Hyderabad, Apr 11th: The prestigious two-day international conference, ISDE India Edition 2026, hosted by the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus (ISDE) in association with Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute (BIACH&RI), was inaugurated today by Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna, Chairman & Managing Trustee, NBTRMCF, at The Westin Hyderabad, Madhapur. Being held in India for the first time, the conference underscores the country’s growing prominence in esophageal cancer research, innovation, and clinical expertise.
Scheduled on April 10–11, the conference has brought together over 150 oncologists from across the globe, including experts from Canada, Singapore, Japan, Australia, and the USA, alongside leading Indian clinicians. The event also coincides with the Silver Jubilee of BIACH & RI, one of India’s premier cancer care institutions.
Speaking on the occasion Chief Guest Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna said, this is a historic occasion, for this is the very first Indian Edition of the ISDE, and we are deeply humbled to be your hosts on this landmark stage. What makes this moment even more meaningful is that this year, the Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute celebrates its Silver Jubilee — 25 years of unwavering commitment to cancer care, research, and academic excellence. Two milestones. One powerful convergence. For a quarter of a century, this institution has stood on a singular belief, that world-class cancer treatment must not be a privilege of the few, but an accessible right for every Indian. Our pursuit of research has never been forced or performative, it has been organic, purposeful, and deeply intertwined with our clinical mission. Because when evidence drives practice, patients receive not just treatment, they receive the best possible chance at life. This places us at a unique and extraordinary crossroads — one of the highest-volume oncology centres in the country, advancing surgical training and innovation, while continuing to serve as a non-profit institution committed to giving back to society. We do not merely practice medicine here. We practice a promise, a promise to fight disease with rigour, to restore hope with compassion, and to stand beside every patient with both science and humanity.
Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna said, this conference will be far more than a series of presentations. It will be a crucible of ideas — ideas that challenge the way we think, innovations that redefine the way we operate, and collaborations that will carry our field into a future none of us can yet fully imagine. India today stands at a defining moment in global oncology. The depth of our clinical experience, the scale of our patient volumes, the brilliance of our talent, and the tenacity of our spirit — these are not just strengths. They are responsibilities. We are no longer merely participants in the global medical conversation. We are shaping it. And events like ISDE India Edition 2026 are proof of exactly that.
Esophageal cancer remains a highly aggressive and underdiagnosed malignancy, with India bearing a significant share of the global burden. Linked to risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol, GERD, poor diet, and, in India, hot beverages and malnutrition, the disease is witnessing rising incidence in states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with higher prevalence in the North-East and Kashmir. Treatment spans surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted or immunotherapy, supported by advances in diagnostics and minimally invasive techniques.
Smt Nara Brahmani, Trust Board Member, BIACH&RI; said, the Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital, was founded with a very clear and compassionate vision inspired by our founder and my beloved grandfather NT Rama Rao garu to make quality cancer care accessible to all, irrespective of their background, social status or economic status. Over the years that vision has evolved into a living mission and that’s what you see 25 years later, combining clinical expertise with empathy, research with responsibility and innovation with inclusivity. As we mark the Silver Jubilee of the Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital, I find myself thinking less about where we are today and more about what we need to achieve in the next 25 years. India is at a defining moment in Oncology, we have the clinical volumes and the talent, we have the hunger to learn from the wisdom drawn from several complicated cases and the diverse patients and populations. May ISDE India Edition 2026, inspire meaningful dialogue, foster lasting collaborations and spark innovations that will shape the future of care.
ISDE India Edition 2026 is a defining moment that strengthens India’s position in the global fight against esophageal cancer by bringing world-class expertise to Hyderabad, said Dr. T. Subramanyeswara Rao, Medical Director & Chief Surgical Oncologist, BIACH & RI and President, IASO. He added, we are here with a spirit of enquiry to treat a difficult and dreadful disease, we understand that this disease needs to be treated differently in different parts of the world and that’s why we are all here, hope you will go back better than you were.
Prof. Lorenzo Ferri, President, ISDE & Director, Division of Thoracic & Upper GI Surgery, McGill University, Canada; said, our shared objective is clear, to improve outcomes for patients with esophageal cancer, one of the most aggressive malignancies. Its treatment is equally intensive and often toxic, leaving little margin for error but significant scope for improvement. The path forward lies in collaboration, by working together, and openly exchanging ideas and experiences, we can meaningfully advance patient care.
Dr. C.S. Pramesh, Director, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai; said, behind every successful organisation is strong leadership that shapes its journey. Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital stands as a shining example—since its founding 25 years ago, it has thrived under visionary guidance, and continues to do so with the dynamic leadership of Balakrishna garu and a new generation of leaders. Dr. Subramanyeswara Rao’s legacy lies in building a robust, self-sustaining team over the years. The true mark of his leadership is evident today—the institution runs seamlessly, strengthened by the capable hands of the team he so thoughtfully nurtured.
Distinguished Guests Shri JSR Prasad, Treasurer & Trust Board Member, BIACH&RI; said, hosting of the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus, for the first time in India, is a landmark moment for the oncology community in India. This has been earned by the country through its decades of relentless clinical work and sheer scale of outpatient experience. Today the world’s most respected medical societies now look to us as leaders in the domain. Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital, has strived through the quarter century to staying true to our founding principle of world class cancer treatment not being a privilege of few, it is a right of every patient in this country deserves. I am proud to say that as a non-profit institution we have achieved all this while continuing to make cancer care accessible to patients regardless of their economic background. The balance between excellence and equity is what defines the spirit behind Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital.
The conference will spotlight cutting-edge advancements, including minimally invasive and robotic esophagectomy, Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) for organ preservation, advanced multimodal therapies, and translational research enabling more precise, targeted treatments.
The distinguished international faculty includes Prof. Lorenzo Ferri, Canada; Dr. Ken Kato and Dr. Hiroyuki Daiko, Japan; Dr. Edward Cheong, Singapore; Dr. Cuong Duong, Australia; and Dr. Steven Lin, USA. Leading Indian experts such as Dr. T. Subramanyeswara Rao, along with Dr. C.S. Pramesh, will provide perspectives tailored to the Indian context. The conference is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing collaboration, knowledge exchange, and clinical excellence in the fight against esophageal cancer.
Distinguished Guests Shri JSR Prasad, Treasurer & Trust Board Member, BIACH&RI; Smt Nara Brahmani, Trust Board Member, BIACH&RI; Prof. Lorenzo Ferri, President, ISDE & Director, Division of Thoracic & Upper GI Surgery, McGill University, Canada; Dr. C.S. Pramesh, Director, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai; Dr. T. Subramanyeshwar Rao, Medical Director, BIACH&RI; President, IASO; President‑Elect, Global Forum of Cancer Surgeons; Dr. Senthil Rajappa, Head of Medical Oncology, BIACH&RI; Dr. Ken Kato, President-Elect, ISDE & National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Dr. Steven Lin, Radiation Oncologist, MD Anderson, Houston USA; Dr. Hiroyuki Daiko, Esophageal Surgeon, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Dr. Edward Cheong, Upper GI Surgeon, Panasia Surgery, Singapore; & Dr. Cuong Duong, Upper GI Surgeon, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia and others graced the inauguration.
