SKIMS holds workshop on advanced head & neck cancer contouring, treatment planning

Srinagar, Sept 27: Addressing the workshop on “Head and Neck Cancer Contouring & Treatment Planning” organised by the Department of Radiation Oncology SKIMS, Director SKIMS & EOSG Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie emphasised that patient-friendly care is central to patient management.

He said treatment outcomes largely depend on the doctor–patient relationship, where faith and trust significantly impact recovery. He urged young medicos to show compassion and empathy, remarking that robots and AI can never replace clinicians.

Prof. Ashraf Ganie also highlighted the role of technological advancement in enhancing patient care, stating that SKIMS is working at multiple levels to ensure precision, accuracy, and safety in treatment delivery—crucial for avoiding collateral damage. Appreciating the Department of Radiotherapy, he commended its efforts in carrying forward the legacy of senior faculty including former Heads Prof. Maqbool and Prof. Fir Afroz. The workshop, themed “Sharper Lines, Better Lives: Advanced Contouring and Planning Techniques in Practice,” highlighted the latest advances in precision radiotherapy, focusing on contouring, treatment planning, and quality assurance in cancer care.

The event began with a welcome address by Dr. Shaqul Qamar Wani, Additional Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, SKIMS, and Chief Coordinator of the event, followed by introductory remarks from Dr. Malik Tariq Rasool, Head of the Department.

The academic sessions included expert talks and training by Dr. Vrinda Singla who spoke on “Target Delineation & Basic Rules (Tips & Tricks)” with case-based illustrations on oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers.While Dr. Lalit Kumar, Senior Medical Physicist, delivered a lecture on “Precision Treatment Planning: Role of a Medical Physicist” and conducted hands-on training using the Eclipse Treatment Planning System, covering treatment planning in breast, lung, and nasopharynx cancers along with patient-specific and system quality assurance.

Dr. Shaqul Qamar Wani, in his remarks, said such academic initiatives are vital for enhancing the skills of oncologists and physicists, ensuring delivery of state-of-the-art cancer treatment in the region.

The workshop was coordinated by Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Sofi, Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, and Dr. Mohsin Rehman Khan, Senior Medical Physicist, Department of Radiological Physics & Bio-Engineering, SKIMS.