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Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Revolutionising disease's treatment: Twin study identifies novel risk genes, molecular subtypes in thyroid cancer among Indians
In a significant leap for cancer research and precision medicine, a twin Indian study has decoded the complex genetic architecture of thyroid cancer — one of the most common endocrine malignancies. Researchers from Tata Memorial Centre and the Department of Genetics, University of Delhi, South Campus, have shed new light on how thyroid cancer behaves in Indian patients, identifying novel risk genes and molecular subtypes that could revolutionise diagnosis and treatment. Both the studies were published back-to-back in 'JCO Global Oncology.' The research is spearheaded by graduate student Vaishakhi Trivedi under the mentorship of Dr Kumar Prabhash and Dr Amit Dutt. 'Our work not only adds data to global cancer databases — it also redefines what is known about thyroid cancer in the Indian population,' Professor Dutt said. The first study concerns papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), which accounts for 80-85 per cent of all thyroid cancer cases in India. This is considered treatable. The team analysed DNA from 100 Indian patients and found mutations in the DUOX2 gene found in nearly nine per cent of cases. 'This gene, previously known for its role in thyroid hormone production, now appears to be a genetic red flag for recurrence and poor prognosis. This is the first time DUOX2 has been implicated as a predisposing factor in PTC. It offers an opportunity for early detection and potentially life-saving interventions,' Prof Dutt said. The study even identified two different subtypes associated with aggressive cancer and high recurrence. The BRAF-RAS-driven subtype makes up 62 per cent of cases and is identified by mutations that are often tied to more aggressive tumour behaviour. The iBR (Independent of BRAF-RAS) subtype is a newly-defined category. 'This group lacks traditional mutations but shows alarming signs of treatment resistance and high recurrence. It is marked by alterations in genes like SMAD4 and TG — a previously uncharted territory for thyroid oncologists,' said Dr Prabhash. This dual classification signals a new era of care where treatments are tailored to the patient's genetic profile rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. While PTC is common and often curable, anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is its deadly cousin — rare, fast-moving and resistant to nearly every treatment in the book. In a separate study, the research team examined 68 samples and found mutations in the THRA gene in 11 per cent of Indian patients with ATC. This is in sharp contrast to Caucasian datasets. 'THRA, a gene tied to thyroid hormone signalling, appears to be a key player in cellular plasticity or the process by which cancer cells morph, lose their identity and become more aggressive. THRA mutations are like flipping the switch. They make the cancer harder to kill but they also give us a target. That's a rare silver lining,' Dr Prabhash explained. These findings offer practical methods of how thyroid cancers are diagnosed, treated and managed in Indian patients. 'Patients with DUOX2 mutations could be monitored proactively, much like BRCA testing in breast cancer. This may help in diagnosing aggressive PTC and ATC early and prevent a relapse,' Prof Dutt said. Researchers also added that therapies that restore THRA function may finally give ATC patients a fighting chance. 'We need a personalised roadmap for thyroid cancer. With the promise of advanced tools like CRISPR gene editing and small-molecule inhibitors, these discoveries could soon migrate from the lab bench to the bedside,' the researchers said. 'Genetic profiling should be as routine as a biopsy,' said Vaishakhi Trivedi. 'We have the science. Now we need the systems to support it.' Anuradha Mascarenhas is a journalist with The Indian Express and is based in Pune. A senior editor, Anuradha writes on health, research developments in the field of science and environment and takes keen interest in covering women's issues. With a career spanning over 25 years, Anuradha has also led teams and often coordinated the edition. ... Read More
Indian Express
23-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Indian study finds what makes thyroid cancer aggressive, recurrent and treatment-resistant: What this means for precision therapy
In a significant leap for cancer research and precision medicine, an Indian study has decoded the complex genetic architecture of thyroid cancer — one of the most common endocrine malignancies. Researchers from Tata Memorial Centre and the University of Delhi, South Campus, have shed new light on how thyroid cancer behaves in Indian patients, identifying novel risk genes and molecular subtypes that could revolutionise diagnosis and treatment. Published in 'JCO Global Oncology,' the research is spearheaded by graduate student Vaishakhi Trivedi under the mentorship of Dr Kumar Prabhash and Dr Amit Dutt. 'Our work not only adds data to global cancer databases —it also redefines what is known about thyroid cancer in the Indian population,' Dr Dutt said. The rogue gene in the most common thyroid cancer The study concerns papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), which accounts for 80-85 per cent of all thyroid cancer cases in India. This is considered treatable. The team analysed DNA from 100 Indian patients and found mutations in the DUOX2 gene found in nearly nine per cent of cases. 'This gene, previously known for its role in thyroid hormone production, now appears to be a genetic red flag for recurrence and poor prognosis. This is the first time DUOX2 has been implicated as a predisposing factor in PTC. It offers an opportunity for early detection and potentially life-saving interventions,' Dr Dutt said. Study uncovers two distinct molecular subtypes The study even identified two different subtypes associated with aggressive cancer and high recurrence. The BRAF-RAS-driven subtype makes up 62 per cent of cases and is identified by mutations that are often tied to more aggressive tumour behaviour. The iBR (Independent of BRAF-RAS) subtype is a newly-defined category. 'This group lacks traditional mutations but shows alarming signs of treatment resistance and high recurrence. It is marked by alterations in genes like SMAD4 and TG — a previously uncharted territory for thyroid oncologists,' said Dr Dutt. This dual classification signals a new era of care where treatments are tailored to the patient's genetic profile rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Cracking the genetic code of an aggressive form of thyroid cancer While PTC is common and often curable, anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is its deadly cousin — rare, fast-moving and resistant to nearly every treatment in the book. The research team examined 68 samples and found mutations in the THRA gene in 11 per cent of Indian patients. This is in sharp contrast to Caucasian datasets. 'THRA, a gene tied to thyroid hormone signalling, appears to be a key player in cellular plasticity or the process by which cancer cells morph, lose their identity and become more aggressive. THRA mutations are like flipping the switch. They make the cancer harder to kill but they also give us a target. That's a rare silver lining,' Dr Prabhash explained. What this means for Indian patients — and the world These findings offer practical methods of how thyroid cancers are diagnosed, treated and managed in Indian patients. 'Patients with DUOX2 mutations could be monitored proactively, much like BRCA testing in breast cancer. This may help in diagnosing aggressive PTC early and prevent a relapse,' Dr Dutt said. Researchers also added that therapies that restore THRA function may finally give ATC patients a fighting chance. 'We need a personalised roadmap for thyroid cancer. With the promise of advanced tools like CRISPR gene editing and small-molecule inhibitors, these discoveries could soon migrate from the lab bench to the bedside,' the researchers said. 'Genetic profiling should be as routine as a biopsy,' said Vaishakhi Trivedi. 'We have the science. Now we need the systems to support it.' Anuradha Mascarenhas is a journalist with The Indian Express and is based in Pune. A senior editor, Anuradha writes on health, research developments in the field of science and environment and takes keen interest in covering women's issues. With a career spanning over 25 years, Anuradha has also led teams and often coordinated the edition. ... Read More
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Dedicated to cancer care, 3 Pb hospitals battle staff crunch
1 2 3 4 Chandigarh: Even as Punjab battles a growing cancer burden, three premier institutions designated for cancer care in the state are operating under severe manpower shortages, seriously undermining service delivery despite significant financial and infrastructural investment. Punjab has recorded a consistent increase in cancer cases. According to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Cancer Registry Programme (ICMR–NCRP), the estimated number of cases rose from 39,521 in 2021 to 42,288 in 2024, a 7% increase. The incidence is projected to reach 49,922 by 2026, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen oncology services across the state. In response to a question raised by Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, the Union health ministry stated that cancer care infrastructure in Punjab has been expanded under the Strengthening of Tertiary Care Cancer Facilities scheme. A State Cancer Institute (SCI) was established at Government Medical College, Amritsar, and a Tertiary Care Cancer Centre (TCCC) is functional at civil hospital, Fazilka. While radiotherapy and chemotherapy services are available in Amritsar, Fazilka currently offers only chemotherapy. Also, the Tata Memorial Centre has operationalised two dedicated cancer care facilities -- the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital (HBCH) in Sangrur and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (HBCH&RC) in New Chandigarh. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa Prices in Dubai Might Be Lower Than You Think! Villa for sale in Dubai | Search Ads Learn More Undo Severe Staffing Shortages Across Facilities Despite these developments, staffing remains critically inadequate. At Government Medical College, Amritsar, only 19 out of 43 sanctioned posts are filled, with 24 (55.81%) lying vacant. This includes all senior resident positions in radiotherapy, most posts in surgical oncology, and the entire Nuclear Medicine and Medical Oncology departments. At civil hospital, Fazilka, only 4 out of 28 sanctioned posts (14.28%) have been filled. The hospital lacks professors and associate professors in radiotherapy and surgical oncology, and preventive oncology is short of an assistant professor. The situation is equally dire at the Tata Memorial Centre-run facilities. Out of 637 sanctioned posts at HBCH Sangrur and HBCH&RC New Chandigarh, 393 (61.69%) are vacant. This includes major gaps in medical, scientific, technical, and nursing staff -- 223 nursing posts remain unfilled out of a sanctioned strength of 340. Funding and Patient Support Measures The Union health ministry reported that Government Medical College, Amritsar, received a total sanction of Rs 114.61 crore, with Rs 55.88 crore released. Civil hospital, Fazilka was allotted Rs 44.71 crore, with Rs 20.12 crore disbursed. The Tata Memorial Centre's two cancer hospitals were sanctioned Rs 663.71 crore, of which Rs 602.23 crore has already been utilised. To ease the financial burden on patients, the Mukh Mantri Punjab Cancer Rahat Kosh Scheme (MMPCRKS) offers assistance of up to Rs 1.5 lakh per cancer patient through empanelled hospitals. Under Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), families receive Rs 5 lakh per year for secondary and tertiary care treatment. The scheme has also been extended to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income. To reduce out-of-pocket expenses, the government has launched initiatives like the National Free Drugs and Diagnostics Services, Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJP), and AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment). The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has capped ceiling prices of 131 scheduled anti-cancer formulations and fixed retail prices for 28 others. Customs duty has been waived, and GST has been reduced from 12% to 5% on three anti-cancer drugs in 2024–25.
Indian Express
17-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Homi Bhabha centre begins DNA, RNA-based technology for advanced cancer diagnosis
Bringing cutting-edge technology to patient care, the Department of Oncopathology at Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Punjab has initiated DNA and RNA-based Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) for advanced cancer diagnosis and personalised treatment in its New Chandigarh unit in Mohali. NGS is a molecular diagnostic technology that enables rapid and comprehensive analysis of DNA and RNA, which helps to identify genetic mutations that drive cancer. This powerful tool allows doctors to tailor treatment plans based on a patient's unique tumour profile, ensuring more precise and effective therapy. It also plays a crucial role in detecting hereditary cancer syndromes and monitoring disease progression or recurrence. With this addition, the hospital further strengthens its commitment to offering world-class and personalised cancer care. The service is now available for patients with both solid tumours and blood cancers. Dr Ashish Gulia, director of the hospital, stated that very few hospitals in this part of the country offer this testing facility. He highlighted how cancer treatment is becoming increasingly specialised. In the past, there were only a few types of chemotherapy and treatments, and cancer categories were limited. Taking lung cancer as an example, he explained that previously, there were just two types. Now, by checking the genetic profile of lung cancer, doctors can determine its specific type. This test offers two main benefits. Firstly, it helps identify which cancers are treatable and the ones incurable. This allows medical professionals to focus their efforts effectively, rather than applying the same energy to all types of cancer. Second, the test reveals specific tumours that can be treated in a specialised way, leading to better treatment outcomes. Comparing past and present technology, Gulia noted that a decade ago, a lung cancer diagnosis often meant a bleak prognosis. However, with NGS, it is now possible to treat such patients much more effectively. Dr Sankalp Sancheti, head, Department of Oncopathology, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, described the new high-end test as a complex process, and previously, samples for this test had to be sent to Mumbai. Now, with the facility available in-house, it will save considerable time for both the hospital and patients, thereby improving convenience. 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, an aided institute under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. The hospital functions like a 'hub' of cancer care and treatment in the region, with the 100-bedded hospital in Sangrur functioning as its 'spoke' as part of the hub and spoke model.
Hindustan Times
08-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Tata Memorial Centre Recruitment 2025: Applications open for various Medical Officer posts, know eligibility & more
The Tata Memorial Centre is accepting applications for various Medical Officer posts at the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, New Chandigarh/Sangrur, Punjab. Eligible and interested candidates can submit their applications on the official website at Tata Memorial Centre Recruitment 2025: Direct link to apply for various Medical Officer posts is given here. Check eligibility and other important details, The application process began June 18, 2025 and will conclude on July 16, 2025., up to 5:30 PM. Also read: NHAI Recruitment 2025: Apply for 30 posts of Dy General Manager (Technical), check eligibility, pay scale & more Notably, the recruitment is being conducted for the following posts: 1. MEDICAL OFFICER 'D' (ANESTHESIOLOGY) Number of posts: 2 Level of Pay: Rs.67,700/- Level 11, Cell 1 + Allowances applicable Age limit: 40 years Education Qualification: M.D. / D.N.B. (Anesthesia) or equivalent postgraduate degree in Anesthesiology recognized by National Medical Commission. Experience: 1 year post M.D. / D.N.B. experience in Anesthesia in a Teaching Hospital. Additionally, experience 'in Critical Care and Pain Management is desirable. Academic designation: Academic designation such as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, etc., will be conferred to candidates after joining TMC, as per the National Medical Commission norms 2. MEDICAL OFFICER 'D' (BIOCHEMISTRY) Number of posts: 1 Level of Pay: Rs.67,700/- Level 11, Cell 1 + Allowances applicable Age limit: 40 Years Education Qualification: M.D. / D.N.B. (Biochemistry). Experience: 1 year post M.D. / D.N.B. experience in Clinical Biochemistry preferably in teaching Institute. Academic designation: Academic designation such as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, etc., will be conferred to candidates after joining TMC, as per the National Medical Commission norms. Also read: DFCCIL Admit Card 2025 released at direct link to download CBT 1 hall tickets here 3. MEDICAL OFFICER 'D' (MEDICAL ONCOLOGY) Number of posts: 2 Level of Pay: Rs.67,700/- Level 11, Cell 1 + Allowances applicable Age limit: 40 Years Education Qualification: M.D. / D.N.B. (Medicine) or equivalent postgraduate degree recognized by National Medical Commission. Experience: 1 year post M.D. / D.N.B. experience in Medical Oncology in a teaching hospital. Academic designation: Academic designation such as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, etc., will be conferred to candidates after joining TMC, as per the National Medical Commission norms. 4. MEDICAL OFFICER 'D' (PATHOLOGY) Number of posts: 1 Level of Pay: Rs.67,700/- Level 11, Cell 1 + Allowances applicable Age limit: 40 Years Education Qualification: M.D. / D.N.B. (Pathology) or equivalent postgraduate degree in pathology recognized by National Medical Commission. Experience: Minimum 1-year post M.D / D.N.B. experience in Pathology in a Teaching Hospital. Additionally, experience in Onco-Pathology, Cytology, Haematopathology, or Molecular Pathology is desirable. Academic designation: Academic designation such as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, etc., will be conferred to candidates after joining TMC, as per the National Medical Commission norms. 5. MEDICAL OFFICER 'D' (SURGICAL ONCOLOGY) Number of posts: 1 Level of Pay: Rs.67,700/- Level 11, Cell 1 + Allowances applicable Age limit: 40 Years Education Qualification: M.S. / D.N.B. (General Surgery) or equivalent postgraduate degree recognized by National Medical Commission. Experience: 1-year post M.S / D.N.B. experience in Surgical Oncology. Academic designation: Academic designation such as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, etc., will be conferred to candidates after joining TMC, as per the National Medical Commission norms. APPLICATION FEE: The application fee to apply for Medical Officer posts is ₹ 300 (non-refundable) which ca be paid using Debit Card / Credit Card. SC / ST / Female Candidates / Persons with Disabilities / Ex-servicemen (1st time applying for civil post after serving any rank) are exempted from paying application fees, TMC informed. Also read: Indian Navy INCET 2025: Registration begins for Group B and C posts, apply at Tata Memorial Centre Recruitment 2025: How to apply Candidates can follow the steps mentioned. below to submit their applications: Visit the official website at On the home page, go to the 'Careers' section Scroll down to the link titled 'Full time positions (MEDOCAL POST) in various departments available in Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, New Chandigarh, Punjab / Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital, Sangrur, Punjab', and click on it. On the next page, click on the online application link. Enter the necessary details to register yourself. Fill in the application form, upload the necessary documents, and pay the application fee. Review the application carefully, and submit. Download the confirmation page, and keep a printout of the same for future reference. For more details, candidates are advised to visit the official website of Tata Memorial Centre.
