Fri Aug 01 04:51:02 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text about the importance of cancer research, with a focus on the Indian perspective, suitable for publication in “The Hindu” in 2025:
**Headline: Cancer Research: The Invisible Force Driving Progress, a View from India**
**Chennai, August 1, 2025** – Every advancement in cancer treatment, from precise radiation to life-extending drugs, is rooted in decades of relentless research, according to experts at the Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar. An article published today emphasizes the critical role of ongoing investigation in improving patient outcomes, reducing side effects, and offering hope to families battling this disease.
“Today’s research is tomorrow’s cure,” asserts S. Krishnamurthi, advisor at Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar. The complex field of cancer is constantly evolving because of research and it has shaped the scientific advances we see today, says Pandurangan Vijayanand, director of research, Cancer Institute (WIA).
While laboratory discoveries into the genetic and molecular underpinnings of cancer are crucial, clinical trials and patient-centered studies in hospitals are equally vital. Vijayalakshmi Ramshankar, professor and head, department of cancer biology and molecular diagnostics, highlights the collaborative cycle where laboratory findings inform clinical practice, and real-world observations drive new research questions. This collaborative cycle shapes how we diagnose, treat, prevent, and even talk about cancer, according to Sabitha Ramanathan, professor and head, department of molecular oncology.
The article underscores the shift from a “one-size-fits-all” approach to precision oncology, where treatments are tailored to the genetic makeup of each patient’s tumor. Targeted therapies and immunotherapies, like immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy, have demonstrated remarkable results in certain cancers, transforming survival rates.
India, with its vast and diverse population, is uniquely positioned to contribute significantly to global cancer research. Indian institutions are increasingly leading clinical trials that address local realities, including affordability and infrastructure. Efforts are underway to repurpose inexpensive drugs, evaluate shortened treatment courses, and generate real-world evidence from both urban and rural settings. The Indian Paediatric Haematology Oncology Group (INPHOG) has developed and tested protocols suited explicitly to local children. National cancer registries now generate critical data that guide policies and help international partners better understand cancer trends in low- and middle-income countries.
Despite progress, cancer remains a leading cause of death in India and worldwide. Dr. Venkataraman Radhakrishnan, professor and head, department of medical oncology, Cancer Institute (WIA), emphasizes the urgent need for continued research into prevention, early detection, safer treatments, and solutions that work in real-world environments. The burden is expected to grow.
The article calls on patients, caregivers, communities, and policymakers to actively participate in advancing cancer care by participating in studies, advocating for research funding, donating to medical science, or simply engaging with doctors about the latest evidence.
As the world moves towards AI-driven medicine, compassion and curiosity must continue to guide cancer research. Investing in research is a moral imperative in a world where cancer affects nearly every family, according to Dr. Radhakrishnan.
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