Latest news with #AshishGulia
Indian Express
a day ago
- Health
- Indian Express
‘Sarcomas usually painless, any lump or swelling in muscles, bones that continues to grow can be tumour'
In recognition of Sarcoma Awareness Month, observed globally in July, the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCHRC), Punjab, hosted a session on its New Chandigarh campus that brought together senior doctors, sarcoma patients, and their caregivers for a dialogue and awareness session. Dr Ashish Gulia, director, HBCHRC, said that the intent of organising this meeting was to raise awareness about sarcomas among the public. Explaining the symptoms and its nature, Gulia said, sarcoma is a type of cancer that can originate in muscles or bones, and treatment depends on the stage of cancer. 'Any lump or swelling in the muscles or bones that continues to grow could be a tumour, and sarcomas are usually painless; however, if it causes persistent pain, there is a high chance it may be bone-related.' He reassured patients not to panic, as effective treatments for these tumours are available and emphasised the importance of early medical consultation when symptoms appear. Gulia also spoke about the support available at the hospital, including financial aid for underprivileged patients, and underscored the value of community and peer interaction among patients and caregivers. 'Being connected helps patients encourage one another and gain strength from shared experiences. Sessions like this foster a sense of unity and support. At Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital, we do everything in our power to treat every patient who comes to us. While we may not be able to save every life, we ensure that every possible treatment available in the world is made accessible to our patients,' added Gulia. Dr Seema Gulia and Dr Nikhil Tandon explained to patients that sarcoma may require other therapies apart from surgery for treatment, and that there are different types of bone cancer, and various combinations of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy are used for different types of cancers. Dr Prabhat Ganju and Dr Sahil Sood said that patients and their families must understand not to stop treatment after just surgery. The experts advised that patients must complete the entire treatment plan prescribed by doctors, whether it's radiotherapy or additional chemotherapy, and stressed the importance of ensuring the full course of treatment is completed, as this is essential to save lives.
Indian Express
17-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Homi Bhabha centre begins DNA, RNA-based technology for advanced cancer diagnosis
Bringing cutting-edge technology to patient care, the Department of Oncopathology at Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Punjab has initiated DNA and RNA-based Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) for advanced cancer diagnosis and personalised treatment in its New Chandigarh unit in Mohali. NGS is a molecular diagnostic technology that enables rapid and comprehensive analysis of DNA and RNA, which helps to identify genetic mutations that drive cancer. This powerful tool allows doctors to tailor treatment plans based on a patient's unique tumour profile, ensuring more precise and effective therapy. It also plays a crucial role in detecting hereditary cancer syndromes and monitoring disease progression or recurrence. With this addition, the hospital further strengthens its commitment to offering world-class and personalised cancer care. The service is now available for patients with both solid tumours and blood cancers. Dr Ashish Gulia, director of the hospital, stated that very few hospitals in this part of the country offer this testing facility. He highlighted how cancer treatment is becoming increasingly specialised. In the past, there were only a few types of chemotherapy and treatments, and cancer categories were limited. Taking lung cancer as an example, he explained that previously, there were just two types. Now, by checking the genetic profile of lung cancer, doctors can determine its specific type. This test offers two main benefits. Firstly, it helps identify which cancers are treatable and the ones incurable. This allows medical professionals to focus their efforts effectively, rather than applying the same energy to all types of cancer. Second, the test reveals specific tumours that can be treated in a specialised way, leading to better treatment outcomes. Comparing past and present technology, Gulia noted that a decade ago, a lung cancer diagnosis often meant a bleak prognosis. However, with NGS, it is now possible to treat such patients much more effectively. Dr Sankalp Sancheti, head, Department of Oncopathology, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, described the new high-end test as a complex process, and previously, samples for this test had to be sent to Mumbai. Now, with the facility available in-house, it will save considerable time for both the hospital and patients, thereby improving convenience. The cancer hospital is a tertiary care hospital with a 300-bed capacity, built at the cost of over Rs 660 crore by Tata Memorial Centre, an aided institute under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. The hospital functions like a 'hub' of cancer care and treatment in the region, with the 100-bedded hospital in Sangrur functioning as its 'spoke' as part of the hub and spoke model.
Hindustan Times
17-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Mohali: Homi Bhabha hospital begins DNA testing for advanced cancer diagnosis
The Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCHRC) in New Chandigarh has started in-house DNA and RNA-based Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), marking a major upgrade in cancer diagnostic services in the region. Hospital director Dr Ashish Gulia said that only a few hospitals in this region currently offer such testing. (HT file) The department of oncopathology at the hospital will now use NGS technology to analyse genetic mutations in cancer patients, enabling doctors to personalise treatment based on individual tumour profiles. The facility is available for both solid tumours and blood cancers. Officials said that until now, samples for this test had to be sent to laboratories in Mumbai. The new facility will reduce diagnostic time significantly and allow quicker initiation of targeted treatments. 'NGS is a molecular diagnostic method that allows detailed analysis of DNA and RNA to identify genetic drivers of cancer. It also helps detect hereditary cancer syndromes and monitor disease progression,' they added. Hospital director Dr Ashish Gulia said that only a few hospitals in this region currently offer such testing. He explained that cancer treatment has evolved from broad chemotherapy protocols to targeted therapies that depend on genetic profiling. Dr Sankalp Sancheti, head of the oncopathology department, noted the test's complexity and emphasised that the development of the facility was a team effort.
