- National summit unlocks cutting-edge strategies in lung, esophageal and colorectal cancer treatment
- Experts stress multidisciplinary care, precision oncology and early detection as keys to survival gains
- Live case debates, landmark trial insights and emerging therapies empower young oncologists and clinicians
- Leaders say collaborative platforms like TACOS are critical to translating global cancer research into real-world patient impact
R MANICKAVASAGAM
AHMEDABAD, FEB 21
In a decisive step toward redefining cancer care in India, the Department of Onco Sciences at Marengo CIMS Hospital hosted TACOS 2026 (Thoracic and Colorectal Oncology Summit), a first-of-its-kind national platform dedicated exclusively to advancing treatment, research and outcomes in thoracic and colorectal cancers.
Held on February 21–22, the summit brought together leading oncologists, surgeons, pulmonologists, radiation specialists, gastroenterologists and young medicos from across India to exchange cutting-edge scientific insights and clinical strategies targeting some of the country’s most lethal malignancies, including lung and colorectal cancers.
According to global oncology research and WHO estimates, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, while colorectal cancer incidence is rising sharply in India due to lifestyle changes, delayed diagnosis and increasing urbanisation—making academic platforms like TACOS vital for improving survival outcomes.
Oncology Leaders Emphasise Knowledge Sharing to Save Lives
Dr Bhavesh B Parekh, Medical Oncologist, highlighted the summit’s academic significance and its role in nurturing future cancer specialists.
“This two-day conference is being attended by well-known oncologist Dr P Subramanya Rao — Head & Neck Oncologist and Skull Base Surgeon from Bengaluru and many other experts from various parts of the country. They will impart the latest advancements in this discipline for junior medicos.”
Dr Abhishek Jain, Conference Director, emphasised the summit’s translational focus.
“TACOS 2026 was envisioned as a dedicated academic platform to advance thoracic and colorectal oncology through meaningful dialogue, evidence-based discussions, and multidisciplinary collaboration. The summit successfully translated the latest research and innovation into practical strategies aimed at improving patient outcomes.”
Dr Nishant Sanghavi, Conference Director, underscored the importance of unified expertise.
“TACOS 2026 marked a significant step towards uniting national and international expertise in colorectal oncology. This platform enabled meaningful scientific exchange and collaborative learning while contributing towards improving patient outcomes across India and strengthening cancer care standards.”
Dr Manish Gandhi, Surgical Gastroenterologist, highlighted the summit’s transformational vision.
“TACOS 2026 is more than a conference—it is a convergence of vision, expertise, and innovation. By bringing together leaders across disciplines, we aim to transform cutting-edge science into real-world impact, foster meaningful collaboration, and redefine the future of thoracic and colorectal cancer care with a shared commitment to better patient outcomes.”
Mayur Dave, Facility Director, Marengo CIMS Hospital, emphasised the institutional commitment to clinical excellence.
“We as healthcare service providers across multiple states and cities as well as overseas locations are committed to play a supportive role to always bring advanced treatment protocols and super speciality clinical excellence through collaborative clinical platforms and create an ecosystem to share knowledge among clinicians as a continuous process. We are thankful to the media for carrying this message of awareness to every person.”
Precision Oncology, Multidisciplinary Care Take Centre Stage
The summit featured comprehensive scientific sessions covering:
- Latest global treatment guidelines and landmark clinical trials
- Minimally invasive and robotic surgical approaches
- Multimodality treatments combining surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy
- Precision oncology using genetic profiling to personalise treatment
- Advanced radiotherapy techniques like SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy)
Live case-based discussions enabled clinicians to analyse complex real-world cancer scenarios and refine treatment decision-making using evidence-based approaches.
Young oncologists and postgraduate medical students actively participated through quizzes, abstract presentations and interactive sessions, strengthening the future oncology workforce.
Why This Matters: Rising Cancer Burden Demands Innovation
Thoracic cancers, especially lung cancer, and colorectal cancers are among the fastest-growing cancer categories in India. Experts say early detection, multidisciplinary care and access to advanced therapies—including targeted therapy and immunotherapy—can significantly improve survival rates.
According to global oncology authorities such as the World Health Organization and the American Society of Clinical Oncology, collaborative academic platforms play a critical role in accelerating adoption of new treatments and improving cancer outcomes.
TACOS 2026 successfully bridged the gap between global research advances and their practical application in Indian clinical settings, reinforcing the importance of continuous education and innovation in oncology.
A New Academic Beacon in India’s Fight Against Cancer
By fostering collaboration, innovation and knowledge exchange, TACOS 2026 has positioned Ahmedabad as a rising hub for oncology excellence.
The summit marks a crucial milestone in empowering clinicians, advancing cancer science, and ultimately improving survival and quality of life for thousands of cancer patients across India.
