Apollo Cancer Conclave 2024: Setting New Benchmarks In Cancer Care Innovation

The 7th Apollo Cancer Conclave, held in Mumbai, convened over 2,000 oncologists and more than 400 experts from prestigious institutions worldwide. Organised by Apollo Cancer Centers, this three-day event aimed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange in cancer care, featuring sessions that highlighted both cutting-edge innovations and established treatment practices. Held from November 8 to 10, the conclave had emerged as a key event in the global oncology community, dedicated to advancing cancer care through research, dialogue, and shared expertise.

Dr. Elisabete Weiderpass, Director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) at the World Health Organisation, addressed the gathering, emphasising the urgency of preventive strategies in response to an anticipated rise in global cancer cases. She noted that IARC's estimates indicated the global cancer burden could increase from 20 million new cases in 2022 to 35 million by 2050, with a disproportionate impact on low- and middle-income countries. Dr. Weiderpass also highlighted the potential growth of India’s cancer burden, projecting an increase from 1.41 million cases in 2022 to an estimated 2.69 million by 2050. She praised the Apollo Cancer Conclave as an invaluable platform for sharing evidence-based approaches and spreading awareness on cancer prevention, underscoring IARC’s mission to reduce the global cancer burden.

Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise,  reinforced the Apollo Group’s commitment to high standards in healthcare, especially in cancer treatment. "Apollo Hospitals is founded to deliver healthcare of global quality. We have continued to build on that vision by setting new standards in cancer care through advanced technologies, innovative treatments, and patient-centric approaches. With over 390 oncologists across 22 Apollo Cancer Centers, we have remained dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality care,” she stated. Reddy emphasised that the conclave’s focus aligned with Apollo’s mission of bringing world-class healthcare to the people of India and beyond.

The event featured over 100 sessions across seven organ-specific tracks, covering areas such as breast, gynecology, gastrointestinal, head and neck, uro-oncology, and hematolymphoid cancers. In addition to keynote addresses and workshops, the conclave  included interactive case discussions and panels on precision medicine, robotics, and AI in oncology. This comprehensive agenda aimed to support professionals across the oncology field in implementing tailored, patient-focused treatments.

On the opening day, Apollo Cancer Centers announced the release of their new Breast Cancer Care guidelines, which were expected to redefine breast cancer management standards across India with a focus on early detection, treatment standardisation, and improved patient outcomes.

Dinesh Madhavan, President of Group Oncology & International at Apollo Hospitals,  spoke about the impact of technology and innovation in oncology, highlighting Apollo’s dedication to reshaping cancer care. “With cutting-edge technologies and a team of highly trained clinicians, we have remained committed to advancing cancer care through early detection and comprehensive, 360-degree patient support. Apollo Cancer Centers have served 3.5 billion people across 147 countries, helping lead the transformation of cancer treatment worldwide,” he remarked.

Dr. Anil D’Cruz, Director of Oncology Services at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, described the conclave as an opportunity for global oncology leaders to unite, discuss advancements, and drive progress in cancer care. “The Apollo Cancer Conclave has been an essential gathering for those dedicated to advancing cancer treatment. This year’s focus on precision oncology marked a shift toward more personalised, patient-centric approaches, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for patients battling cancer,” he observed.

As one of the most anticipated events on the oncology calendar, the Apollo Cancer Conclave 2024 underscored Apollo’s continued leadership in cancer treatment. With a firm focus on precision oncology, robotics, AI-driven patient care, and clinical collaboration, the conclave is expected to catalyse advancements in cancer treatment and reaffirm Apollo’s commitment to improving cancer outcomes globally.