Advanced cancer genetic testing facility to open in Guntur on Sept. 22

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The advanced cancer genetic testing lab at GGH, Guntur, is being set up jointly by the Andhra Pradesh government, AstraZeneca and Strand Life Sciences. | Photo Credit: File photo

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

Spread over 2,000 sq ft and established at a cost of ₹2.5 crore, the laboratory will initially conduct genetic tests for breast and lung cancer patients. Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav will inaugurate the facility on September 22.

The project is being taken up jointly by the Andhra Pradesh government, AstraZeneca and Strand Life Sciences. Patient samples will be analysed to identify genetic mutations in cancer cells, enabling doctors to select appropriate treatment based on the genetic profile of the tumour. The approach is proposed to be used from diagnosis through treatment and subsequent monitoring.

In a statement on Sunday, Mr. Satyakumar Yadav said patient samples currently had to be sent to cities such as Bengaluru and Mumbai for molecular mutation testing. The new facility would eliminate the need to send samples outside the State and make advanced genetic testing available locally.

The tests will be provided free of cost to patients, he said. Such tests cost around ₹20,000 to ₹25,000 each at private centres, while comprehensive tests can cost up to ₹75,000.

Strand Life Sciences will provide technical support for setting up the laboratory. Arrangements are being made to test around 2,000 samples over two years, including 1,000 from breast cancer patients and 1,000 from lung cancer patients. AstraZeneca will bear the cost of the tests.

The laboratory will examine genetic alterations including BRCA1 and BRCA2 and other mutations in breast cancer, and EGFR, KRAS, NRAS, BRAF and other alterations in lung cancer. The findings will help doctors identify suitable targeted medicines.

A full-scale genetic testing centre has been proposed in the Amaravati Quantum Valley following the pilot facility in Guntur. It is envisaged as a State-level centre capable of handling a larger number of tests and being integrated with the State’s genetic information system.

The long-term objective is to integrate genetic information with artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced medical research to support personalised treatment, medical research and drug development.

The project also proposes developing a blood test to detect early signs of 14 types of cancer by identifying specific changes in blood samples. A State-level genetic information centre has also been proposed to store genetic information of healthy individuals and people with rare diseases for future research.

As part of efforts to promote early detection, up to 60,000 chest X-rays could be analysed over two years using AI to identify suspicious changes associated with lung cancer.

Director of Medical Education A.