Gurugram, 11 October 2026: Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram, today inaugurated HemeNext 2.0, a two-day international scientific conclave bringing together Indian and global experts to translate advances in blood science into more precise, accessible, and affordable care.
India’s cancer burden was estimated at 14.6 lakh new cases in 2022 by the Indian Council of Medical Research–National Cancer Registry Programme (ICMR–NCRP). Lymphoid leukaemia was the leading childhood cancer, accounting for approximately 29% of cancers among boys and 24% among girls aged 0–14 years, underscoring the need for timely diagnosis and sustained access to specialised treatment.
Held on 10–11 October at The Westin, Sector 29, Gurugram, and led by the Fortis Institute of Blood Disorders, the conclave features three parallel scientific programmes spanning adult and paediatric haematology, genomics, cellular therapies, transplantation, AI and infectious diseases. The scientific sessions bring together over 200 faculty members and 400 participants from the United Kingdom, United States, and Singapore, along with Indian specialists, to share research and clinical experience through case discussions, debates, and scientific presentations.
Dr. Rahul Bhargava, Principal Director & Chief – Haematology, Haemato-Oncology & BMT, Fortis Hospital Gurugram, and Chairperson, HemeNext 2.0, said, “India’s priority is to ensure that scientific progress reaches patients in time and at a cost they can afford. HemeNext 2.0 connects global research with Indian clinical experience to examine which advances can improve care and what is needed to deliver them safely. The focus is on informed treatment decisions, stronger clinical collaboration, and wider access.”
Precision diagnostics and advanced therapies
Sessions will examine next-generation sequencing, rapid genomic testing, multi-omics and measurable residual disease—the small amounts of cancer that may remain during or after treatment. Discussions will focus on how these tools can refine diagnosis, assess risk and guide treatment, while addressing turnaround times, interpretation, and affordability.
Dr. Shrinidhi Nathany, Consultant – Molecular Haematology and Oncology, Fortis Hospital Gurugram, and Organising Secretary, HemeNext 2.0, said, “Patients with the same broad diagnosis can have different disease biology and treatment needs. Genomics helps us understand those differences. Its value lies in selecting the right test and translating the result into a useful clinical decision. Making appropriate testing timely, reliable, and accessible is essential to advancing precision care in India.”
The programme also explores CAR-T cell therapy, which modifies a patient’s immune cells to attack cancer cells, alongside targeted treatments and bone marrow transplantation. Experts will discuss patient selection, treatment timing, safety monitoring and the infrastructure and costs influencing access to these therapies.
