50k samples to test breakthrough tech
By: Owais Gul
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: In a significant step towards advancing early cancer diagnosis, the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) has launched a large-scale study involving samples from 50,000 patients across four states to assess the feasibility and near-100 per cent accuracy of early cancer detection.
NIIST is a premier interdisciplinary research laboratory under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Government of India.
On the final day of a media tour organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Srinagar, a delegation of journalists visited the institute and interacted with leading scientists to gain insights into its research initiatives.
Briefing the delegation, Dr C. Anandharamakrishna, Director, CSIR-NIIST, highlighted several key projects and outlined the institute’s efforts to address pressing environmental and health challenges.
He said NIIST is currently developing an innovative early cancer detection technique using Raman Spectroscopy Analysis. “We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tata Group and the Government of India, who are funding the project to evaluate its accuracy,” he said.
Dr Anandharamakrishna added that samples would be collected from 50,000 patients across four states, including Kerala and Tamil Nadu, to validate the results.
“We are progressing steadily, and achieving up to 99.9 per cent accuracy could mark a major breakthrough. Sample collection is expected to be completed within a year, followed by further analysis,” he said.
Other scientists also shared details of the institute’s research achievements across various fields.
The visit was part of a five-day media outreach programme organised by PIB Srinagar to familiarise journalists from Jammu and Kashmir with key national research institutions, infrastructure projects, and development initiatives in Kerala.
The delegation was led by Majid Pandit, Media and Communication Officer, PIB Srinagar, who served as the programme’s Conducting Officer.
