AP to offer genetic tests for cancer patients for first time

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh is set to offer advanced genetic testing for cancer patients for the first time, with a specialised laboratory being established at the NATCO Cancer Centre on the premises of Guntur Government General Hospital (GGH).

The facility, built at an investment of Rs 2.5 crore and spread over 2,000 sq ft, will provide these sophisticated tests free of cost. Medical and Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav will inaugurate the laboratory on Tuesday. The required equipment has already been installed.

Director of Medical Education A Vishnuvardhan said the genetic testing laboratory is being set up as a pilot project.

Initially, it will serve breast and lung cancer patients. Samples will be analysed to identify genetic mutations in cancer cells, enabling doctors to select the most appropriate treatment and monitor patients from diagnosis through follow-up.

The initiative is a partnership between the State Government, AstraZeneca and Strand Life Sciences. Minister Yadav noted that patient samples currently often have to be sent to Bengaluru or Mumbai for molecular mutation testing.

The new facility will eliminate this need and make advanced diagnostics available within the State. Tests will be provided free of cost.

Private centres typically charge Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 for individual tests and up to Rs 75,000 for comprehensive panels, so the laboratory will substantially reduce the financial burden on patients. Strand Life Sciences is developing the laboratory with technical support.

Plans are in place to process around 2,000 samples over two years. AstraZeneca will cover the cost of genetic testing for 1,000 breast cancer and 1,000 lung cancer patients.

The laboratory will examine mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 in breast cancer, and EGFR, KRAS, NRAS and BRAF in lung cancer.

This genetic information will help doctors prescribe targeted therapies suited to the specific mutations detected.

Following the pilot at Guntur GGH, a proposal has been made to establish a full-fledged genetic testing centre in the Amaravati Quantum Valley. The proposed State-level facility would handle a larger volume of tests and integrate with the State’s genetic information system.

The long-term vision includes combining genetic data, artificial intelligence and advanced medical research to support personalised treatment, medical research and the development of new medicines.

Authorities are also exploring a blood-based test capable of detecting 14 types of cancer at an early stage, which could eventually be scaled for large-scale screening.

In addition, the government is considering a State-level genetic information centre to securely store data from healthy individuals and patients with rare diseases, aiding future research and diagnostics.

The project will further strengthen early cancer detection. Breast examination equipment will support breast cancer screening, while chest X-rays aided by artificial intelligence will help identify suspicious lung changes. Plans include analysing up to 60,000 chest X-rays over two years using the AI-based system.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The Hans India