Written by : Dr. Aishwarya Sarthe
December 17, 2024
The Precision Oncology Clinics, part of Aster DM Healthcare’s new initiative, will provide personalized cancer care based on patients' genomic profiles.
Aster DM Healthcare has launched three new initiatives aimed at enhancing cancer care in India. These include the Precision Oncology Clinics, Aster Cancer Grid, and Onco Collect software, all designed to improve the efficiency and precision of cancer treatment.
The Precision Oncology Clinics, part of Aster DM Healthcare’s new initiative, will provide personalized cancer care based on patients' genomic profiles. Unlike traditional cancer treatment protocols, which often apply the same treatment to all patients, this approach tailors therapies according to the genetic mutations present in a tumor. This is expected to enhance treatment effectiveness and reduce side effects.
Aster's approach to precision oncology aims to provide treatments that are not only more effective but also less toxic to patients. The clinics will work by using genetic data to customize treatments, offering a more targeted way to fight cancer, which could improve outcomes for patients.
Dr Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, said, “By collaborating with world-renowned oncologists, researchers, and institutions, we aim to position India as a global leader in cancer research and treatment. Our initiatives, supported by the Aster International Institute of Oncology, are designed to implement innovative therapies and methodologies, including Intra-Operative Electron Radiation Therapy at Aster Whitefield. These advancements will offer comprehensive cancer care, making India a destination for transformative treatment.”
The Aster Cancer Grid is another key initiative that aims to standardize cancer care across Aster DM Healthcare’s network. It will help facilitate multi-center clinical trials and encourage collaboration between pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and research institutions.
This network will aggregate data from various Aster Hospitals, enabling the sharing of research findings and promoting collaborative studies in oncology.
The grid is also expected to support partnerships with international research centers, enabling joint funding applications and exchange of knowledge. This collaboration will drive new research and clinical practices, ultimately aiming to improve cancer treatment methods across India.
Dr Zeba Moopen, Non-Executive Director of Aster DM Healthcare, highlighted the role of AI in enhancing cancer care, saying, “The Aster Cancer Grid will optimize resource utilization and facilitate collaboration among oncologists across our network. By analyzing patient data with AI, we can uncover patterns, predict outcomes, and improve treatment precision. This approach prioritizes patient care while accelerating innovative solutions.”
Onco Collect, a new software platform launched across Aster Hospitals in Bengaluru, is designed to integrate and standardize patient data. This will help streamline practice management and facilitate evidence-based decision-making. By consolidating patient information, Onco Collect aims to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment decisions, making it easier for clinicians to track patient progress and adjust treatments where necessary.
The software platform will also aid in the analysis of patient outcomes, providing data-driven insights that can refine treatment plans over time. By improving how patient data is managed, the initiative hopes to improve the overall quality of cancer care across Aster's hospitals.