29th AMPI-Con 2024: Physicists Illuminate Path to Enhanced Cancer Care in India

The 29th Annual Conference of the Association of Medical Physicists of India (Northern Region), hosted by the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Center (RGCIRC), concluded successfully, spotlighting the pivotal role of physicists in revolutionizing cancer diagnosis and treatment. The conference, themed "Technological Advances: Connecting Roots to Future in Cancer Care," brought together over 200 oncology experts to address the burgeoning cancer crisis in India.

Distinguished speakers from prestigious institutions worldwide, including AIIMS and IIT Delhi, shared ground-breaking insights into cutting-edge technologies and innovative research aimed at combating cancer. Dr. D S Mehta, a Professor at IIT Delhi, shed light on joint research endeavours harnessing optical imaging and artificial intelligence for early cancer detection.

Dr. Anil Aggarwal, the Chief Guest and Medical Director of GB Pant Hospital, emphasized the indispensable contribution of physicists in enhancing outcomes for cancer patients, particularly amidst the escalating cancer incidence in India. He remarked, "The role of physicists is vital in our fight against cancer, especially as we see an influx of this disease in India."

Expressing satisfaction over the conference's success, Dr. Munish Gairola, Chairman of the Organizing Committee and Director of Radiation Oncology at RGCIRC, underscored its role in setting new benchmarks and outlining actionable strategies to tackle the rising cancer burden in India through technological innovation.

The conference encompassed discussions on a myriad of topics over its two-day duration, ranging from the integration of AI in diagnostic processes to advancements in proton therapy and high-precision radiotherapy technologies. These deliberations underscored the importance of a comprehensive approach to cancer treatment, blending futuristic technologies with traditional medical practices to optimize patient outcomes nationwide.

Dr. Ajay Srivastava, Chairman of AMPI-NC and Professor of Medical Physics at LLRM Meerut, reiterated the crucial role of Medical Physics as the vanguard in cancer treatment. He emphasized how the conference facilitated transcending traditional boundaries by merging cutting-edge technology with clinical precision to pave new avenues in cancer care.

Dr. MK Semwal, President of AMPI-NC, commended the indispensable role of medical physicists in ensuring the safe and accurate utilization of ionizing radiation in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Center, renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and specialized cancer care, stands as a beacon of hope for cancer patients in Asia. With a legacy of over three and a half lakh successful treatments, RGCIRC continues to pioneer advancements in cancer care, offering a comprehensive range of cutting-edge technologies.

The 29th AMPI-Con serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts of physicists, clinicians, and researchers in advancing the frontier of cancer care, reaffirming the commitment to innovation and excellence in combating cancer in India and beyond.