Nanavati Max Hosts 8th Max Cancer Congress

Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital hosted the 8th edition of the Max Cancer Congress, marking its first appearance in Mumbai. One of India’s largest oncology conferences, the three-day event drew over 1,400 oncologists and 50 international experts. The congress facilitated discussions on cutting-edge advancements in cancer care, providing a platform for clinical knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation.

The event also introduced the Max Healthcare Award for Excellence in Oncology Research, an initiative by the Max Healthcare Foundation to encourage pioneering research in the field. This year, the award was conferred on Dr. Kumar Prabhash, Professor and Head of Medical Oncology at Tata Memorial Centre, for his groundbreaking research on low-dose immunotherapy for head and neck cancers. His work has revolutionised the cost structure of immunotherapy protocols, making treatments more accessible, especially in developing countries.

Dr. Harit Chaturvedi, Chairperson of Max Institute of Cancer Care, highlighted the unique challenges cancer poses in India, emphasising the growing need for accessible, advanced treatments. “This conference serves as a platform to address these issues through technical discussions and knowledge sharing. The insights gained will be instrumental in shaping the future of cancer care in India,” said Dr. Chaturvedi.

The congress featured lectures and interactive sessions on the latest breakthroughs in oncology, with national and international faculty sharing best clinical practices. Abhay Soi, Chairman and Managing Director of Max Healthcare, who presided over the event, praised the collaboration of brilliant minds determined to tackle cancer. “This knowledge exchange often leads to scientific advancements, greatly benefiting individuals battling this disease. We are hopeful that the Max Healthcare Award will further inspire original research and raise India’s profile on international healthcare platforms,” said Soi.

The event also featured Nidarr Hamesha, a celebration of the resilience and determination of cancer patients and their families.

The organising committee, led by Dr. Hemant B. Tongaonkar, Organising Chairperson and Senior Director of Urologic and Gynecologic Oncology, emphasised the congress’s focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of future cancer treatments. Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan, Organising Secretary and Director of Gastroenterology & Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, highlighted advancements in robotic and laparoscopic surgeries, along with precision oncology workshops that integrated molecular information into clinical practice. Additionally, Dr. Muzammil Shaikh, Organising Secretary and Director of Medical Oncology, underscored the significance of the Innovator Workshop, which explored the intersection of medicine and technology, demonstrating innovation's transformative role in modern cancer care.

The congress also hosted sessions on palliative care, oncology nursing, nutrition, genetics, and critical care, offering a holistic approach to cancer treatment.