Tata Memorial Centre’s ImPaCCT Foundation, dedicated to enhancing pediatric cancer care, has achieved a significant milestone by substantially reducing the abandonment rate of pediatric cancer treatment to a mere three percent in 2022. This remarkable accomplishment reflects a remarkable drop from nearly 25 percent in 2007-08, highlighting the efficacy of the ImPaCCT model implemented by the foundation.

At a press conference jointly held by ImPaCCT Foundation and Tata Memorial Centre, key insights into the paradigm-shifting improvements in pediatric cancer care in India were shared. Ms. Shalini Jatia, Officer-in-Charge of ImPaCCT Foundation, expressed the foundation’s mission to revolutionize lives by driving awareness, research, and comprehensive care.

Dr. Shripad Banavali, Director of Academics at Tata Memorial Centre, underscored significant therapeutic advancements, emphasizing the focus on innovative therapies for high-risk pediatric cancers, such as Immunotherapy and targeted therapy for brain tumors.

Dr. Girish Chinnaswamy, Head of Department in Paediatric Medical Oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital, highlighted initiatives aimed at elevating childhood cancer survival rates globally to 60 percent. Collaborations with organizations like the WHO GICC and St Jude Global Alliance are central to achieving this ambitious goal.

The experts delved into critical statistics, treatment breakthroughs, and ongoing challenges in pediatric cancer care in India. They particularly highlighted the Survivorship Program, designed to aid young survivors’ reintegration into society, and emphasized the crucial role of collaborative support and advancements in multimodality therapy, including Immunotherapy.

Notably, the ImPaCCT model’s success hinges on additional staffing, database development, and robust survivorship programs. Their decade-long database tracks demographic information, treatment outcomes, and survivorship, facilitating a holistic approach to cancer care.

Moreover, ImPaCCT Foundation announced HOPE 2023, an annual cultural event set to support pediatric cancer care. This event, reminiscent of The Kapil Sharma Show with a Bollywood-themed essence, aims to raise awareness and support. Scheduled for December 10, 2023, in Mumbai, HOPE 2023 is anticipated to be a significant initiative bolstering the foundation’s mission.

The foundation also highlighted startling statistics: India accounts for 20 percent of new childhood cancer cases globally, with Tata Memorial Centre witnessing nearly 3,500 cases annually. Despite challenges, the survival rates for children treated at Tata Memorial Centre have shown a promising increase from 41 percent in 2010 to 58 percent in 2018, marking substantial progress in pediatric cancer care.

ImPaCCT Foundation’s persistent efforts and collaborative endeavors have significantly improved pediatric cancer care, reducing treatment abandonment rates and positively impacting childhood cancer survival rates in India.