MP Gurumurthy Seeks In LS Immunotherapy For Cancer Care

Nellore: Tirupati MP Maddila Gurumurthy raised the issue of preferring immunotherapy (alone or in combination with other drugs) over chemotherapy for lung cancer patients in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

Seeking to clarify the protocols approved by the government, the MP asked the Union Health Ministry to expand access to advanced cancer care.

Union Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav, in his written reply, informed the House that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has prepared evidence-based national guidelines for lung cancer treatment and palliative care. The guidelines consist of 15 key recommendations aimed at standardizing diagnosis, treatment and supportive care across the country.

The Union minister said immunotherapy services are available in tertiary government hospitals equipped with necessary infrastructure, trained specialists and approved drugs. Clear protocols for patient compliance, administration of treatment, and monitoring of side effects are included in national guidelines.

Highlighting the increasing burden of cancer, MP Gurumurthy appealed to the government to further expand immunotherapy services in public hospitals to provide wider and affordable access to patients across the country.