Apollo Hospitals successfully hosted ASPIRE 2025 (Apollo Symposium on Pulmonary Interventions and Respiratory Excellence) in Hyderabad, focusing on Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD). This condition affects an estimated 4-8 lakh individuals in India, with its prevalence increasing due to factors such as air pollution, occupational hazards, and delayed diagnosis.

ASPIRE 2025 brought together pulmonologists, rheumatologists, and healthcare professionals to discuss advancements in bronchoscopic techniques, high-resolution imaging, and biomarker-driven diagnostics, which are enhancing ILD detection. Experts also explored emerging pharmacological treatments, including antifibrotic drugs and biologics, which are shaping ILD management in India.

The symposium featured participation from leading international and national medical experts, including Dr. Ganesh Raghu, Director, Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD) & Co-Director – Scleroderma Clinic, University of Washington Medical Center; Dr. Nishant Gupta, Professor of Medicine – University of Cincinnati Interstitial Lung Disease Program; Dr. Kalpalatha Guntupalli, Endowed Professor for Pulmonary Disorders, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Dr. Narasimhan R, Chennai; Dr. Deepak Talwar, New Delhi; Dr. T. Sunder, Chennai; Dr. Amita Nene, Mumbai; Dr. B.K.S. Sastry, Hyderabad; Dr. A.G.K. Gokhale, Hyderabad; and Dr. Padmanabha Shenoy, Kochi.

The event was successfully organized by Apollo’s Pulmonology Department, led by Dr. Sowmya Parimi, Dr. Vijay Kumar Chennamsetty, Dr. Sai Praveen Haranath, Dr. Srikar Darisetty, Dr. Battu Chaitanya, Dr. Chandrakanth Tarke, and Dr. Pradyut Waghrey. Discussions covered AI-driven diagnostics, cryobiopsy for tissue acquisition, pulmonary rehabilitation, lung transplantation, and remote monitoring for ILD patients.

V. Tejesvi Rao, CEO of the Telangana Region at Apollo Hospitals, emphasized Apollo’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology in respiratory care. He stated, “AI-driven imaging and biomarker-based diagnostics are revolutionizing ILD detection, enabling earlier and more precise diagnoses. At Apollo, we are dedicated to leveraging technology to improve patient outcomes and expand access to specialized ILD care across India. Accurate ILD diagnosis necessitates a combination of clinical assessment, radiological findings, and advanced bronchoscopic techniques such as cryobiopsy for tissue acquisition. These methods are essential in identifying specific ILD phenotypes and designing appropriate treatment plans.”

Dr. Ravindra Babu, Director of Medical Services, Telangana Region, Apollo Hospitals, further highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. He noted, “Chronic respiratory diseases account for over 12% of all deaths in India, with ILD being one of the most frequently misdiagnosed conditions. The discussions at ASPIRE 2025 underscored the need for cooperation among pulmonologists, radiologists, rheumatologists, and histopathologists. By integrating expertise across these disciplines, we can ensure accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans, significantly enhancing patient care and disease management.”

ASPIRE 2025 served as a vital knowledge-sharing platform, fostering collaboration among specialists to advance data-driven ILD diagnosis and targeted therapeutic interventions. With Apollo Hospitals’ dedication to evidence-based and technology-driven respiratory care, the symposium marked a significant step toward improving ILD management across India.