NIMS Launches Cancer Genomics Centre
Officials said the new facility is expected to enhance access to modern cancer care and improve treatment outcomes for patients in Telangana and neighbouring states
Hyderabad:The Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (Nims) here has launched a state-of-the-art Cancer Genomics Centre, becoming the first government sector facility in Telangana to offer advanced cancer genomic testing using next generation sequencing (NGS).
The centre, established under the DHR-ICMR Advanced Molecular Oncology Diagnostic Services (DIAMOnDS) scheme, enables early and precise detection of cancer-related genetic changes in DNA and RNA, helping doctors select targeted therapies.
Officials said the new facility is expected to enhance access to modern cancer care and improve treatment outcomes for patients in Telangana and neighbouring states. The facility provides a range of advanced diagnostic tests, including NGS, PCR, Digital Droplet PCR (ddPCR), FISH and Immunohistochemistry, free of cost to eligible patients under the scheme.
Nims director Dr N. Bheerappa said the institute was among about 25 centres selected nationwide under the DIAMOnDS programme and is the only such facility serving Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Dr Shantveer G. Uppin, professor and head of pathology, who leads the project at Nims, said 1,443 patients have benefited from these services since 2024, including 784 suffering from lung cancer and 659 from breast cancer. Dr Uppin added that Nims planned to introduce additional cancer-specific NGS tests and as working towards launching liquid biopsy testing, which can detect and monitor cancer through blood samples and help track disease progression and recurrence.