Technology and Cancer Care: Still a Dark Genome

Are we treating cancer better because we can diagnose it faster? Would the base pairing between AI and cancer care get stronger ahead? Would more technology hamper affordability and repeat the classical paradox? In this deep scan of some interstitial tissues of technology and oncology, Dr. Kinjal Jani, Director & Head- Radiation Oncology, HCG Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad explains why technology is helping immensely on personalization and speed; and why some stubborn tumors like affordability, social stigma and human factors continue to envelope cancer-care.

- Pratima H

DR. KINJAL JANI
"Director & Head- Radiation Oncology, HCG Cancer Centre

From CRISPR to various gene-sequencing and editing advancements, technology seems to have a bigger role in the area of cancer research and treatment. Does that help in what you do?

There are three types of oncologists - surgical, radiology and medical. There has been a lot of progress in all areas. Especially in understanding specific mutations and a particular genome. Earlier, treatment was given as per broad parameters and stages. Now treatment is getting extremely targeted due to a better understanding of details. With precision, the chances of cure also increase manifold.

AI CAN DO SO MANY THINGS IN 5 MINUTES WHICH, OTHERWISE, WOULD TAKE HALF AN HOUR. IT CAN BE SO USEFUL IN DIAGNOSIS, PLANNING, DOSAGE DECISIONS, AND CANCER TARGETING.

Is this personalization scalable?

Yes, it is advancing in a big way. In the next ten years, every patient will get a different pill - that would not be a thing of wonder. The side effects go down considerably when the focus is sharpened with personalization.

HCG has various tech tools and platforms like Vital Beam, Versa HD, Elekta Harmony Pro and CyberKnife. Are you also aiming to tap personalization in a bigger way?