The Hindu Editorial Topic : Changing Cancer Nomenclature: A Paradigm Shift for Improved Treatment Outcomes
GS-2 Heath or GS-3 Sci. and Tech
Question : Discuss the rationale behind the proposed revamp of cancer classification, prioritizing molecular characteristics over tissue of origin. Analyze how this shift could potentially improve treatment outcomes.
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Question : How do traditional methods of cancer treatment, such as surgery and radiation, align with the current organ-based classification system? Discuss the limitations of this approach and analyze how molecular classification could address these limitations.
Traditional Classification vs. Molecular Classification
- Traditional methods classify cancers based on the organ of origin(breast, lung, etc.).
- Treatment targets the affected organ using surgery and radiation.
- This approach may not be optimal for metastatic cancers(cancer that has spread).
The Need for Change
- Most cancer deaths are from metastasis.
- Cancers with the same origin can have different genetic mutations.
- Mutations aren’t limited to specific organs.
- Precision oncologytargets these mutations with specific drugs.
Sequential Testing and Delays:
- Example: Nivolumab trial encompassed various cancer types (melanoma, kidney) sharing a specific protein receptor target.
- Organ-based classification led to sequential trials, delaying access to effective treatments.
- Molecular classification streamlines trials, benefiting patients with shared mutations.
Benefits of Molecular Classification
- Faster access to life-saving drugs.
- Reduced time for clinical trials (fewer needed).
- Increased trial efficiency (one trial for a mutation across cancers).
- Improved patient understanding of treatment rationale.
- Reduced heterogeneity in cancer types.
Challenges and Considerations
- Requires wider availability and accessibility of genetic testing.
- Educational shift needed for medical professionals.
- Importance of establishing dedicated teams for analyzing molecular profiles.
- Wider accessibility of genetic testing is crucial for adopting this approach.
Way Forward:
- Accessible genetic testing crucial for implementing new classification.
- Relevance in regions like India necessitates wider availability of genetic tests.
- Access to genetic tests is foundational for transitioning to molecular nomenclature.
Conclusion:
- Transitioning from organ-based to molecular cancer classification promises improved treatment outcomes.
- Accessibility to genetic testing is a critical prerequisite for this transformation.
The Hindu Editorial Topic : Guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP): An Ethical Imperative
GS-3 Mains : Economy
Question : Analyze the effectiveness of the current MSP system in ensuring fair prices for farmers. How does the implementation of MSP impact farmers’ livelihoods and agricultural sustainability?
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Question : Discuss the ethical implications of not guaranteeing MSP for farmers. What are the broader societal consequences of failing to address farmer distress and perpetuating the produce and perish trap?
Context:
- Upcoming elections bring agrarian issues to the forefront.
- Farmers demand fair pricing for produce and legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP).
The Case for Guaranteed MSP:
- Food Security:MSP is crucial to maintain self-sufficiency in food production.
- Market Failure:Farmers lack bargaining power, leading to low prices.
- Remunerative Price Discovery:MSP ensures a minimum price for crops.
- Current Scenario:
- MSP announced for 23 crops (mostly food crops).
- Poor implementation – only 6% of farmers benefit (mainly wheat & paddy growers).
- Most transactions below MSP, leading to debt and farmer suicides.
- Need to ensure Swaminathan Commission’s MSP recommendation (50% profit margin).
Legal Backing for MSP:
- Articles in Indian Constitution and UN Declaration on Peasants’ Rights support MSP.
- Sugarcane farmers already benefit from statutory MSP.
- “Farmers’ Right to Guaranteed Remunerative MSP for Agricultural Commodities Bill” proposed in 2018.
Implementation Strategies:
- Amend State APMC Acts or Central Essential Commodities Act to enforce MSP.
- Improve crop planning, market intelligence, and pre-sowing measures.
- Develop post-harvest infrastructure for storage, transportation, and processing.
Addressing Concerns:
- Legal MSP won’t distort markets, it will address existing market failures.
- Effective procurement and distribution (National Food Security Act & PM-AASHA) are crucial.
Conclusion:
- Farmers currently receive only 30% of consumer price.
- Legally binding MSP essential for fair pricing and addressing farmer distress.
- Intermediaries may resist MSP guarantee due to reduced share.
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