NewzVille Desk
Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC) has successfully concluded its 24th Annual International Conference – RGCON 2026 in New Delhi. The theme of the three day RGCON 2026 was “Neuro-Oncology (Brain and Spine Tumors): Innovations in Multi-Disciplinary Cancer Management.”
The conference witnessed participation from more than 2,000 delegates (including foreign delegates), focused on advances in neuro-oncology and multidisciplinary cancer management, bringing together neurosurgeons, oncologists, neuroscientists, and researchers from across the world to exchange knowledge, share clinical insights, and explore emerging treatment strategies.
The conference was organized against the backdrop of a growing cancer burden in India.
According to global cancer estimates, over 1.4 million new cancer cases are diagnosed in the country every year, highlighting the need for continued collaboration and innovation in cancer care. While cancers of the brain and central nervous system account for around 3% of all cancers in India, they remain among the most complex to diagnose and treat due to their impact on critical neurological functions.
The sessions covered a wide range of topics, including advances in neurosurgical techniques, imaging technologies, precision radiotherapy, and emerging treatment protocols.
The conference also featured six specialised workshops: Neuro Onco Surgery, Neuro Monitoring, Neuro Radiation Oncology, Paediatric Neuro Oncology, Neuro Radiology, and Neuro Pathology. These workshops focused on practical skill development, from surgical techniques and diagnostic approaches to treatment planning for complex brain and spine tumours.
Dr. (Prof.) I. C. Premsagar, Chief, Neuro & Spine Oncology Services at RGCIRC and Organising Chairman of RGCON 2026, described the conference as an important platform for strengthening clinical expertise and collaboration. He said: “Although brain and central nervous system tumours represent a smaller proportion of cancers, they remain among the most challenging to treat. Globally, more than 3,22,000 new cases of brain and CNS tumours are diagnosed every year, and managing these tumours requires a highly specialised, multidisciplinary approach.
“Platforms such as RGCON are essential because they allow experts to exchange experience, refine surgical techniques, and collectively improve the way we treat these complex cancers”, Professor Premsagar added.
Speaking on the occasion, Ashok Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, RGCIRC, highlighted the importance of academic collaboration in addressing the growing cancer burden. He informed: “India is witnessing a steady rise in cancer incidence, with more than 1.4 million new cancer cases reported annually. As the number of complex cancers grows, specialised areas such as neuro-oncology demand greater collaboration between institutions and experts.”
D S Negi, CEO, RGCIRC, emphasised the importance of multidisciplinary care in managing brain and spine tumours. Putting his thoughts he said: “Brain and spinal tumours require coordinated care from multiple specialists, including neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, neuroradiologists, and pathologists. According to global projections, over 33,500 deaths from brain and central nervous system cancers are expected in India by 2030, underscoring the need for continuous advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and collaborative clinical practice.”
The conference also marked a significant institutional milestone with the launch of the biography of RGCIRC titled “How the Crane Caught the Crab”, authored by Bhavana Pankaj. The book chronicles the journey, vision, and evolution of the institute as one of India’s leading specialised cancer care centres.
Through initiatives such as RGCON, RGCIRC continues to reinforce its commitment to advancing the landscape of oncology in India and beyond.The successful conclusion of RGCON 2026 further strengthens RGCIRC’s role as a centre for academic exchange and multidisciplinary collaboration in oncology.
