Top 5 Cancer Breakthroughs of 2024 at STAR Cancer Centre, Hyderabad

Cancer care is evolving rapidly, with new treatments and innovative approaches offering hope to countless patients. STAR Cancer Centre at Star Hospital, the best multispeciality hospital in Hyderabad, is leading the way by introducing cutting-edge advancements that are transforming cancer treatment and patient outcomes. From revolutionary CAR-T Cell Therapy to comprehensive Tumour Board reviews, these breakthroughs are paving the way for a brighter future in oncology.

Dr Sainath Bhethanabhotla, Senior Consultant & Head of Medical Oncology at Star Hospital, shares valuable insights into these transformative developments, which have already made a significant impact on the lives of patients. Here's a look at the top five cancer breakthroughs at STAR Cancer Centre in 2024:

1. CAR-T Cell Therapy:

CAR-T Cell Therapy is a new and advanced treatment for cancer that uses the body’s immune system to fight the disease. In this therapy, T cells, a type of immune cell, are taken from a patient’s blood and specially modified in a lab to recognize and attack cancer cells. Once these cells are ready, they are put back into the patient’s body to act like a personal army against cancer. This treatment is particularly helpful for patients with certain types of blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma, especially when other treatments haven't worked. While there can be side effects like fever and neurological issues, doctors are finding ways to manage them. At Star Hospital, experts offer CAR-T Cell Therapy using advanced technology and compassionate care, bringing new hope to patients facing challenging cancer battles.

2. Total Body Irradiation (TBI) Therapy:

Total Body Irradiation (TBI) is an essential step before a bone marrow transplant, helping prepare the body by working alongside chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells throughout the body, including those hidden in the bone marrow. This combined approach improves the chances of a successful transplant by clearing the bone marrow and creating space for healthy transplanted cells, a process known as myeloablative therapy. TBI is particularly effective in treating blood cancers like leukemia (acute lymphoid and acute myeloid), and lymphoma (Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s). Interestingly, it is also used for non-cancerous conditions such as aplastic anemia, myeloproliferative disorders, and sickle cell anemia. By effectively clearing the defective cells and enabling new cell growth, TBI plays a critical role in making bone marrow transplants successful. At Star Hospital, Hyderabad, our expertise in advanced TBI therapies ensures optimal outcomes for patients undergoing bone marrow transplants, enhancing their chances of recovery and long-term health.

3. Liver Transplant for Complex Liver Cancer Cases:

Star Hospitals in Hyderabad, India, offer liver transplants for patients with complex liver cancer cases. The hospital's expert liver transplant specialists in Hyderabad use advanced medical techniques and state-of-the-art facilities to perform these life-saving procedures. Star Hospitals provides comprehensive care, including liver transplantation for patients with severe liver conditions, including complex hepatobiliary cases. The hospital’s team of skilled hepatologists specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing liver diseases. For liver transplant cases, a multidisciplinary team works together, including surgical experts, intensive care professionals, transplant coordinators, and dietitians, to ensure the best outcomes for patients. A liver transplant involves replacing a damaged liver with a healthy liver from a donor, typically offered to patients facing severe complications from chronic liver disease. The success and survival rate of a liver transplant depends on factors like the patient's age, overall health, and how well the body accepts the new liver. We have pushed the envelope in using immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma to make patients who were not eligible to transplant to transplant eligible.

4. Genetic Screening for Families with MEN2 Syndrome:

Genetic screening for families with MEN2 syndrome involves a simple blood test to check for mutations in the RET gene, which plays a key role in the development of tumors linked to MEN2, such as medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), pheochromocytoma, and parathyroid gland tumors. At Star Hospital, Hyderabad, we have a dedicated Genetic Cancer Clinic through which we were able to successfully manage certain Hereditary Cancer Syndromes like MEN2. Genetic testing is recommended for close relatives of anyone diagnosed with MEN2, including siblings and children, to assess their risk of inheriting the mutation. Early detection through this screening allows for proactive monitoring and interventions, such as regular blood tests to detect early signs of MTC and other related conditions. Before undergoing testing, individuals are encouraged to consult with a genetic counselor to understand the potential impacts of the results and to create a personalized care plan based on the specific genetic mutation identified.

5. Tumor Board:

In the past year, the STAR Tumor Board at Star Hospital has successfully changed the management of 180 cancer cases through a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach. The Tumor Board consists of an 11-member team, including specialists from oncology, radiology, pathology, and nuclear medicine. Depending on the type of tumor, specialists from other fields such as gastroenterology (for liver cancer), neurology (for brain tumors), and pulmonology (for lung cancer) are also invited to participate. Together, the team discusses each case in detail and suggests the best treatment plan, which could involve radiation, medication, or surgery, ensuring that every patient receives the most effective care tailored to their condition.

STAR Cancer Centre in Hyderabad is leading the way with groundbreaking advancements like CAR-T Cell Therapy, Total Body Irradiation (TBI), liver transplants for complex cancers, genetic screening for Familial Cancer Syndromes, and a collaborative Tumor Board. These innovations are transforming cancer care and improving patient outcomes. For more details or treatment options, contact STAR Cancer Centre at Star Hospital today.