Cancer genetic testing on NGS technology begins in GMC Jammu

Jammu, Mar 5: The Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu has successfully started genetic testing for Breast Cancer Gene 1 (BRCA1) and BRCA2 mutations on cutting-edge Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology.

This was announced by GMC Jammu Principal and Dean Dr Ashutosh Gupta in a press conference here.

“As a capacity building in genetic sequencing and to provide most advanced technology in diagnostics as well as research, NGS was started in Oncogenetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes targetting harmful mutations that predispose individuals, or their relatives, to cancer,” he stated.

“Having a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes can increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer, by the age of 70, to between 65-85 percent for BRCA1 mutations and between 40-85 percent for BRCA2. Positive BRCA1 or BRCA2 results allow women to make a choice well in advance about available options that could potentially reduce their risk of developing breast cancer well in advance,” Dr Gupta stated.

“With this dynamic achievement under the patronage of Administrative Secretary H&ME, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah (IAS) with the fast-track administrative support, the Department of Microbiology, GMC Jammu with faculty and scientists trained in Bioinformatics and NGS has become the first ever government institution in J&K to start NGS diagnostic testing in the health care sector,” he said.

Dr Gupta informed that the department would gradually add Human Papillomavirus NGS testing in the second phase.