AIIMS Delhi expert predicts improved childhood cancer survival data

Medical experts at the 10th Pediatric Haematology Oncology Support Services Conference (PHOSSCON 2026) in Mohali expect a significant increase in the quality and quantity of childhood cancer survival data in India over the next five years. Sameer Bakhshi, Professor and Head of Medical Oncology at AIIMS New Delhi, noted that three-fourths of existing information has been gathered in the last decade alone.

A landmark study led by the AIIMS New Delhi team consolidated three decades of Indian childhood cancer survival evidence, analyzing 182 studies involving 22,886 children. Poonam Bagai, the conference organizing chair and study co-author, stated that these findings are essential for tracking progress toward the UNGA 80 resolution, which aims for a survival rate of over 60 percent for children with cancer by 2030.

The conference also highlighted regional efforts, such as the Integrated Childhood Cancer Care Framework being developed in Punjab through partnerships involving HBCH Mullanpur, AIIMS Bathinda, and CMC Ludhiana.