The 2^nd edition of CANCON 2018, organised by Cytecare Cancer Hospitals, witnessed participation from over 250 delegates and faculty, who deliberated over a period of two days on ‘Improving Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer – Oncological, Functional and Beyond’. 

CANCON-2018, organised by Cytecare in association with The Foundation for Head & Neck Oncology, Association of Otolaryngologists India Bangalore Chapter, Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of India Karnataka State Chapter and The Indian Dental Association, saw deliberations on establishing consensus guidelines for improving outcomes in head & neck cancer. 

Speaking at the conference, Dr. Vikram D. Kekatpure, Senior Consultant, Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, Cytecare Cancer Hospital, said, “There is a need to develop consensus guidelines for a holistic approach to improve outcomes for head and neck cancer patients, with greater emphasis on functional rehabilitation and quality of life.

The faculty included leaders of national and international repute, including Dr Anil D’Cruz, Director Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, Dr Subramania Iyer, AIMS, Kochi, Dr P. Arun, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, Dr Alok Thakar, Prof, AIIMS, New Delhi. Also present was Dr. Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi, Head and Neck Cancer Surgeon, TMH, Mumbai, who spoke on the pressing need to reduce tobacco use and burden of tobacco related diseases. 

Having seen improvements in oncological outcomes in recent years, the focus today is on uplifting the functional and quality of life requirements of patients. In view of this, endoscopic resections, robotic surgery, dental implants, advances in radiation techniques, targeted therapy, molecular markers, and other techniques are being incorporated with the intention of improving functional outcomes.

The conference saw symposiums on subjects such as oral cavity cancer, laryngeal-pharyngeal cancer, thyroid cancer, paranasal sinus and skull base tumours and head and neck reconstruction, targeted therapy, rehabilitation and supportive care. Residents, trainers, practicing surgeons and physicians of head and neck cancer specialty who attended the event were awarded 12 CDE and 4 CME points.