Thiruvananthapuram: Keralam is set to strengthen its cancer care ecosystem through international collaborations in research, clinical training, affordable medicines and patient-centred care following the participation of a state delegation at World Cancer Congress 2026 in Hong Kong.The proposed collaborations include multicentre cancer research and clinical trials, international training programmes for oncology professionals, access to affordable cancer medicines, survivorship care and innovations in cancer prevention, screening and early detection.Association of Medical and Paediatric Oncologists of Kerala (Ampok) secretary Boban Thomas said the delegation met C S Pramesh, director of Tata Memorial Hospital and convener of national cancer grid, to explore pooled procurement of cancer medicines, participation in national tumour boards, multicentre clinical research and health system studies.“World Cancer Congress was an opportunity to build partnerships that can directly benefit patients and families in Keralam. Our objective is to ensure that the best global cancer care reaches every patient in the state,” Thomas said.Keralam’s growing contribution to oncology research was showcased at the congress, with three oral presentations and six scientific posters from the state accepted for presentation.The delegation also held discussions with the brass of Union for International Cancer Control, including president Ulrika Årehed Kågström, president-elect Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu and CEO Cary Adams, focusing on international cooperation in cancer research, training and equitable access to treatment.Meetings with senior officials of American Society of Clinical Oncology, including president Elizabeth Mittendorf and chief medical officer Julie Gralow, explored educational opportunities for Keralam’s oncology workforce. Online training for nurses and junior doctors and academic collaborations with US universities were among the proposals.Potential research collaborations were also discussed with representatives of Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society, National Cancer Centre Korea and National Cancer Centre China.Ampok said these partnerships could help translate global advances in cancer care into community-level services across Keralam.
