Global Experts Gathered for Multidisciplinary Cancer Care Townhall "Illuminate" Hosted by Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai
On the occasion of World Cancer Day, the Illuminate Oncology Townhall 2.0, hosted at Jio World Convention Centre, organised by Dr Sewanti Limaye (Convener) from Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital ( HN RFH), brought together leading global and Indian experts to explore new advancements in cancer treatments, cutting-edge diagnostic tests, and breakthroughs in immunotherapy and cancer vaccination. With discussions centered on CAR-T cell therapy, novel advanced immunotherapeutics, and emerging cancer vaccines. “Illuminate” symbolized the mission to “enlighten” the oncology community and people on groundbreaking conversations in oncology, mission to elevate the cause of multi-disciplinary cancer care and celebrate the power of patient advocacy and patient voice.
Illuminate Oncology Townhall 2.0 brought together pioneering minds from across the globe to discuss advancements in multidisciplinary treatments, precision medicine, and patient-centered cancer care, pioneering efforts in cancer prevention and screening, diagnosis, and treatment through global collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Dr. Tarang Gianchandani, Group CEO, Reliance Healthcare Services and CEO, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, said, “Further to the WHO theme of ‘United by Unique,’ we hosted Illuminate to bring the unique expertise and knowledge of top oncology experts from across the globe to India. The discussions led to a very productive exchange of ideas with experts sharing enlightening insights on multidisciplinary treatments and precision oncology. This is another stride in the hospital’s commitment to provide comprehensive and cutting-edge cancer care. The celebrated experts of our oncology department and top-tier healthcare infrastructure enable best care for patients. ”
Dr. Vijay V. Haribhakti, Chair of Oncosciences, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, added, "With cancer cases projected to rise significantly, it is imperative to strengthen our approach through knowledge exchange and collaboration. Illuminate 2.0 provided a space where leading experts could discuss breakthroughs in cancer treatment, such as strategic preventative approaches like tobacco avoidance, screening, and surgical innovations. These conversations will play a key role in shaping the future of oncology care in India and beyond.”
Dr. Sewanti, Director of Medical and Precision Oncology, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, and the Convener of Illuminate Oncology Townhall 2.0, a unique and remarkable oncology meeting, highlighted the evolving landscape of cancer treatment, stating, "Through this Oncology Townhall, we wish to bring multidisciplinary cancer care to the forefront of discussion and present it as a mandatory requirement in planning the care for a cancer patient today. We also wish to appeal to the masses to own Cancer Screening efforts and help bring about a revolution in Cancer Prevention. The townhall was focused on discussions on newer diagnostics, novel therapeutics and the recent buzz about advanced immunotherapeutics, cancer vaccinations and cellular therapeutics with specialists from all across the world. It is also a celebration of the ever powerful patient voice and the contribution of patient advocacy in moving the field forward."
The symposium was honored by the presence of social activist and First Lady of Maharashtra, Smt. Amruta Fadnavis who inaugurated the event along with Group CEO Dr Tarang Gianchandani, who spoke on the success of the New Health Seva Plan that was
launched earlier by Chairperson Mrs Nita Mukesh Ambani at the 10th year celebration of Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital. The New Health Seva Plan has been designed to provide financial assistance to patients from economically weaker sections, ensuring cervix and breast cancer prevention and access advanced cancer therapies without financial distress. This initiative reinforces the hospital’s commitment to inclusive and compassionate healthcare.
Mrs Fadnavis also launched the Prostate Cancer Screening program called “Bring Your Dad”, which was conceptualised by Dr Santoshi Nagaonkar, Director of Urology, Uro-oncology, HN RFH.
Led by Dr. Sewanti Limaye, Director of Medical and Precision Oncology, the event brought together some of the world’s foremost oncologists alongside India’s leading cancer specialists. Notable attendees included Nobel Laureate Dr. James Allison, Prof. Padmanee Sharma, Prof. Sangeeta Goswami, Prof. Anil Sood and Prof. Seth Lerner from The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA; Prof. Ashutosh Tewari from Mount Sinai, NY; Dr Aditya Shreenivas from City of Hope, USA; Dr Aya El Halali from Hongkong; Prof. Herbert Loong from The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Dr. Shaheenah Dawood from Dubai, Dr. Kumar Prabhash, Head of Medical Oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital; Dr Massimo Cristofanilli from Weil Cornell Dr. Andy Gaya from Cromwell Hospital, London, UK; and Padma Shri Dr. Suresh Advani, Mentor, Medical Oncology at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital. The event also features Prof. Sachet Shukla, Director of Cancer Vaccines, MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA, along with Dr Prashant Kumar and Datar Genetics who are advancing local cell lysate cancer vaccine development and Prof. Ezra Cohen from UCSD, USA who is world renowned in peptide cancer vaccine development. Dr Swaminathan Iyer from MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA and Dr Hari Parmeshwaran from Medical College of Wisconsin spoke on CAR-T cell therapy and its role in both liquid and solid tumors.
In addition to expert discussions, Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt shared his cancer journey and experiences alongside his doctor, Dr. Sewanti Limaye, and his sister Ex Member of Parliament and cancer activist Mrs Priya Dutt and his childhood friend Mr. Paresh Ghelani, a passionate advocate for cancer awareness. They also shared his experience with Peptide Cancer Vaccine developed by Prof. Ezra Cohen at UCSD.
With a focus on global expertise, innovation, and patient-centric advancements, Illuminate – The Multidisciplinary Cancer Care Townhall in Mumbai proved to be a landmark event in the field of oncology.