The US-India Cancer Moonshot Dialogue will focus on various key areas, including AI-enabled innovation for cancer care, novel therapeutics like vaccines and immunotherapy, cost-effective equitable cancer therapy, cancer genomics and precision medicine, clinical trials, and holistic survivorship care.
The US Embassy in New Delhi facilitated the inaugural US-India Cancer Moonshot Dialogue at the National Institute of Immunology. This two days (August 5-6), historic event aimed to strengthen US-India biomedical research cooperation and develop solutions to improve global health, particularly in cancer treatment and prevention.
US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti and Nobel Laureate Dr Jim Allison were among the key speakers, with Dr Allison delivering a public lecture on ‘Beyond Checkpoint Inhibition’. The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including US government officials, senior Indian government officials, leaders from the private sector, NGOs, patient advocacy groups, academic faculty, and young researchers. Ambassador Garcetti emphasized the strong partnership between the United States and India, highlighting their shared values and mutual commitment to a healthier future.
The dialogue featured representatives from several US agencies, including the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Indian institutions were also well represented, with officials from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and Tata Memorial Hospital participating. Dr Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, underscored India’s commitment to cancer research and innovation, while Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary to the Government of India, highlighted the importance of collaboration in advancing cancer research and management.
Non-communicable diseases, including cancer, account for about 63% of all deaths in India. The country is expected to see a nearly 13% increase in cancer cases by 2025. In June 2023, US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed their commitment to fighting cancer, announcing new initiatives to enhance cooperation in this area.
The US-India Cancer Moonshot Dialogue will focus on various key areas, including AI-enabled innovation for cancer care, novel therapeutics like vaccines and immunotherapy, cost-effective equitable cancer therapy, cancer genomics and precision medicine, clinical trials, and holistic survivorship care. This collaboration aims to accelerate advancements in cancer treatment, leveraging technology and research to work towards a cancer-free future.
