Mumbai : With cancer cases continuing to rise and oncology rapidly evolving through scientific and technological advancements, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospitalwill host Max Cancer Congress 2026 on October 3 and 4. The two-day conference will bring together more than 500 delegates, including leading oncology experts, clinicians, researchers and healthcare professionals from across the country to deliberate on emerging trends, new evidence and innovations shaping the future of cancer diagnosis, treatment and patient care.
The conference comes against the backdrop of a growing cancer burden in India and Maharashtra. According to recent estimates based on ICMR-NCDIR data, India recorded 15,69,793 new cancer cases in 2025, up from 14,26,447 cases in 2021. In Maharashtra alone the estimated number of new cancer cases increased to 1,30,465 in 2025, while the state continues to rank among those with the highest cancer incidence in the country.
The programme will feature dedicated oncology sessions across Breast, Gastrointestinal, Thoracic, Gynaecology, Head & Neck, Radiation, Haematology, Molecular & Genetics, and Urology, highlighting emerging developments across the cancer care continuum. Discussions will focus on multidisciplinary treatment approaches, precision oncology, molecular diagnostics, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, robotic and minimally invasive surgery, advanced radiation techniques, image-guided interventions and organ-preservation strategies.
Speaking about the event, Dr Ganesh Nagarajan, Vice Chairman – HPB & GI Surgery and Lead – Growth & Strategy, Oncology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, said, “The future of cancer care will be shaped by how effectively different specialties work together. Max Cancer Congress 2026 provides an important platform for experts to exchange knowledge, evaluate emerging evidence and discuss innovations that can help improve patient outcomes across the cancer care continuum.”
Several sessions will examine advances that are reshaping cancer diagnosis and treatment, including liquid biopsy, multi-cancer early detection, AI-assisted cancer care, molecular tumour boards and precision medicine. Experts will also discuss evolving evidence across various cancers, alongside newer approaches in CAR-T therapy, bispecific antibodies and stem cell transplantation.
Dr Muzammil Shaikh, Principal Director – Medical Oncology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, said, “Several breakthroughs that once seemed futuristic are now becoming part of routine oncology practice. The growing role of immunotherapy, cellular therapies and AI-enabled tools is creating new possibilities for improving cancer diagnosis, treatment selection and long-term disease management.”
Dr Hemant B. Tongaonkar, HOD & Principal Director – Urologic & Gynecologic Onco-surgery, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, stated, “No two cancer patients are alike, and treatment approaches are increasingly reflecting that reality. From molecular profiling to precision surgery, personalised treatment planning is helping clinicians make more informed decisions and deliver better outcomes for patients.”
A special Interventional Radiology masterclass on Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) will explore patient selection, treatment techniques, clinical evidence and real-world case discussions, providing participants with insights into the evolving role of advanced image-guided interventions in cancer care.
Dr George Karimundackal, Principal Director – Thoracic Surgery, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, observed, “Lung cancer remains one of the most challenging cancers globally, making timely diagnosis and multidisciplinary management essential. The integration of minimally invasive surgery, advanced imaging and precision therapies is helping redefine treatment pathways and improve outcomes for thoracic cancer patients.”
Dr Garvit Chitkara, Associate Director – Breast Oncology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, remarked, “Breast cancer care has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Better screening strategies, advances in molecular diagnostics and increasingly tailored treatment approaches are enabling clinicians to detect disease earlier and deliver more precise, patient-centric care.”
Dr Devendra Chaukar, Principal Director – Head & Neck Oncology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, added, “For patients with head and neck cancers, treatment success is about much more than disease control. Preserving speech, swallowing function and overall quality of life has become an equally important goal, and advances in organ-preservation strategies are helping clinicians achieve that balance more effectively.”
Dr Sameer Tulpule, Senior Director – Haematology & BMT (Adult), Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, said, “Haematological cancers are among the areas where advances in cellular therapies, targeted treatments and stem cell transplantation are rapidly changing the treatment landscape. The growing understanding of disease biology is enabling us to move towards more personalised treatment strategies, while newer therapies such as CAR-T are opening avenues for patients with difficult-to-treat and relapsed cancers.”
With participation from experts across oncology disciplines and a strong focus on innovation, evidence-based practice and collaboration, Max Cancer Congress 2026 will serve as a platform to discuss the latest advances shaping the future of cancer care and strengthen multidisciplinary approaches to cancer management.
Through initiatives such as this, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital remains committed to fostering clinical excellence, facilitating knowledge exchange and encouraging the adoption of advanced, patient-centric approaches that can improve cancer outcomes and expand access to high-quality oncology care.
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