Top doctors explain latest trends in cancer treatment
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, AUG 30
The Cosme Matias Menezes Group that completed 100 years recently brought three of India’s top doctors working in the field of cancer on a common platform at a continuing medical education programme at a city hotel to explain the latest trends in the diagnosis and management of the feared disease.
Consultant oncopathologist Asian Institute of Oncology, SRL Group and former head of surgical pathology Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, Dr Anita Borges, spoke on ‘Predictive Oncology and the Augury of Surgical Pathology’.
Dr Anita, who is the daughter of well-known cancer surgeon late Dr Ernest Borges, observed tissue pathology was directly involved in clinical decision making. The information in a pathology report gives the diagnosis, stage, prognosis, prediction and effectiveness of the treatment response, she said.
Dr Borges, who is originally from Goa, also spoke about targeted therapy, molecular targets, prediction of toxicity and personalised medicine. She highlighted the role of targeted therapy in breast cancer, chronic myeloid leukemia, gastro-intestinal stromal tumors, lung cancer, colon cancer and brain tumours.
Another well-known figure of Goan origin in the treatment of cancer, Dr Luzito De Souza, spoke on ‘Lessons learnt in the practice of surgical oncology’. He advised doctors to examine patients diligently while at the same time be sensitive to pain. “Examine a patient from top to bottom, diagnose with skill, investigate judiciously, take a second opinion when required, communicate effectively, treat effectively and follow-up,” he mentioned.
Dr De Souza, who is consultant oncosurgeon and former head of surgery department, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, also spoke about palliation in cancer patients, palliation with compassion and competence to take care of the body, mind and soul.
Dr Sanjay Oak, Director and Dean Seth G S Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, spoke about the history and evolution of medicine. Though he didn’t elaborate on cancer he went on to speak on the ancient code of laws at length giving an insight into medical practice of different places in the world.
The scientific session was chaired by Dr R G Wiseman Pinto, professor and head of pathology department Goa Medical College. Cesar Menezes, Chairman and Managing Director of Wallace Pharmaceuticals, welcomed the gathering and Rashmi Menezes, Director Sales and Marketing of Wallace Pharma, gave a brief report of the company.
Dr Divya Menezes proposed a vote of thanks. The speakers paid glowing tributes to the CMM Group.
