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1st National Level CME & Workshop on Soft Tissue Tumours by Association of Bone & Soft Tissue Pathologists (ABSTP), India

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• International and National Experts Share Insights on Soft Tissue Tumour Diagnosis at ABSTP’s First National CME in Kolkata, Empowering Future Cancer Care Professionals.

Kolkata: The Association of Bone & Soft Tissue Pathologists (ABSTP), India, hosted its 1st National Level CME (Continuing Medical Education) and Workshop on “Updates in Soft Tissue Tumours” at the Suresh Neotia Centre of Excellence for Leadership. The event brought together distinguished international and national experts in bone and soft tissue pathology, with a focus on addressing the challenges posed by the diagnosis of rare and heterogeneous soft tissue tumours.

Soft tissue tumours, known for their rarity and complexity, present significant challenges in diagnosis. Addressing these diagnostic dilemmas requires pathologists to have a deep understanding of histomorphology as well as expertise in advanced techniques such as Immune Histochemistry, Molecular Pathology like FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization), RT-PCR, and NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing). This CME provided a platform for sharing knowledge and expertise, essential for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and improving patient outcomes.

For the first time in Kolkata, the event was graced by Dr. Abbas Agaimy, Professor & Deputy Director at the Institute of Pathology, Friedrich Alexander University, and Nuremberg, Germany. Dr. Agaimy’s insights, along with those of other eminent speakers such as Dr. Jayasree Kattoor, President of ABSTP, and Prof (Dr.) Bharat Rekhi, Senior consultant of TMH Mumbai and Vice-President of ABSTP, brought invaluable knowledge to the attendees. Their lectures, case presentations, and discussions on diagnostic challenges provided a comprehensive learning experience for the attending residents and junior consultants.

Dr. Devmalya Banerjee, Organising Secretary of the event and Lead Oncopathologist at Narayana Hospital, RN Tagore Hospital, Mukandapur, emphasized the importance of correct diagnosis in cancer care.
In his address, Dr. Banerjee stated, “Cancer incidence has raised significantly due to various factors like lifestyle changes, environmental exposure, and diet. However, with advances in modern treatments, the chances of curing cancer have also improved. The key to successful cancer treatment is accurate and timely diagnosis, especially for rare entities like soft tissue tumours. The complexity and rarity of these tumours often result in limited exposure during medical training, creating diagnostic dilemmas in clinical practice.”

He further added, “Workshops like these bridge the gap in training and empower young professionals with the skills needed to make accurate diagnoses. Unfortunately, we still face challenges with access to essential diagnostic tools like molecular techniques, RT-PCR, and NGS. Often, samples need to be sent to specialized labs in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore, leading to delays and potential risks of mismanagement. This event has been instrumental in enhancing the capabilities of our pathologists, ensuring better outcomes for patients.”

Mr. R Venkatesh, Group COO, Narayana Health, emphasized the CME’s role in enhancing cancer diagnosis by empowering pathologists with advanced knowledge, ensuring timely, accurate diagnoses, and supporting the growth of healthcare professionals.

Abhijit CP, Director at Narayana Hospital RN Tagore and Corporate Growth Initiatives, Narayana Health (East), highlighted the CME’s impact, emphasizing its role in advancing soft tissue pathology through expert knowledge exchange, benefiting patient care and fostering growth in medical expertise.

The CME was followed by a dedicated workshop on sarcomas at RN Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences on 20th October 2024. The event is supported by the West Bengal Orthopedic Association, NH Cancer Centre, and Narayana Hospital, RN Tagore Hospital, Mukandapur.

This landmark event marks a significant step forward in the continued education and development of pathology professionals, helping them plays a critical role in the future of cancer care.

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