Jammu, June 28: AIIMS Jammu has achieved a major milestone in cancer care by successfully performing Jammu and Kashmir’s first-ever interstitial brachytherapy procedure for a 26-year-old woman diagnosed with Stage II vulvar cancer, a rare form of gynaecological malignancy.
According to AIIMS Jammu, vulvar cancer accounts for only about four percent of all gynaecological cancers and is particularly uncommon among young women. The patient’s case was thoroughly evaluated by a multidisciplinary tumour board comprising specialists from Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radiation Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Radiodiagnosis and Pathology before an individualized treatment plan was formulated.
The highly specialised procedure was carried out by the Department of Radiation Oncology under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) D.N. Sharma, Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Jammu. Interstitial brachytherapy involves placing radioactive sources directly within or near the tumour, enabling precise delivery of radiation while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
Doctors said the advanced treatment allowed the patient to avoid a mutilating surgical procedure, an important consideration for younger patients. The organ-preserving approach offers the potential for effective disease control while maintaining quality of life.
Prof. Sharma described the procedure as a significant step toward expanding access to advanced, organ-preserving cancer therapies in the Union Territory. He said the achievement reflects AIIMS Jammu’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art oncology services and reducing the need for patients to travel outside Jammu and Kashmir for specialised cancer treatment.
