Scientists study cancer at the cellular level to reduce treatment side effects and develop more targeted therapies for Indian patients
Mumbai : Researchers at the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Mumbai, are studying cancer at the cellular and molecular level to understand how normal cells gradually transform into cancer cells and how treatment can be made more precise, less toxic and better suited to Indian patients.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy remain important tools in cancer treatment, but they can also cause significant side effects. Scientists at ACTREC are therefore working to understand the biological processes involved in cancer development, with the aim of identifying potential targets for safer and more effective therapies.
Understanding How Cancer Develops
Dr. Saurabh Dalal, Deputy Director, Cancer Research Institute (CRI), ACTREC, explained that cancer does not generally develop because of a single event. Instead, normal cells undergo multiple changes over a period of years before eventually developing into a tumour.
Studying these changes can help researchers understand the biological mechanisms responsible for cancer progression and identify potential targets for treatment.
According to Dr. Dalal, the purpose of basic cancer research goes beyond publishing scientific papers. Knowledge generated in laboratories can provide the foundation for developing new treatment approaches and translating scientific discoveries into therapies that can eventually benefit patients.
Developing Research Models Relevant to Indian Patients
One of the areas being explored at ACTREC is the development of research models that reflect the characteristics of Indian cancer patients.
Rather than relying entirely on models based on populations from other countries, researchers are working towards developing models that are more representative of Indian patients. Such models can help scientists study tumour behaviour and evaluate potential medicines and treatment approaches under conditions that are more relevant to the Indian population.
This approach could also contribute to the development of more targeted and affordable cancer therapies in the future.
Research on Cancer Genetics
Cancer genetics is another important area of research at ACTREC, particularly the study of hereditary cancer syndromes found in some families.
Identifying genetic changes associated with an increased risk of cancer can help identify individuals who may require regular or enhanced monitoring. This can create opportunities for earlier detection and timely medical intervention.
Researchers are studying these genetic factors to improve understanding of why certain individuals and families may have a higher risk of developing particular cancers.
Focus on Affordable Cancer Treatment
The economic burden of cancer treatment is another concern being addressed through research.
Dr. Dalal highlighted the need to explore treatment strategies that could eventually help reduce costs for patients. Research includes examining the potential use of existing medicines for new cancer indications, as well as studying new compounds that could have therapeutic applications.
Such research could contribute to the development of more affordable treatment options while maintaining a focus on effectiveness and patient safety.
Basic Research Forms the Foundation of Cancer Treatment
Dr. Dalal compared basic cancer research to an iceberg, explaining that the treatment ultimately visible to a patient represents only a small part of the work involved. Behind it lies years of laboratory research, experiments and scientific investigation.
“Basic research is essential for developing treatments in the clinic. It is the foundation on which everything else is built,” Dr. Dalal said.
The interaction took place during a visit by journalists from Chhattisgarh to ACTREC in Mumbai. The journalists were briefed on cancer biology, basic research, tumour models and the process through which scientific discoveries made in laboratories can eventually be translated into patient care.
The visit provided an opportunity to understand the scientific work that takes place before a new cancer treatment or approach reaches clinical practice, as well as the importance of research focused on safer, more targeted and affordable cancer care.
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