New Cancer Treatments Transform Lives of Children Like Dhruv and Nikhil in India
In Mumbai, a young resident of Vasai named Dhruv has been courageously fighting a brain tumor since 2018, undergoing surgery in 2022. Today, as a class II student, he remains on anti-cancer medication, yet his energy levels surpass those of his classmates, according to his father.
Similarly, 12-year-old Nikhil recently completed a chemotherapy session and immediately went shopping for vegetables to cook dinner for his family, with only his parents and doctor aware of his condition. These inspiring stories emerged on International Childhood Cancer Day, underscoring a significant shift in pediatric cancer care in India.
Advanced Therapies Reducing Toxicity and Improving Quality of Life
Medical experts emphasize that newer treatments are now "more efficient, with lower toxicity," allowing children to maintain a better quality of life during their battles with cancer. Key drivers include targeted therapy, which focuses on unique proteins or gene mutations while sparing healthy cells; monoclonal antibody-based immunotherapy; and proton radiation therapy.
Dr. Girish Chinnaswamy, head of pediatric oncology at Tata Memorial Centre in Parel, explained that treating pediatric cancer, which affects over 50,000 children annually in India, no longer means "just cure them at all cost." Instead, the goal is to offer a cure with minimal long-term damage, ensuring that treatment does not "mess up childhood" in most cases.
Statistics and Success Stories from Tata Memorial Centre
The Tata Memorial Centre treated 4,000 new pediatric cancer cases across its eight centers in the 2025-26 period. Treatment approaches have evolved to be more home-based rather than hospital-centric, reducing risks such as kidney impairment, infertility, and cognitive problems.
Notably, over 350 children with brain tumors, head and neck tumors, and retinoblastoma received proton beam radiotherapy at TMC's ACTREC centre in Kharghar, opting for this advanced method over regular radiation. Dr. Chinnaswamy added that targeted therapy has been used for more than 150 children, and immunotherapy is offered for difficult-to-treat conditions like acute leukemias, Hodgkin's lymphomas, high-grade brain tumors, and neuroblastomas.
Improving Cure Rates and Awareness in India
Dr. Shweta Bansal from H N Reliance Hospital in Girgaum highlighted tremendous improvements over the past five years. While pediatric cancer cure rates in the West range from 80% to 90%, India's rates are lower but steadily improving. She attributes this progress to increased awareness among both doctors and parents, leading to earlier detection and intervention.
Better diagnostics and a growing number of pediatric oncologists have also played crucial roles. Dr. Bansal noted that in the past, patients aged 10 or older were often treated by general oncologists. Today, specialized pediatric oncologists provide tailored care, including appropriate dosing, effective communication with children, and attention to nutrition and psychosocial growth.
These advancements signify a hopeful future for children battling cancer in India, where innovative treatments are making it possible to conquer the disease without compromising their childhood.
