JAMMU, Jun 27: AIIMS Jammu has achieved a major milestone in cancer care by successfully performing the first-ever interstitial brachytherapy procedure in Jammu & Kashmir for a 26-year-old woman diagnosed with Stage II vulvar cancer. The patient was managed under the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at AIIMS Jammu.
Vulvar cancer is a rare gynaecological malignancy, accounting for only 4% 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 & Gynaecology, Radiation Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Radiodiagnosis, and Pathology to formulate an individualized treatment strategy.
The interstitial brachytherapy procedure was successfully performed by the Department of Radiation Oncology under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) D. N. Sharma, Executive Director& CEO, AIIMS Jammu. This highly specialized technique allows precise delivery of radiation directly into the tumour, maximizing treatment effectiveness while minimizing 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.
Prof. (Dr.) D. N. 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.