Bengaluru, February 6, 2024: The Consensus Guidelines for the Management of Head and Neck Cancer (HNC), developed by the Oral Cancer Task Force (OCTF) with support from the Biocon Foundation, have gained international recognition among 13 worldwide clinical practice guidelines, as highlighted in Cancers, an esteemed peer-reviewed oncology journal.
Included in a scoping review published in Cancers, the OCTF's consensus guidelines were identified and compared alongside global clinical practice standards for oral, oropharynx, and larynx cancer treatment. This acknowledgment underscores the OCTF's global impact and positions its guidelines among esteemed counterparts from the U.S., Europe, Canada, Japan, and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
Initiated in 2018 by the Biocon Foundation, the OCTF aims to combat oral cancer in India through ideation, education, and stakeholder engagement. Comprising leading oncologists from across India, the OCTF crafted the first-ever Indian clinical practice guidelines for HNC management, published in the Indian Journal of Cancer in February 2020.
According to the GLOBOCAN 2020 report, HNC ranks as the most common cancer among men and the fourth among women in India, resulting in approximately 225,419 new cases and 125,244 deaths annually. Addressing the link between tobacco and alcohol consumption, particularly prevalent in rural areas, the Biocon Foundation has conducted oral cancer screenings for underserved communities since 2011.
Recognizing the need for India-specific guidelines, the OCTF initiated efforts in 2018 to tailor treatment recommendations to local demographics, resources, and practices. The updated guidelines, launched at the 4th OCTF Conference in July 2023 and published in the Journal of Cancer Research Statistics and Treatment, provide critical insights into the unique factors influencing HNC incidence and treatment outcomes in India.
Speaking on the OCTF recognition, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Founder & Managing Trustee, Biocon Foundation, and OCTF Member, said, "We are exceptionally proud that the Consensus Guidelines for the Management of Head and Neck Cancer developed by the Oral Cancer Task Force (OCTF) with support from the Biocon Foundation, has been recognized among the 13 worldwide clinical practice guidelines in Cancers, an international peer-reviewed journal of oncology. This acknowledgment reflects the collaborative efforts of our dedicated experts and underscores our commitment to making a positive impact on the landscape of head and neck cancer management, particularly in the context of the prevalent oral cancer cases in India.”
Dr. Anupama Shetty, Mission Director, Biocon Foundation, said, “At the Biocon Foundation, we have been working at the ground level to downsize oral cancer, which is predominant in India. The inclusion of these guidelines in the Cancer Journal's systematic review of worldwide treatment recommendations for head and neck cancer is a remarkable milestone for the OCTF and a testament to the dedication and expertise of its members.”
With HNCs accounting for 30-40% of all cancer cases in India, the guidelines address the country's specific risk factors, including the widespread use of tobacco, pan masala, and gutka. These updated guidelines are pivotal in optimizing treatment outcomes and improving success rates for HNC patients, especially in regions with limited access to healthcare services.
