Indo-German Workshop on Childhood Diseases

The seeds for this workshop were sown when Mr. Suboor Bakht visited Cancer Institute in 2014 from Heidelberg Centre South Asia, Heidelberg University. The desire to have a workshop was based on the interests of German clinicians and scientists and the Indian doctors from major centres. After some discussion the themes for the workshop were finalised between Acute lymphoblastic leukemia and myeloid leukemia in Children. In addition, osteosarcoma and disorders of iron metabolism were added. These four areas were to be discussed among the participants over two days. It was planned to have the workshop from 26 to 28 October. Scientists and clinicians who were active in these areas of research in India were invited to participate in this workshop. Subsequently once a program was agreed between Indian and German doctors, funding was secured to conduct the workshop through the auspices of The German House for Research and Innovation (DWIH), New Delhi. 

 

The main objectives of this workshop were two fold. Firstly, to bring together doctors and scientists from India whose research interests were in the above areas to a common platform. The workshop would also provide an opportunity to interact with German doctors and scientists. Secondly, to identify potential areas for collaboration between the Indian and German colleagues that is mutually beneficial. Acute leukemia is an important problem in children as is osteosarcoma. Although long term survival is good in India, it can be improved further to achieve parity with the Western countries. Disorders of Iron metabolism are also an important problem in India, due to nutritional deficiency and also as a consequence of transfusion for haemoglobinopathies. 

 

This workshop was successful in ensuring participation of key scientists and clinicians from all over India. The clinical data from various parts of India on leukemia, osteosarcoma, iron metabolism demonstrated the diversity within India and also the differences with the West particularly Germany. There are potential questions that can be addressed given the interests between the Indian and German scientists and clinicians. A consultation document has been prepared by Dr. Andreas Kulozik for discussion amongst Cancer Institute, Tata and AIIMS. Although disorders of iron metabolism are not strictly within cancer research, they do influence the microenvironment. Dr. Martina Muckenthaler and her colleagues from CMC,  Vellore  have been greatly benefited from this workshop and plan to collaborate further in the future. 

 

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