Jammu, March 12:
In a landmark achievement for healthcare in the Union Territory, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu has successfully performed its first-ever interstitial brachytherapy procedure. The high-precision treatment was administered to a patient battling tongue cancer, marking a new era for oncology services in the region.
A Precision Strike Against Cancer
Unlike traditional external radiation, interstitial brachytherapy involves the surgical placement of specialized catheters directly into the tumor. This allows a radioactive source to deliver targeted doses from within the cancerous tissue itself.
The benefits of this advanced technique include:
-
Pinpoint Accuracy: High radiation doses are delivered directly to the tumor site.
-
Spares Healthy Tissue: Minimizes exposure to surrounding structures like the jaw and salivary glands.
-
Improved Recovery: Higher success rates in preserving organ function and appearance.
Led by National Pioneers
The complex procedure was conducted under the direct guidance of Prof. (Dr.) D.N. Sharma, Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Jammu. Dr. Sharma is a nationally acclaimed radiation oncologist and the current President of the Indian Brachytherapy Society, bringing decades of expertise to the Jammu campus.
The Multi-Disciplinary Success Team:
| Department | Key Personnel & Roles | Affiliation |
| Leadership |
Prof. (Dr.) D.N. Sharma (Executive Director & CEO) |
AIIMS Jammu |
| Radiotherapy |
Prof. (Dr.) Shabab Lalit Angurana (HOD) Dr. Girija Sharma (Assistant Professor) |
AIIMS Jammu |
| ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) |
Dr. Darwin Kaushal (Additional Professor) |
AIIMS Jammu |
| Medical Physics & Radiation Safety |
Dr. Seema Sharma (Senior Medical Physicist & RSO) |
National Cancer Institute (NCI), AIIMS New Delhi |
| Medical Physics Support |
Mr. Shivam Ms. Monika |
AIIMS Jammu |
Ending the “Travel Burden” for Patients
Until now, patients in Jammu & Kashmir requiring this level of specialized radiation often had to travel to Delhi or Chandigarh, incurring massive costs and logistical strain.
“This development represents an important step toward strengthening comprehensive cancer care and bringing state-of-the-art radiation therapy closer to patients in the Union Territory,” the Institute stated in an official release.
The successful introduction of this service at AIIMS Jammu ensures that world-class cancer treatment is now available locally for residents of J&K and neighboring states.
The Bottom Line
This milestone solidifies AIIMS Jammu’s position as a premier medical hub in North India. By integrating surgical oncology, radiotherapy, and medical physics, the institute is effectively closing the gap in advanced cancer care.
