The Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) in Hyderabad has established a state-of-the-art cancer genomics centre equipped with next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, marking a significant advancement in precision oncology services at the government institution.
According to NIMS Director Beerappa, the centre is currently using NGS technology to identify genetic changes at the DNA and RNA levels, enabling doctors to offer targeted therapy based on individual patient profiles. The initiative has been launched under the institute’s “Diamond Project,” under which free genetic testing has already been provided to 1,443 individuals since 2024.
Beerappa also confirmed that liquid biopsy services will soon be introduced at the institute. This technique allows cancer detection and monitoring through a simple blood sample, eliminating the need for invasive tissue biopsies in several cases.
Explaining the development, Head of the Pathology Department Shanthaveer G Uppin said liquid biopsy can help determine cancer stages using blood tests alone. It is particularly useful in cases where obtaining tumour tissue is difficult, such as lung cancers, brain tumours, and cancers that have spread to bones.
Officials stated that all such advanced diagnostic tests will be offered free of cost to patients, further strengthening access to specialised cancer care for economically weaker sections.
In a parallel milestone, NIMS recently announced that it has completed 2,000 kidney transplants since the launch of its transplant programme in 1989. The institute reported that nearly 90 per cent of these procedures have been performed free of cost, supported through government schemes such as Aarogyasri and the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF).
The hospital also achieved a historic breakthrough last year by performing the first robotic renal transplant in a government hospital in South India. Over the past 40 months alone, NIMS has completed 500 kidney transplants, reflecting a significant expansion in its transplant capabilities. Officials said these developments underline NIMS’s growing role as a leading centre for advanced, affordable healthcare in the public sector.
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