Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre Initiates DNA and RNA-Based Next Generation Sequencing

The Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Punjab has introduced DNA and RNA-based Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) for advanced cancer diagnosis and personalized treatment in its Mohali unit. This technology enables rapid and comprehensive analysis of genetic mutations driving cancer, allowing doctors to tailor treatment plans to a patient's unique tumour profile. The service is available for both solid tumours and blood cancers, and it plays a crucial role in detecting hereditary cancer syndromes and monitoring disease progression or recurrence.

Key Takeaways:

• The Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre has initiated DNA and RNA-based Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) for advanced cancer diagnosis and personalized treatment in its Mohali unit.
• NGS enables rapid and comprehensive analysis of genetic mutations driving cancer, allowing doctors to tailor treatment plans to a patient's unique tumour profile.
• The service is available for both solid tumours and blood cancers.
• NGS plays a crucial role in detecting hereditary cancer syndromes and monitoring disease progression or recurrence.
• The hospital has introduced this powerful tool to ensure more precise and effective therapy for cancer patients.
• The service is now possible in-house, saving considerable time for both the hospital and patients.
• This addition further strengthens the hospital's commitment to offering world-class and personalized cancer care.
• Dr. Ashish Gulia, director of the hospital, noted that very few hospitals in this part of the country offer this testing facility.
• Dr. Sankalp Sancheti, head, Department of Oncopathology, described the new high-end test as a complex process, previously requiring samples to be sent to Mumbai.
• The cancer hospital is a tertiary care hospital with a 300-bed capacity, built at the cost of over Rs 660 crore by Tata Memorial Centre.
• With the introduction of NGS, the hospital functions as a 'hub' of cancer care and treatment in the region, with a 100-bedded hospital in Sangrur as its 'spoke'.

Statistics:

• The hospital has invested over Rs 660 crore in building a 300-bed capacity cancer hospital in Punjab.
• The new high-end test, DNA and RNA-based Next Generation Sequencing, is now available in-house, saving considerable time for both the hospital and patients.
• The hospital has very few peers in this part of the country, with only a few offering this testing facility.

Sources:

• "Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre initiates DNA and RNA-based Next Generation Sequencing", IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd., Copyright 2025 The Indian Express (P) Ltd.