SCI-J, HBCHRC helped in this historic medical achievement
Arvind Sharma
JAMMU Tawi, Oct 17: The Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) Jammu has strengthened its cancer diagnostic capabilities with the introduction and operationalisation of specialised Flow Cytometry and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) services, marking a significant step towards improving cancer diagnosis and supporting personalised treatment in Jammu and Kashmir.
The advanced diagnostic facilities are being developed through collaborative efforts involving GMC Jammu, the State Cancer Institute (SCI), Jammu, and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCHRC), New Chandigarh, under the aegis of the Association of Academic and Clinical Pathologists (AACP) and the Jammu and Kashmir Chapter of the Indian Association of Pathologists and Microbiologists (IAPM).
To mark the development, GMC Jammu organised a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme-cum-workshop titled “Transforming Diagnosis with Immunohistochemistry and Flow Cytometry” at its auditorium today on October 17th.
The programme focused on the evolving role of diagnostic pathology in precision medicine and highlighted the importance of advanced technologies in ensuring accurate cancer diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
The initiative was undertaken under the guidance of Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Dean and Principal, GMC Jammu, and Dr. Ashish Gulia, Director-Principal, HBCHRC, New Chandigarh, with the objective of strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing technical expertise and expanding access to specialised diagnostic facilities.
Advanced technology to improve cancer diagnosis
Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry are important tools in modern cancer diagnosis.
Immunohistochemistry helps identify and classify tumours, distinguish between cancers with similar appearances and detect biomarkers that can guide treatment decisions.
Flow cytometry is particularly useful in diagnosing and classifying blood-related cancers, including leukaemias and lymphomas.
When combined with conventional histopathological examination and molecular testing, these techniques can improve diagnostic accuracy and help doctors select appropriate, evidence-based treatments.
Their availability at GMC Jammu is expected to strengthen regional diagnostic capabilities and improve access to specialised investigations.
The CME featured expert lectures by specialists from HBCHRC and GMC Jammu. Dr. Kinjal Biyani spoke on “Driving Precision Diagnostics with High Medical Value Assays,” while Dr. Ravikiran N. Pawar delivered a session on “Flow Cytometry in Haematological Malignancies.”
Other presentations covered Hodgkin lymphoma, immunohistochemistry laboratory set-up and cancer immunotherapy.