The 45th Annual National Conference of the Association of Radiation Oncologists of India, or AROICON, took place at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in Kolkata from November 27–30, 2025. Second only to the combined Indian Cancer Congress, which takes place every four years, it was one of the biggest oncology conferences in Asia. Over 1800 delegates and academics from India and other nations, including the UK, US, Canada, Europe, and ASEAN, attended.

With scientific seminars, keynote addresses, panel discussions, practical workshops, and case-based learning modules centered on cutting-edge technologies like AI, personalized medicine, and precision radiotherapy procedures, it functioned as a comprehensive academic platform. Additionally, the many human perspectives that are specific to the field of cancer were highlighted, such as entrepreneurship, palliative care, survivorship, and quality of life.

Radiation oncology is crucial to the management of cancer, according to Dr. Suman Mallik, Organizing Chairman of AROICON 2025. Over 50% of cancer patients require radiotherapy at some point in their disease, either as the only curative treatment, as a pre- or post-operative treatment, or even as a palliative treatment. Unfortunately, only about 35% of eligible patients could receive high-quality radiation, and less than 40% could only do so within the intended 2-month waiting period, according to a recent UK-based survey.

Dr. Jyotirup Goswami, Organizing Secretary of AROICON 2025, believes that one of the obstacles is a lack of funds for contemporary equipment. Equipment that already exists must also be maintained. A strong referral system and skilled personnel are two more essential links in the chain. The situation in India presents particular difficulties. The nation fell behind in terms of both labor and contemporary machinery a decade or two ago. Although most of these loopholes have been filled, better state and federal regulations regarding patient access and wait times are still needed.

AROICON 2025 featured a comprehensive medical exhibition that gave attendees a firsthand look at cutting-edge radiation oncology tools, technology, and breakthroughs. Additionally, it gave participants a better understanding of how developing technology will impact oncology care in the future.

Priyanka Dutta