Industry
Cancer care – The role of in vitro diagnostics in early detection
Cancer remains a formidable health challenge in India, with its prevalence escalating and posing a significant burden on the healthcare system. Early detection is crucial for effective cancer management, and in vitro diagnostics (IVDs) play a pivotal role in this regard.
India has witnessed a surge in cancer cases in recent years, making it imperative to strengthen diagnostic capabilities. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the country is estimated to have over 1.7 million new cancer cases annually, and this number is expected to rise. Early detection is pivotal for reducing mortality rates and improving treatment outcomes.
Recognizing the urgency of addressing cancer, the Indian government has implemented initiatives, such as the National Cancer Control Program (NCCP). This program emphasizes the significance of early detection and treatment. However, there is a pressing need for a more nuanced and comprehensive approach that focuses specifically on leveraging the potential of IVDs.
Collaborations between regulatory bodies, healthcare providers, and manufacturers are essential for maintaining the highest standards in cancer diagnostics. Realizing the full potential of IVDs in cancer care requires a comprehensive approach. This involves not only addressing logistical and other barriers but also fostering a collaborative ecosystem.
Dr KM Parthasarathy
Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology,
Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital
The process involves sample collection, where various methods, such as venipuncture or swabbing, are used to obtain bodily fluids. Following collection, samples undergo preparation, including centrifugation to isolate relevant analytes. These prepared samples then interact with specific reagents, causing measurable changes detected by analytical instruments.
IVDs play an important role in early detection, thereby prompting timely treatment. IVDs, which include a range of tests and medical devices, are indispensable tools for cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring. These diagnostics analyze specimens from the human body, providing essential data that aid us in identifying cancer at an early, more treatable stage.
Dr JB Sharma
Sr consultant, Medical Oncology,
Action Cancer Hospital
There are various types of IVD tests, including clinical chemistry tests measuring substances like glucose and cholesterol, immunoassays detecting proteins or antibodies or infectious disease tests, molecular diagnostics analyzing genetic material for mutations or infectious agents, and hematological tests examining blood components for conditions. This diverse array of diagnostic tools ensures a comprehensive approach to managing various health conditions, underscoring the crucial role IVDs play.
The availability of quality- assured medical diagnostics is not consistent throughout India. Affordability, distribution logistics, and infrastructure limitations pose significant challenges. Quality assurance mechanisms, including regulatory frameworks and adherence to international standards, are vital in building trust in IVDs.
Dr Kaushal Kishor Yadav
Sr Consultant & Clinical Lead – Surgical Oncology,
Narayana Hospital
In the face of challenges, innovative solutions are emerging to make cancer diagnostics more accessible. Point-of-care testing (POCT) technologies, for instance, are proving to be instrumental in overcoming geographical barriers, bringing diagnostics closer to patients even in remote areas.
Given the disease burden IVDs need to be scaled up In India. We would be in a better position to manage cancers if detected early. Hence, integrating IVD like Pap smear, cytology, histology, Tumor markers and genetic analysis into the healthcare framework is imperative. Government policies, strategic initiatives, and a commitment to innovation and quality assurance will collectively shape a transformative future for cancer diagnostics in India, ultimately impacting the lives of countless individuals affected by this formidable disease.
