'Miss no cure, cancer death can be deferred'

Dr Thomas Grogan is sometimes described as the Steve Jobs of cancer diagnostics.

He has invented a tissue diagnostic system that has revolutionised the way cancer is detected and treated in the western world. He was in Mumbai to talk about the technology when DNA caught up with him. Excerpts from the interview:

What does this device do that is so revolutionary?
This is an automated device, which means that you get the diagnostic results within hours. Secondly the device removes the possibility of contamination, which is a problem with traditional methods of testing. Then, the entire process is digitised and gives you a much clearer picture of the sample than is offered by traditional testing methods. Finally, it is portable and can be plugged in anywhere with a three-pin plug. So if you’re a doctor, it gives you a very high-level of information very quickly, so that you know exactly how to treat your patient.

What kind of impact has this device had in the West?
In the last 20 years death from breast cancer, which this device is especially helpful for, has done down 25% in the United States.

Does it work for cancers other than breast cancer?
Yes, it works for almost all other cancers. But in different ways. In the case of cervical cancer for example, the device can take a look at an HPV-infected sample and determine whether the infection is heading towards cancer and where the patient is on the path to cancer. Post-operation it will also give you information as to whether you need to remove more tissues or not.

Why doesn’t such medical innovation take place in India?
First off I would like to mention that in India the level of medical education is very high. But there are certain problems that hinder medical innovation. First is the sheer volume of patients per doctor. In India on average a doctor sees 80-100 patients in a day. In the US doctors would start complaining if the burden was more than 30-40 a day. Second, there is no research infrastructure in India, no research support office and no technology commercialising groups. The lack of these things severely affects research capabilities. And finally, there are hurdles of bureaucracy that stifle research.

Finally, what’s your medical philosophy?
It’s a very simple mantra. Miss no cure. The drugs and the technology has reached such a level of efficacy that death by cancer can be deferred if not completely avoided. The challenge now is to ensure that every patient who needs the cure can be identified and treated.