Rama Krishna Sangem
Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC), recently launched the Apollo Rectal Cancer (ARC) Programme– India’s pioneering approach dedicated to rectal cancer management. With a focus on rectal preservation and powered by advanced technologies including chemoradiotherapy, proton therapy, and robotic surgery, the ARC programme aims to revolutionize the treatment of rectal cancer in the country.
This unique initiative addresses the specialized needs of rectal cancer patients, providing comprehensive and multidisciplinary care to ensure the best possible outcomes, said a press release from the hospitals groups.
The ARC programme center was inaugurated by Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Founder-Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise L (AHEL)td, in the presence of Mr. Harshad Reddy, Director – Group Oncology & International (AHEL). The programme will be led by Dr. Venkatesh Munikrishnan (Lead), Consultant Colorectal & Robotic Surgeon, Dr Senthil Ganapathi, Senior Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, Dr Sudeepta Kumar Swain, Consultant, Surgical Gastroenterology and Dr Bala Murugan Srinivasan, Consultant- Surgical Gastroenterology.
360 degrees approach
The ARC Programme sets the stage for rectal cancer management as India’s only quaternary care centre for rectal cancer, offering an integrated multidisciplinary care for rectal cancer for patients from the Indian subcontinent and afar. Taking a 360-degree approach, the programme addresses the spectrum of rectal cancer complexities, including significant polyps, early rectal cancer, organ preservation, robotic rectal cancer surgery, and the treatment of peritoneal surface malignancies with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).
The programme follows a unique patient pathway, providing total neo-adjuvant therapy with chemoradiation and immunotherapy, with patients who achieve complete response entering the wait and watch programme. Patients with down staged or residual disease and proceeding to advanced robotic surgery with a comprehensive follow-up protocol established to address any potential recurrence, ensuring continuous care and support beyond treatment.
Dr Prathap C Reddy, Founder- Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd, said, “This groundbreaking initiative underscores our commitment to innovation and transformative cancer care in the country & globally. This is the first time in India, we have a subspecialized team of surgeons in rectal cancer surgery who will only be involved with the management of a single organ and a single type of cancer: rectal cancer.
Harshad Reddy, Director – Group Oncology & International, Apollo Hospitals, said, “The launch of the Apollo Rectal Cancer Programme marks a significant milestone in our commitment to advancing cancer care in India. This innovative and specialized approach reflects our dedication to providing the best possible treatment options for patients with rectal cancer, ensuring access to world-class care and achieving optimal patient outcomes.
