LUCKNOW: Cancer patients in Uttar Pradesh can expect world-class treatment soon as the King Georges Medical University (KGMU) and the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in collaboration with the government of India will launch a project to produce CAR-T cells.CAR-T cells, a form of cancer immunotherapy, use genetically altered T cells for targeted cancer treatment. This treatment is currently available in developed countries and the private sector in Mumbai and Bangalore.This information was given by KGMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Soniya Nityanand during a pediatric cancer awareness program organized by Digiswasthya Foundation in collaboration with CanKids KidsCan to mark cancer awareness month at the national book festival at Balrampur Gardens on Sunday.As the chief guest at the event, Prof Nityanand emphasized that cancer in children shouldnt cause undue concern due to its rapid spread as the survival rates are high. Blood cancer, the most common in children, boasts a 90% survival rate for five years or more, while lymphomas, the second most common, have a 70% survival rate. She stressed the importance of early detection through awareness.She reassured that relapse is treatable with bone marrow transplants and immunotherapy. She said, "KGMU and SGPGI already conduct bone marrow transplants and are in discussion with the GOI to domestically produce CAR-T cells, making targeted cancer treatment affordable for patients. Funds have already been approved. With this, world-class treatment will be available here."Dr Archana Kumar, special guest, talked about how nutrition and mental health play a crucial role in surviving cancer. She shared her husbands story, a brain cancer survivor who defeated cancer with mental strength and treatment. Despite the doctors grim prognosis of 12 to 14 months, her husband was determined to prove them wrong, and he did. "His willpower did the trick and beat cancer," she added.Similarly, A P Maheshwari, former IPS officer and Digiswathya advisor, who has also written a book about his journey as the caretaker of his cancer-suffering mother, laid stress on the importance of caretakers, immunity and mental strength for patients to endure treatment side effects and infections. He cited his mothers experience. "Her prayer became her source of strength to overcome the illness," he said.

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