HCG Cancer Hospital Bengaluru Achieves Remarkable Milestone in Head and Neck Cancer Treatment with Low Dose Immunotherapy

A successful pilot study has shown tremendous results on Head and Neck Cancer Patients

HCG Cancer Hospital Bengaluru Achieves Remarkable Milestone in Head and Neck Cancer Treatment with Low Dose Immunotherapy

Bengaluru, September 13, 2023: HCG Cancer Hospital Bengaluru, one of India’s leading cancer care chains,  announced a groundbreaking pilot study to transform the treatment landscape for head and neck cancer patients with Low Dose Immunotherapy. Known for its relentless commitment to innovation and value-based care since its inception in 1989, HCG is taking a significant step towards advancing cancer care in India and globally. The successful pilot study on Low Dose Immunotherapy Nivolumab with NACT has demonstrated remarkable efficacy and is highly cost-effective, providing an economical therapy option without additional side effects.
 

The multicentric, open-labeled, prospective, randomized study assesses the effectiveness of neoadjuvant therapy combining low-dose immunotherapy Nivolumab and the TPF regimen (docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil) compared to NACT with the TPF regimen alone. It has a potential role in improving the quality of life and longevity of patients with locally advanced carcinoma of the buccal mucosa.

 
As part of the pilot study, a total of 12 cases were studied between the age group of 54 to 76 years. All twelve patients experienced significant tumor reduction of over 90%, providing an economical and side-effect-free therapy through low-dose immunotherapy. In the pilot study, standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy is combined with low-dose Nivolumab immunotherapy, administering 40 mg every two weeks, as opposed to the full dose of 3 mg per kg of body weight.
 

Speaking at the occasion, Dr. B S Ajaikumar, Executive Chairman of Healthcare Global Enterprises Limited, said, "HCG has been tirelessly striving to serve the larger cause of cancer care through breakthrough innovation and value-based care. Cancer is fast becoming a chronic disease, and a sea change has occurred in how we stage cancer as we adopt a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment. At HCG, head and neck cancer cases represent a significant portion of the caseload. Despite the comprehensive approach, preventing the recurrence and spread of these cancers remains a significant challenge. Today, with this announcement, we embark on a journey to revolutionize head and neck cancer treatment. This study has the potential to be a game-changer in the sphere of head and neck cancer treatment. The initiative reflects HCG's commitment to advancing research and academia in India, positioning the organization as a leader in this vital healthcare domain."
 

Dr. Satheesh C T, Consultant - Medical and Hemato Oncology, Director of Clinical Trials HCG Cancer Hospital Bangalore, said, " Head and neck cancers pose a substantial global health issue, comprising 4.5% of total worldwide cancer cases with a mortality rate of 4.6%. The burden is exceptionally high in Asia, notably in India, where they make up nearly 35% of all cancer cases among individuals aged 40-60. We are enthusiastic about the potential benefits of combining low-dose immunotherapy with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in head and neck cancers. This study presents a cost-effective solution without compromising the quality of care. This approach not only delivers promising clinical results but also in a manner that is highly economical for patients."

 
Enthused by these promising findings, HCG will initiate a study to explore the potential benefits of low-dose immunotherapy alongside neoadjuvant chemotherapy in head and neck cancers. Through this study spanning across multiple HCG centers in India, HCG will strive to unfold a highly effective and affordable cancer treatment option in the management of head and neck cancers.