Dr. Pawan Gupta and Dr. Jonathan Celli were honored with the USISTEF 2024 Award for AI-Enabled Oral Cancer Screening and Treatment Project
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Pawan Gupta, representing ICanCaRe (Indian partner), and Dr. Jonathan Celli from Photodynamic Solutions Inc., Boston (U.S. partner), have been honored with the prestigious USISTEF 2024 Award. This recognition was awarded under the joint call for proposals on ‘Critical and Emerging Technologies and Artificial Intelligence for Transforming Lives’ by the United States-India Science and Technology Endowment Fund. The project focuses on AI-enabled technology for oral cancer screening and treatment, addressing a significant healthcare challenge in India.
The award ceremony took place on October 10, 2024, at the Leela Palace, New Delhi. The Hon. Eric Garcetti, U.S. Ambassador to India, and the Hon. Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Earth Sciences and Science & Technology, presented the award. Dr. Pawan Gupta graciously accepted the award certificate on behalf of both organizations, marking a significant milestone in the collaborative fight against oral cancer.
Oral cancer poses a severe public health challenge in India, largely fueled by high rates of tobacco use, betel nut consumption, and low awareness. Compounding these issues is the lack of adequate healthcare access, particularly in rural areas, which makes early detection and treatment difficult. These obstacles make it critical to develop new solutions to overcome the barriers to effective oral cancer screening and management.
This project aims to revolutionize oral cancer detection and treatment by developing a comprehensive, portable, and low-cost solution targeting high-risk populations. The innovative technology will incorporate AI-assisted autofluorescence and white light imaging for optical pathology diagnosis, ensuring early and accurate identification of pre-malignant and malignant lesions. Treatment will be initiated with tobacco cessation and facilitated through photo-biomodulation (PBM) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) for on-the-spot care of potentially pre-malignant lesions.
With this technology, ICanCaRe and Photodynamic Solutions Inc., Boston, are committed to transforming the way oral cancer is diagnosed and treated, particularly in underserved areas. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire team working on this groundbreaking initiative. Together, we strive to create a future where early detection of oral cancer is accessible to all, improving patient outcomes and saving lives.
Stay tuned for more updates on this revolutionary project!
PIONEERS of CHANGE for Oral Cancer Screening Diagnosis and Management at the 32nd Indian Laser Association National Conference at RRCAT, Indore.
It is not the clinicians alone who are important but also people who work endlessly to equip us with user-friendly equipment that will bring the much-needed change in Oral Cancer Management. I joined as a student at the INDIAN LASER ASSOCIATION MASTERCLASS on BIOPHOTONICS had interacted with the brightest brain behind BIOPHOTONICS in India at the 32nd National Conference of Indian Laser Association at RRCAT Indore. Learned about the pioneering being done especially for Oral Cancer mass screening and diagnosis. The MASTERS in this include the following and I am glad I got the opportunity to meet them- Prof. Shovan K Majumder Shovan Majumder – HBNI – RRCAT, Indore – Optical Spectroscopy – Principles and Diagnostic Applications, Optical Tweezers, Oncovision and Oncodiagnosis Prof. N Ghosh, IISER, Kolkatta – Light Tissue interaction Prof. Anindya Datta Anindya Datta, IIT, Mumbai – Time-resolved optical Spectroscopy Prof. Dalip Singh Mehta Dalip Singh Mehta, IIT, Delhi – Optical Imaging, Principles and Diagnostic Applications, OCT Prof. Khageswar Sahu, HBNI, RRCAT – Indore – PDT And PBM in medical use Prof. Rashmi Srivastava, HBNI – RRCAT, Indore – Nano Biophotonics, Biosensors
I, Dr. Pawan Gupta Dr Pawan Gupta, MAX – Vaishali and Patparganj, presented– Clinical application and outcome of photodynamic therapy in oncology and also the clinical needs to improve the outcome for patients.
Thank you masters for putting your efforts into the betterment of society. It is time we clinicians work with them and bring the years of research into practice. Jonathan Celli, PhD
The Oral Oncology Connect hosted a transformative workshop themed “Oral Cancer – Journey Re-Defined,” which focused on innovative light treatments in cancer care, such as Photobiomodulation (PBM), Photo-dynamic Therapy, and Photo diagnostics. Held at the Conference Hall, Service Floor, MAX Vaishali, this hybrid event welcomed key speakers and participants from varied domains of healthcare and research to delve deep into the potential of PBM in cancer care. The event, organized by the institute’s Surgical Oncology and Head and Neck Oncology team led by Sr. Director Dr. Pawan Gupta, highlighted the institute’s commitment to pioneering advancements in cancer care. The program was conducted hybridly with the support of ECHO India. The participants included practitioners, students and clinicians around 100 were physically present, and almost the same numbers joined online.
Keynote Speakers included Dr. Praveen R. Arany, Dr. Mallika Sethi Rishi, Dr. Shovan K Majumder, Dr. Rakesh Rawal, Dr. Jyoti Batra, Dr. Poorvee Mathur, Dr. Asad Khan, Dr. Pravesh Singh, and Dr. Manoj Tayal who brought forth their expertise in oral biology, surgery, biomedical engineering, and LED-based photo biomodulation, among other specializations.
The event brought together luminaries Dr. Praveen R. Arany and Dr. Mallika Sethi Rishi, providing valuable insights into the underpinnings and clinical applications of Photobiomodulation (PBM). A key highlight was the hands-on demonstration of PBM equipment, allowing participants to engage with state-of-the-art therapeutic tools.
Another key contribution to the workshop was made by Dr. Shovan K Majumder, a distinguished expert in the field of BIOPHOTONICS. Dr. Majumder, who is a Professor, at Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Department of Atomic Energy and Head, of the Laser Biomedical Applications Division, Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT), shared his extensive knowledge and findings of Research and Development carried out in his Group towards the advancement of Photo diagnosis and Phototherapy including Photodynamic Therapy and Photo-biomodulation. His session illuminated the audience on the cutting-edge applications of photonics-based technologies in cancer care, highlighting their potential to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life in patients. The team from RRCAT consists of. Majumder and other scientists of his Group, Dr. Srinivas Satapathy, Dr. Khageswar Sahu, Dr. Rashmi Shrivastav, and Dr. Hemant Krishna presented their extensive research work on various biomedical applications of light and the advanced work being carried out by them in developing photonics-based point-of-care medical instruments.
The agenda for the event was packed with insightful sessions starting from 1:30 PM after lunch, with topics covering molecular mechanisms, dosimetry concepts, and clinical practice guidelines for PBM in cancer care. The discussions were chaired by eminent professionals like Prof. G.K. Rath, Dr. Harit Chaturvedi, Dr. Amitabh Singh, Dr. Amit Verma, Dr. Meenu Walia, Dr. Rahul Singh, Dr. Alok Narang, Dr. Sanjay Labh, Dr. Rajat Saxena and Dr. Srinivas Satapathy set a high standard for academic discourse.
Sessions chaired by respected figures in oncology set a high standard for academic discourse. Dr. Jyoti Batra’s presentation emphasized the importance of inclusive partnerships for improved patient outcomes.
The series was further enriched by the addition of Dr. Asad Khan, who is recognized for conducting the first clinical trials in Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for infections. Dr. Khan presented his experience, adding a unique perspective on the practical challenges and benefits of PDT in clinical settings.
A hands-on demonstration on PBM instruments was a highlight, spearheaded by Dr. Mallika Sethi, and supported by BIOLASE India Pvt. Ltd. allowing attendees to engage with the latest technology. The event also emphasized the importance of inclusive partnerships for better patient outcomes, a topic presented by Dr. Jyoti Batra of Santosh University.
The workshop concluded with a comprehensive hands-on demonstration of PBM, where participants had the opportunity to experience the practical aspects of this emerging therapeutic modality.
This educational series was a pivotal step in redefining the journey of oral cancer treatment, with a strong focus on patient wellness and quality of life. The event emphasized the critical role of dental care in oncology, reflecting on the severe side effects of cancer treatments, like oral mucositis, and the potential of PBM therapy to mitigate these effects.
Endorsed by associations like MASCC, ISOO, and WALT, PBM’s efficacy in preventing and treating cancer treatment-induced oral mucositis was underscored, reflecting rigorous analysis from numerous studies.
The event was not only a learning platform for oncologists, dentists, and healthcare professionals but also offered profound insights for medical equipment suppliers, researchers, and caregivers, emphasizing the importance of informed treatment decisions.
The Oral Oncology Connect – Education Series was a successful endeavor by ICanCaRe, the MAX Institute of Cancer Care, the Indian Dental Association – East Delhi, ECHO India, and Santosh University, pushing the envelope in cancer care through innovative and cost-effective treatments. The workshop paved the way for further research and application of PBM in clinical settings, marking a significant milestone in patient-centric cancer care.
In summary, the Oral Oncology Connect – Education Series was a collaborative effort led by Dr. Pawan Gupta and his team, showcasing MAX Institute’s role as a leader in patient-centric cancer care and education. The series successfully facilitated a platform for knowledge exchange and set a benchmark for future educational endeavors in the field of oncology.
The event was well conducted by Dr. Sumanth Bholu, Dr. Khyati, Dr. Ghatdeep, and Dr Anshika. Ms. Sanchika Gupta of ECHO India managed the program online.
The entire marketing team of MAX Vaishali Mr. Shahzad, Mr. Sachin, and his team worked hard to make the event a success.
Certificates were given to all participants of the event.
