There is increasing role of molecular oncology in lung cancers. There is also need for increased awareness on molecular oncology and therapeutic implications among pulmonologists. Immunotherapy and targeted therapies have potential complications like pneumonitis and interstitial lung diseases. Advances in pulmonology like rapid onsite evaluation can potentially decrease the delay in molecular diagnosis as the tissue can be send early without waiting for conventional histological diagnosis.1Role of artificial intelligence in lung cancer for screening and early diagnosis is emerging of which oncologists need to be aware.
In October 2024, the national conference of medical oncologists was held in New Delhi (ISMPOCON), and in November 2024, the national conference of pulmonologists (NAPCON) was held at Coimbatore. Analysis of lung cancer dedicated hours in the total sessions of these conferences, showed that in ISMPOCON, out of total 110 hours of academic discussions, 9 (8%) was dedicated to lung cancer. Among the faculty invited, there was only one pulmonologist. In NAPCON 2024, total hours of lung cancer sessions were 8 hours (4%) out of 216 hours. The number of oncologists in the invited faculty was 0. Sessions on artificial intelligence and nanotechnology in lung cancer were highlights of this conference.
Through this letter, we wish to emphasize the need for better collaboration and scientific interactions between the oncologists and pulmonologists in large scientific meetings like annual conferences where majority of the respective society members participate to improve scientific exchange of relevant clinical information and even lead on to research collaborations. Mutual invitation to clinical experts in pulmonology and oncology to talk regarding pertinent aspects of lung cancer will help in joint efforts to find solutions to the local challenges in lung cancer.
