Page 85 - Essentia Vol 5 Issue 1

VOL V | ISSUE I | 5 AUGUST 2026 VOL V | ISSUE I | 5 AUGUST 2026
A BIANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF ASSAM CANCER CARE FOUNDATION A BIANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF ASSAM CANCER CARE FOUNDATION

and previous treatment, radiation protocols From Records
reflect surgical and systemic therapy details, and to Institutional
follow-up imaging or biomarker assessments are
interpreted in context. Learning
At SCI Guwahati, the MRD supports this
coordination through a daily workflow. Ê Tracks case volumes, treatments and
Appointment files for upcoming outpatient visits outcomes.
are retrieved across oncology departments Ê Supports benchmarking and performance
and sent to the respective units before patient reporting.
consultations. This ensures that treating physicians Ê Enables academic research and
have updated information before planning or publication.
delivering care, improving coordination and
reducing administrative delays. Ê Informs planning, resource allocation and
quality improvement.
Maintaining cancer registries and
treatment outcome tracking
A key MRD function is the establishment and
maintenance of hospital-based cancer registries
(HBCRs). These registries record treatment
outcomes, response rates, recurrence-free
survival, overall survival and treatment-related
toxicities. They support retrospective analysis,
quality benchmarking, protocol refinement,
continuous improvement and identification of
institutional strengths and gaps. topography and morphology. At SCI Guwahati,
At SCI Guwahati, the MRD works with a dedicated the MRD maintains ICD-10 coding and works with
HBCR team to ensure accurate data capture, the HBCR team to ensure proper ICD-O coding.
standardised coding and timely reporting. This The HBCR also supports mandatory monthly
collaboration has strengthened the institute’s reporting to government authorities and tracks
capacity for clinical research and outcome patient status for data completeness. This shared
analysis. responsibility ensures administrative accuracy and
cancer-specific epidemiological rigour.
Coding and regulatory compliance
Modern cancer registries require two coding Medico-legal documentation and
systems: ICD-10 for general diagnostic and transparency
procedural classification, and ICD-O for cancer Comprehensive medical records protect both
patients and institutions by documenting informed
consent, treatment rationale, clinical reasoning
and patient communication. In cancer care, where
treatment decisions may involve toxicity risks
and uncertain outcomes, such documentation is
especially important.
At SCI Guwahati, the MRD maintains dedicated
medico-legal files with strict confidentiality
protocols. It follows transparent procedures for
authorised disclosure of medical information while

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