up to 2026. Israel has a dynamic pharmaceutical expanse known for its innovation and commitment to healthcare excellence. The marketing
authorization for cytarabine from Colombia, on the other hand, marks a significant expansion of Venus Remedies in the Latin American market. Colombia, the third-largest pharmaceutical market in South America projected to grow at a five-year CAGR of 3.1% up to 2026, has emerged as a vital player in the pharmaceutical industry, exhibiting robust growth and fostering innovation. The Colombian market dominated by oncology drugs has witnessed steady expansion.

Saransh Chaudhary, CEO, of Venus Medicine Research Centre (VMRC), said “These dual milestones reflect VMRC’s unwavering dedication to research and development. “Our team’s relentless pursuit of excellence in pharmaceutical innovation is evident in the approvals for docetaxel and cytarabine. We are excited about the prospect of bringing these advanced therapies to patients in Israel and Colombia, and we remain committed to exploring new frontiers in healthcare that align with our vision of a healthier world”.

Hailing the achievement, Aditi K. Chaudhary, President, International Business, Venus Remedies, said, “These marketing approvals mark a significant stride in our global mission to enhance healthcare accessibility. One of the largest exporters of docetaxel, Venus Remedies is proud to include Israel in the list of countries it supplies docetaxel to, including Malaysia, Namibia, Myanmar, Panama, Indonesia, Iraq, Tanzania, Germany, and Zimbabwe. Likewise, the market reach of Venus Remedies for cytarabine extends to Guinea-Bissau, Jordan, Namibia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Venezuela, besides Colombia.“

Panchkula-based Venus Remedies Ltd (NSE: VENUSREM, BSE: 526953) is among the 10 leading fixed-dosage injectable manufacturers in the world. Having a commercial presence in 70+ countries with a portfolio of 75 products spread over Europe, Australia, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Commonwealth States, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean region, the company has nine globally benchmarked facilities in Panchkula, Baddi, and Werne (Germany), apart from 11 overseas marketing offices. Its manufacturing units are certified for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 18001, and OHSAS. The company has also been approved by European-GMP, WHO-GMP, and Latin American GMP (INVIMA), among others. Ranked 107th in Asia and among the world’s 500 largest pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, Venus Remedies has been granted more than 130 patents worldwide and has more than 125 registered trademarks and 25 copyrights for its innovative research products.

The post Venus Remedies Secures Marketing Approval from Israel and Colombia for Two Oncology Drugs appeared first on NRI News.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer among Indians, and at Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, one out of three patients we meet at cancer OPD has breast cancer, with the most common age group being 50-60. The aim of this rally was to increase public awareness about cancer and its impact on the community, emphasizing the importance of community screening programs, preventive measures, early detection, and advances in technology that have improved breast cancer patients’ survival results.

Dr. Durgatosh Pandey, Head of Oncology Sciences & Consultant -Surgical Oncology, Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, flagged off the bike rally and said, “Breast cancer has become the most common health condition among women in India. Stress, unhealthy eating habits, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and air and water pollution have all been linked to the rise in cases among young Indian women. It is important that we take this condition seriously and understand the importance of early detection and timely treatment. With this bike rally, we aim to equip women with knowledge about self-screening methods and preventive measures for breast cancer. This can help in improving the quality of life.“

Ms. Viji Varghese, Hospital Director, Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, said, “At Manipal Hospitals, we’re committed to raising awareness and encouraging timely checkups for breast cancer. We celebrate World Breast Cancer Awareness Month every October to highlight the importance of caring for ourselves and our loved ones. Our comprehensive cancer treatment center and oncology department, equipped with advanced technologies, enable us to treat critical cancer conditions. This rally showcases our commitment to inspiring people to prioritize their health, participate in regular screenings, and join the fight against breast cancer. We focus on personalized cancer care plans for each of our patients.“

Manipal Hospitals is among the top healthcare providers in India, serving over 5 million patients annually. Its focus is to develop an affordable, high-quality healthcare framework through its multispecialty and tertiary care delivery spectrum and further extend it to out-of-hospital care. With the completion of the acquisition of AMRI Hospitals, the integrated network will have a pan-India footprint of 33 hospitals across 17 cities with 9,500 beds a talented pool of over 5,000 doctors, and an employee strength of over 20,000. Manipal Hospitals provides comprehensive curative and preventive care for a multitude of patients from around the globe. Manipal Hospitals is NABH, and AAHRPP accredited, and most of the hospitals in its network are NABL, ER, and Blood Bank accredited and recognized for Nursing Excellence. Manipal Hospitals have also been recognized as the most respected and patient-recommended hospital in India through various consumer surveys.

The post Women Bikers and Doctors from Manipal Hospital Delhi Organize Bike Rally to Raise Breast Cancer Awareness appeared first on NRI News.