AIIMS Delhi Expert Predicts Significant Gains in Childhood Cancer Survival Data Over Next Five Years

Advances in Research and Data Availability

Childhood cancer survival data in India is projected to see substantial improvements in both quality and availability over the coming five years, according to a leading expert from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. Speaking at the 10th Pediatric Haematology Oncology Support Services Conference (PHOSSCON 2026) in Mohali, Professor Sameer Bakhshi, Head of the Department of Medical Oncology at AIIMS, noted that recent research advances have significantly strengthened the existing evidence base, providing new avenues to evaluate treatment outcomes and enhance pediatric cancer care.

Professor Bakhshi pointed out that roughly three-quarters of the currently available information has been generated over the past decade. Describing historical trends, he noted that while data from the preceding three decades largely appeared flat on a graph, the trajectory of information accumulation is poised to rise sharply over the next five years.

Landmark Studies and National Targets

The discussions at PHOSSCON 2026 drew heavily on recent research led by the AIIMS team, which synthesized three decades of evidence concerning childhood cancer survival across India. The comprehensive study encompassed 182 individual studies and data from 22,886 children, creating a broader baseline to understand survival outcomes nationwide. Historically, limited survival data has posed a persistent challenge for clinicians and policymakers alike.

Addressing the broader health framework, Poonam Bagai—organising chair of PHOSSCON, founder of CanKids, and a co-author of the AIIMS-led study—emphasized the necessity of reliable data in tracking progress toward the United Nations General Assembly's objective. The global target aims to achieve childhood cancer survival rates exceeding 60 percent by 2030. Bagai noted that robust evidence enables policymakers to pinpoint care gaps, measure ongoing progress, and foster greater accountability in healthcare delivery.

Regional Frameworks and Conference Focus

The two-day conference, hosted at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali in SAS Nagar, also highlighted regional initiatives, including Punjab's developing Integrated Childhood Cancer Care Framework. Supported by an ongoing partnership with CanKids dating back to 2017, the framework utilizes key regional hubs such as HBCH Mullanpur, AIIMS Bathinda, and CMC Ludhiana. Alongside data and research priorities, conference sessions explored financial protection for families, equitable treatment access, civil society collaboration, and comprehensive support spanning diagnosis, survivorship, and long-term care.

Practical Implications and Verification

What is Confirmed:

• Professor Sameer Bakhshi of AIIMS Delhi presented findings at PHOSSCON 2026 regarding the growth of childhood cancer data.
• An AIIMS-led study compiled three decades of evidence across 182 studies involving 22,886 children.
• Stakeholders at the conference discussed India and the UN General Assembly's goal of reaching over 60 percent childhood cancer survival by 2030.
• Punjab is developing an Integrated Childhood Cancer Care Framework utilizing key medical hubs in the state.

What Remains Unknown:

• Exact annual metrics or localized survival percentages for individual states outside the aggregate study findings were not detailed in the available announcement.

How to Verify: Readers can review the original report and ongoing public health announcements through major news outlets referencing the IANS wire feed or consult updates directly via official medical institution communications at [ABPLive Health Coverage](https://news.abplive.com/health/childhood-cancer-survival-in-india-could-improve-over-next-five-years-says-aiims-delhi-professor-1873033).