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.