TATA MEMORIAL CENTRE

Adjuvant radiotherapy (ART) showed no significant acute and late toxicity risk in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients post-radical cystectomy and chemotherapy, according to the BART trial presented at ASTRO 2024. Mild bowel toxicity was more frequent but ART was generally safe. The trial continues to assess oncological efficacy.

BART trial (n=153) evaluated adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) vs. observation (Obs) in high-risk MIBC post-RC. RT showed higher grade 2 acute toxicity (17.5% vs. 1.1%), but similar grade 3-4 late toxicity (8.4% vs. 10.5%). Oncological outcomes pending.

Dr. Vedang Murthy presented acute and late toxicity results from the multicenter, randomized phase III Bladder Adjuvant RadioTherapy (BART) trial at the 2024 ASTRO Annual Meeting. The trial randomized 153 high-risk bladder cancer patients to adjuvant radiotherapy or observation, with 2-year locoregional failure-free survival as the primary endpoint. Acute grade 2 toxicity was more common in the radiotherapy arm, while late grade 2/3/4 events were less frequent. Radiotherapy was the only significant predictor of acute events. Follow-up for the primary endpoint and patient-reported outcomes is ongoing.

Researchers emphasize the need for new generation therapeutics in precision medicine, including gene therapy, personalized medicine, immunotherapy, and advanced biologics. India is focusing on precision medicine, gene editing with CRISPR, and biologics. Collaborative ecosystems and digital health integration are accelerating innovation. Global-Bio India 2024 highlighted the shift towards biologics, India's first home-grown CAR-T cell therapy for cancer, and advanced cancer treatments. PepAI algorithm for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and repurposing of drugs were also discussed.

Thermo Fisher Scientific announces Oncomine Clinical Research Grant awardees, including first recipients in India and the Netherlands, advancing oncology diagnostics and precision medicine.