“Varian is committed to optimizing patient care throughout the entire cancer care journey”

Malti Sachdev, Senior Vice President & Head-Varian, Siemens Healthineers shares insights on the latest tech trends within cancer care space in India and the contribution of her company towards increased accessibility of diagnostic solutions.

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Malti Sachdev brings over 25 years of healthcare industry experience. Known for her strategic insight, business acumen, and dedication to patient care, Malti has earned a reputation as a highly respected leader.
In an exclusive interview with Rahul Koul, Chief Editor, BioVoice News, Malti Sachdev, Senior Vice President & Head-Varian, Siemens Healthineers, shares insights on the latest tech trends within cancer care space in India and the contribution of her company towards increased accessibility of diagnostic solutions.

BV LogoBeing a Siemens Healthineers company, how are combined efforts of Varian and Siemens Healthineers contributing to advancements in efficient cancer care? 
Varian, a Siemens Healthineers company, is dedicated to leading an intelligent fight against cancer. We are global leaders in radiation therapy, a cancer treatment that involves killing cancerous cells by exposing them to high-intensity energy waves. It has evolved to deliver targeted treatments with incredible precision, using the latest technology to prevent damaging healthy cells and nearby vital organs.
With the right treatment, cancer patients can live and survive longer, allowing them to lead more fulfilling lives. We employ a diverse team of caring and inspired people committed to a vision of a ‘world without fear of cancer.’  Collaborating with Siemens Healthineers allows us to address the entire cancer care continuum, from in-vitro diagnostics and best-in-class imaging to therapies like interventional radiology and radiotherapy and follow-up care. We are working on integrating Siemens Healthineers diagnostic products with Varian therapy equipment through a seamless interface. We want to improve efficiencies and enhance patient outcomes at every point of treatment. Together, we are pushing boundaries of innovation to develop a unified suite of solutions and build a cancer care ecosystem.
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What specific capabilities and solutions is Varian providing to optimize patient care throughout the entire cancer care journey? 
Varian is committed to optimizing patient care throughout the entire cancer care journey by offering a comprehensive suite of highly innovative advanced radiation therapy techniques and technology to India. Our solutions offer image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), using advanced imaging techniques to create a more detailed picture of the tumor and surrounding healthy tissue. This allows more accurate targeting and minimizes radiation exposure to healthy areas. Varian’s therapy system which is a revolutionary Adaptive Radiation Therapy solution enables clinicians to tailor treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs. This system adjusts treatment in real time based on a patient’s response, leading to a more personalized approach to care. 
Our tools for data analysis and treatment planning contribute to streamlined workflows, reducing overall treatment times and optimizing resource allocation. Additionally, advancements in technology allow for the potential delivery of effective treatments in fewer sessions, when clinically appropriate. Varian, thus, empowers healthcare professionals to deliver the best possible care to their patients, improving treatment outcomes and the overall patient experience.
“Radiotherapy has undergone significant advancements in recent years, with a major focus on increasing precision and minimizing side effects.”
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How has radiotherapy evolved in recent years?
Radiotherapy has undergone significant advancements in recent years, with a major focus on increasing precision and minimizing side effects. The use of techniques such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) has enhanced precision, allow for more targeted treatment while sparing surrounding healthy tissue, and minimizing side effects. Improvement in imaging technology, like image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) enables real-time imaging during treatment, enhancing accuracy. Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) are highly focused techniques that deliver high doses of radiation in a few treatments, ideal for small, well-defined tumors.
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What are some latest advancements in radiation therapy that Varian is utilizing to innovate their solutions?
With the breakthrough of adaptive radiation therapy, cancer care has been evolving. This technology allows for personalized treatment plans that can be adjusted in real-time during the treatment course, accounting for tumor and patient movement. Varian leverages adaptive radiotherapy in our Ethos treatment system integrating real-time tumor tracking with treatment delivery, enabling continuous beam adaptation for improved dose conformity. This advanced technology makes radiotherapy more accessible and practical for clinics. 
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How can we improve the access to cancer care in India? What is the role of Radiation Therapy in comprehensive cancer care?
India faces a growing cancer burden, but many patients struggle to access quality care.  Nearly 60% of cancer patients require radiation therapy (RT) as part of their treatment plan, but only around 20% receive it in India. This disparity is further amplified by the uneven distribution of treatment facilities. There’s a higher concentration of radiation therapy units in urban areas compared to rural regions. This forces many rural patients to travel long distances for treatment. This impacts their ability to complete therapy or maintain livelihoods, which can ultimately affect their chances of recovery.
To bridge this gap, collaborative approaches like Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and the Hub-and-Spoke model hold promise. PPPs involve collaboration between government and private healthcare providers. This collaboration can help expand infrastructure, enhance service delivery, and potentially reduce treatment costs. The Hub-and-Spoke model envisions specialized cancer care centers (hubs) in urban areas supported by satellite centers (spokes) in rural regions. This network can ensure more equitable access to high-quality care for all patients, regardless of location.
By bridging the barriers between urban and rural healthcare facilities, interconnectivity both inside and outside the hospital can guarantee prompt diagnosis and treatment. Clinical professionals can provide accurate and effective care with the help of automated workflows and AI-assisted planning, which simplify complicated processes. By offering real-time system monitoring and predictive maintenance, minimizing downtime, and guaranteeing continuous treatment, remote servicing further improves accessibility. Integrating these developments can improve cancer treatment’s effectiveness, scalability, and accessibility for patients all throughout India.
Radiation therapy plays a vital role in effectively managing and controlling various cancers. It can be used with curative intent to eradicate tumors entirely in some cases. Additionally, radiation therapy serves as a palliative measure to reduce symptoms and improve a patient’s quality of life. It’s often used in conjunction with chemotherapy and surgery to create a comprehensive treatment plan. Integrating radiation therapy into cancer care plans is crucial for offering patients a wider range of treatment options, potentially leading to better outcomes and improved survival rates.

*This interview was first published in the July-August 2025 edition of BioVoice eMagazine.