Respected Teachers, Mentors, Seniors and Dear Colleagues,

It is with immense pride and gratitude that I assume the role of President of the Indian Society of Oncology (ISO) - a community that represents the spirit of unity, compassion, and scientific excellence that defines our nation’s fight against cancer. I am acutely aware that I take on the responsibility previously shouldered by the legends in the field of oncology, and I assure you that I will try my very best to do justice to the role you have entrusted me with.

Over the past decades, oncology in India has evolved from fragmented subspecialties into a multidisciplinary, patient-centred field. Yet, as we look to the future, the need for integration across all oncology disciplines - medical, surgical, radiation, nuclear medicine, pediatric, pathology, molecular, palliative and preventive oncology - has never been greater. The complexity of modern cancer care demands that we move beyond silos, toward collaborative networks that enable seamless sharing of knowledge, resources, and innovation. And I truly believe that the ISO, with its diverse membership base of more than 3000 members, is uniquely positioned for this.

As a Society, we will emphasise the importance of tumor boards, cross-specialty training programs, and joint academic platforms. ISO will actively engage with national and international bodies to harmonize standards, develop consensus guidelines, and promote research-driven practice in all branches of oncology.

The greatest advances in cancer treatment have always come from collaboration - clinicians working hand in hand with scientists, researchers partnering with technologists, and caregivers supporting patients beyond the clinical encounter. My vision is to foster such interdisciplinary synergy, ensuring that every cancer patient in India receives optimal, evidence-based, and compassionate care, irrespective of geography or socioeconomic status. One of my priorities will be to try to bridge the gap between the ‘bench’ and the ‘bedside’ and to bring the cancer researchers on the same page as the cancer clinicians.

India stands at a crucial juncture where the sheer diversity of our population and cancer burden provides a unique opportunity to generate indigenous evidence. The future of oncology in our country will be shaped not by replication but by innovation - by Indian data, Indian ideas, and Indian leadership in global oncology research.

Under ISO’s banner, we aim to strengthen multicenter collaborative research, establish national cancer registries, and support translational projects that bridge the laboratory and the clinic. We will also encourage participation in international clinical trials and foster partnerships with biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and digital health sectors.

Moreover, we envision ISO as a hub of mentorship and guidance, where young researchers can find the support needed to turn curiosity into discovery and passion into progress.

The young oncologists of today are the torchbearers of tomorrow’s breakthroughs. ISO recognises their potential as innovators, educators, and leaders. Our Society will foccus to prioritise capacity building, leadership training, and opportunities for young professionals to present their research and gain international exposure.

Dedicated mentorship programs, travel fellowships, and digital learning initiatives will be launched to nurture talent from every corner of the country. We will also strengthen our collaboration with teaching hospitals, both national and international, academic institutions, and regional oncology societies to make oncology education accessible, updated, and inspiring.

As we stand on the cusp of technological transformation - from robotic surgery, carbon & proton radiation therapy, precision oncology and immunotherapy to artificial intelligence and genomic medicine - it is vital that our Society remains a platform for collective learning and national advocacy. ISO will continue to champion patient safety, affordability, and equitable access, while also serving as the voice of Indian oncologists at global forums.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all members of ISO for their unwavering dedication and support. Let us move forward - united in purpose, inspired by innovation, and bound by compassion.

Warm regards,
Prof. Dr. Hemant Malhotra, MD
President, Indian Society of Oncology (ISO)