Fortis Gurugram’s HemeNext 2.0 Unites Experts to Advance Blood Cancer Care in India
Fortis Memorial Research Institute hosts HemeNext 2.0 to bridge global research with affordable blood cancer treatments in India.
In a significant move to transform the landscape of haematology in the country, the Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) in Gurugram recently hosted HemeNext 2.0. This two-day international scientific conclave brought together a powerhouse of Indian and global experts to bridge the gap between cutting-edge blood science and accessible, affordable patient care.
Addressing India's Growing Cancer Burden
The urgency of this gathering is underscored by alarming statistics from the Indian Council of Medical Research–National Cancer Registry Programme (ICMR–NCRP), which estimated that India faced 14.6 lakh new cancer cases in 2022. A particularly critical area highlighted was childhood leukaemia, which accounts for approximately 29% of cancers among boys and 24% among girls aged 0–14 years. This data emphasizes the vital need for rapid diagnosis and sustained access to specialized medical interventions.
Global Expertise Meets Indian Clinical Reality
Held at The Westin, Sector 29, Gurugram, on October 10 and 11, the event was led by the Fortis Institute of Blood Disorders. The conclave attracted over 400 participants and 200 faculty members from international medical hubs, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and Singapore. The sessions were divided into three parallel scientific programmes covering:
- Adult and Paediatric Haematology
- Genomics and Cellular Therapies
- Transplantation, AI, and Infectious Diseases
Dr. Rahul Bhargava, Principal Director & Chief – Haematology, Haemato-Oncology & BMT at Fortis Hospital Gurugram, emphasized the mission of the event. He stated that India's priority is to ensure scientific progress reaches patients in a timely and affordable manner, connecting global research with local clinical experience to improve treatment decisions and wider access.
The Role of Genomics and Precision Medicine
A major focus of the sessions was the integration of advanced technologies like next-generation sequencing, rapid genomic testing, and multi-omics. Experts discussed how these tools can help identify "measurable residual disease"—the microscopic traces of cancer that may remain during or after treatment.
Dr. Shrinidhi Nathany, Consultant – Molecular Haematology and Oncology at Fortis Hospital Gurugram, noted that genomics is essential for understanding the unique biology of different patients, even when they share the same broad diagnosis. The goal is to translate complex genomic results into actionable clinical decisions that are timely and reliable.
Advancing Complex Therapies and Paediatric Care
The discussions also delved into the complexities of CAR-T cell therapy—a revolutionary method that modifies a patient's own immune cells to attack cancer—alongside bone marrow transplantation and targeted treatments. Experts weighed the infrastructure requirements and cost factors that influence how widely these therapies can be accessed.
For the paediatric community, the focus shifted toward managing leukaemia, inherited marrow failure, thalassaemia, and sickle cell disease. Dr. Vikas Dua, Principal Director & Head – Paediatric Haematology, Haemato-Oncology & BMT at Fortis Hospital Gurugram, highlighted that care for children must protect both their lives and their future quality of life. This includes ensuring timely referrals, support for complete treatment, and long-term follow-up to manage the late effects of treatment.
Additionally, a dedicated programme on infectious diseases addressed critical concerns for immunocompromised patients, including sepsis, fungal infections, antimicrobial resistance, and viral infection prevention.