AIIMS-Jammu has achieved a major milestone in cancer care by successfully performing Jammu and Kashmir's first-ever interstitial brachytherapy procedure on a 26-year-old woman diagnosed with Stage II vulvar cancer, the institute announced.
Rare cancer in a young patient
Vulvar cancer is a rare gynaecological malignancy, accounting for only four per cent of all gynaecological cancers, and is particularly uncommon in young patients. The case was extensively reviewed by a multidisciplinary tumour board comprising experts from the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radiation Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Radiodiagnosis, and Pathology to formulate an individualized treatment strategy, according to a statement from AIIMS Jammu.
Procedure details and benefits
The interstitial brachytherapy procedure was successfully performed by the Department of Radiation Oncology under the leadership of Prof (Dr) DN Sharma, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Jammu. This highly specialised technique allows precise delivery of radiation directly into the tumour, maximising treatment effectiveness while minimising exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. A significant advantage of this approach is that it enabled the patient to avoid a mutilating surgical procedure, which is particularly important in young women. This organ-preserving treatment offers the potential for excellent disease control while maintaining the patient’s quality of life.
Regional impact
Prof Sharma highlighted that this landmark procedure marks a significant step towards introducing advanced, organ-preserving cancer treatment modalities in the region. This achievement reinforces AIIMS-Jammu’s commitment to delivering state-of-the-art oncology services and ensuring that patients in Jammu & Kashmir have access to the latest cancer treatment options within the Union Territory itself, the statement said.
