The two-day 23rd annual conference of the Association of Gynaecologists and Oncologists of India in Hyderabad discussed on various new techniques such as use of dyes and molecular markers to identify cancerous cells and advocated development of targeted treatment procedures without any side effects to the patients.

As part of the deliberations of the conference, the scientists, gynaecologist and oncology experts presented that cancer cells can be highlighted by inserting a dye into the body of the patient, which makes it easy for surgeons to remove them via laparoscopy or robotic treatment. Further to this, the leading oncology experts also discussed on molecular markers to identify the cancerous cells, by using these methods, the experts emphasised that doctors can treat the patients in a careful manner and can avoid damaging the normal cells associated nearby the effected cells.

“Particularly the female population in the country is more prone to cervical cancer. Though various methods have been used to cure them, it is becoming tougher to avoid side effects as the existing methods are also damaging the normal cells. So by using the advanced techniques like dye identifier and molecular markers the damage to the other organs of the body can be limited or completely avoided. By using these advanced treatment techniques it allows us to attack only the cancerous lymph nodes and not damage the healthy cells or organs,” says Dr T Subramanyeshwar Rao, organising chairperson of the 23rd annual conference.

As women are more prone to cervical cancer, the uterus and urinary bladder have common nerves, if during common treatment of cancer, if any normal cell or healthy cell of uterus is damaged it also impacts on the urinary bladder and causes urinary problems in women. Having learned about all these issues the scientists have advocated adoption of new treatment techniques and protect healthy nerves while treating the affected cells.

Cancer treatment is really a complex issue. Particularly in women, if no proper care is take to protect the healthy organs it definitely impacts on their quality of life even if they are completed cured of cancer, because of damage to the other normal organs, opined Dr Neerja Bhatla, president of Association of Gynaecologists and Oncologists of India.

In fact the cancerous cells are classified on the basis of stages but doctors are now looking at adopting new techniques of molecular markers which will identify the cancerous tumours and can help treat in a targeted manner. Accordingly, the scientist are also thinking on modifying the medicines and customise drugs to treat patients on a case to case basis.