Tag: CANCER

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Pedalling for a noble mission

Pedalling for a Cancer Free World.(photo:IANSLIFE)

The journey would end in Kolkata on February 4, 2023, after passing through Nellore, Vijayawada, Kakinada, Vizag, Brahmapur, Cuttak, Balasore, and Kharagpur. The eight-day bicycle ride, which averages 200 km per day, covers a total of 1746 kilometres over the course of the eight days…reports Asian Lite News

Sankalp Beautiful World, a charitable trust focused on a mission to eradicate cancer and Shiva Ravi, an ultra-endurance cyclist, embarked on a noble mission in support of Cancer patients. Shiva will pedal from Chennai and go all the way to Kolkata covering 1746 km in ten days with a single point objective to create awareness, raise funds for cancer cause and encourage people to fight against cancer.

Jai Aswani, a passionate long-distance runner and cyclist and Ambassador for several leading brands, will be the co-cyclist & crew captain who will be guiding and supporting Shiva during this entire ride. The ride will culminate in Kolkata on February 4, 2023 which is the ‘World Cancer Day’.

The cycle ride was flagged off from Purvankara Windermere, Pallikarnai, Chennai, in front of a huge gathering by, Prof. D. Viswanathan,Vice Chairman, Sankalp Beautiful World (Former VC of Anna University, Chennai), Neerja Malik, two time Cancer Winner & Global Cancer Counsellor , Dr. Santhosh Rajan, Maxillofacial surgeon & Oral cancer consultant, Sankalp Beautiful World, Anilkumar G Kulkarni, Manager, Johnson Electric Pvt Ltd , Sairam Ramaswamy, Bharat Sharma and Ramya Jayaraman Directors of Sankalp Beautiful World.

Pedalling for a Cancer Free World.(photo:IANSLIFE)

The journey would end in Kolkata on February 4, 2023, after passing through Nellore, Vijayawada, Kakinada, Vizag, Brahmapur, Cuttak, Balasore, and Kharagpur. The eight-day bicycle ride, which averages 200 km per day, covers a total of 1746 kilometres over the course of the eight days.

Embarking on this cycling endeavour for the cause of cancer patients, Shiva Ravi said, “We all need to come together to fight against cancer by creating awareness and sensitising people. Cancer is curable if detected at an early stage and I have known people who have overcome this successfully”. He added, “My grandmother died of cancer 19 years back. Unfortunately, it was detected at a very late stage and treatment options were also significantly limited then. She continues to be one of the reasons and motivation to associate for this cause and because of which I joined Sankalp to create awareness and support in a small way.” Shiva Ravi, who has completed 200 km, 300 km, 400 km and 600 km Brevet, conducted by Audax Club of Parisen (ACP), has also cycled 1100km from Chennai to Coimbatore, and cycled from Chennai to Vizag and back covering distance of 1600 km for Cancer awareness ride in 2022.

Pedalling for a Cancer Free World.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Making everyone aware about cancer and the various cancer prevention strategies is the first step towards making this world cancer free. Let it be our Sankalp (commitment) to come together and support all those who are fighting this war against cancer and in making the World more Beautiful – Dr. Arvind Krishnamurthy, Co Founder, Sankalp Beautiful World (Professor & Head, Surgical oncology, Cancer Institute)

Pedalling for a Cancer Free World.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Speaking on occasion, Sheela Anand , Director, Sankalp Beautiful World, said, “Prevention is better than cure”, this phrase is not an old saying, but a GOLD saying. The saying holds very apt for illness like Cancer. At Sankalp Beautiful World we always aim in creating a Cancer free beautiful world and truly believe creating awareness is key. This Cyclathon involving youngsters and people from different age groups is one such initiative. An initiative where in it educates us all about the importance of early diagnosis and rooting hopes to the affected.

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Health Lite Blogs

‘Think and act before time’

Mary Kom spreads awareness about Cancer.(photo:IANSLIFE)

With Cancer, the earlier you detect the condition, the higher are the chances of a better outcome. It’s like knowing every move of your opponent…says Mary Kom

For its “Early Detection of Cancer” Campaign, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Mary Kom, the head of the athletes commission, have partnered with American Oncology Institute (AOI), one of the leading cancer hospital chains in South Asia. The programme aims to raise awareness of routine screenings and early cancer diagnosis across the nation, particularly in the Northeast where cancer incidence is highest.

About 1.5 million new cancer cases are anticipated in India annually, but awareness of routine screening remains pitifully low, according to the NCRP report 2020. The majority of patients in the nation are also diagnosed with severe illness (Stages 3-4). In order to identify the signs and symptoms as soon as possible, early detection is crucial.

Can people with a family history of colorectal cancer reduce their own risk.(PHOTO:IANSLIFE)

Therefore, as part of this campaign, AOI and Mary Kom also released a little movie with a focus on public health. By employing phrases like “think before time” and “act before time,” the movie masterfully captures the spirit of early cancer diagnosis and encourages frequent cancer screening among the general audience.

Pleased on the association, Mary Kom said: “Just as for an athlete one of the most important things is to be well prepared for every situation, to be able to beat your opponent and win the game, the same is with cancer where early diagnosis is much like developing your defensive skills. In fact, regular screening increases chances of detecting certain cancers early.”

She further added: “With Cancer, the earlier you detect the condition, the higher are the chances of a better outcome. It’s like knowing every move of your opponent. Through this association, I hope to spread the importance of early detection of cancer and empower each and every individual so that they are well prepared and lead a healthy life.”

Over 10,000 people have been successfully screened by AOI’s free cancer screening camps, which are frequently organised across its 16 units. The goal of AOI’s awareness campaign is to raise awareness of the value of early cancer detection among a sufficient number of people. The slogan “we journey with you” is further supported by this by educating and empowering the general public.

Speaking about early detection, Dr Jagprag Singh Gujral, Group CEO, CTSI, South Asia, said: “With the increasing rate of cancer in the country, it is imperative to spread awareness about early detection and diagnosis of various types of cancers. We are glad to be associated with Mary Kom for the enormous task of voicing out the importance of regular screening and early detection of Cancer which can significantly improve survival rates and outcomes. AOI has always remained at the core of offering precision cancer care solutions and with this association; we take a step ahead in our commitment.”

High-Fibre Diet May Lower Colon Cancer Risk

Tina Choudhury, Campaign Lead, CTSI South Asia, said: “Awareness is the key to early detection of Cancer which also resonates in all our brand campaigns. To amplify our brand’s messaging further, we are delighted to have associated with Mary Kom. She is the true advocate to drive our brand narration on ‘early detection’ while connecting it with her boxing principles of moving before the opponent hits or being prepared. We believe that she will be the perfect motivator to encourage people for early diagnosis of cancer and regular screening.”

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Health Lite Blogs UAE News

Lebanese cancer patients struggle to find medicines amid crisis

For those who are unable to pay for their medicines, they have to stop their treatment, which could have a detrimental effect on their health…writes Dana Halawi

Abbas Nasreddine, a Lebanese citizen in his 60s, has been battling lymphatic cancer for more than two years. But four months ago, he was forced to stop treatment temporarily due to a lack of cancer medicines in Lebanon.

Nasreddine, who was prescribed Imbruvica for life, was finally able to purchase his medicines from the local market recently. Still, he is not sure if he could buy it in future as Lebanon’s lingering financial crisis has made it increasingly difficult to obtain such medicines.

“I am very worried, because I do not know if my treatment could continue or not,” he said.

Since Lebanon was hit by a financial crisis in 2019, the value of the Lebanese currency against the U.S. dollar has decreased by more than 90 percent. Lebanon’s central bank has steadily reduced subsidies for a variety of commodities that were pegged to a fixed exchange rate, Xinhua reported.

Lebanon still subsidizes patients suffering from a number of chronic diseases, such as cancer. However, due to a lack of medicines, wealthier patients have to buy medicines either on the black market or from other countries through family or friends at higher prices.

For those who are unable to pay for their medicines, they have to stop their treatment, which could have a detrimental effect on their health.

Mohamed Jaber, a pharmacist and secretary-general of the Order of Pharmacists of Lebanon, blamed the drawn-out procedure of Banque Du Liban (BDL), Lebanon’s central bank, for the medicine shortage.

Due to the financial crisis, the BDL asks medicine importers to obtain prior authorization. Such authorization is necessary for BDL to open letters of credit, which is required to import subsidized medicines, said Jaber.

The procedure usually takes a long time and delays the delivery of new shipments, sometimes making it difficult for patients to receive what they need, he said.

The shortage of cancer medicines has forced a big number of patients to stop their treatment, which has led to the deterioration of their health, said Nizar Bitar, a hematology and oncology medicine professor at the Sahel hospital in Beirut.

“Cancer patients have to take their medicines regularly, on time and in accordance with specific guidance. Because of a lack of medicines, we were sometimes obliged to provide outdated or less effective treatments to patients rather than new ones that would have improved their quality of life,” Bitar said.

Bitar said that some treatments involve the prescription of several medicines, but when one of them is unavailable, the doctor is compelled to change the treatment without being able to evaluate its consequences properly.

Some cancer patients in Lebanon have expressed their worry and concerns over the country’s failure to ensure necessary treatments for patients with cancers and other chronic diseases.

Fawzia Fayad, a woman who failed to survive cancer under the medicine shortage, was among one of a few outspoken Lebanese to voice concern about the country’s medicine shortage. She passed away on March 3 at 24, after failing to get proper medication.

In the past few months, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has on many occasions called on international bodies and donor countries to support Lebanon’s cancer-fighting patients amid the current economic crisis.

At a parliamentary health committee meeting on Monday, he promised to allocate more funds for cancer medication.

However, Jaber believed that the Lebanese government wouldn’t be able to resolve this problem anytime soon because of the severe financial crisis.

The best solution now is to allow importers to bring in non-subsidized cancer medicines to ensure they are available on the local market, even if at higher prices, he added.

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Health Lite Blogs

Coffee a powerhouse of chemicals?

In colorectal cancer, liver cancer and breast cancer, coffee has also been shown to have a protective effect…writes DR PRASAD KASBEKAR

 Who doesn’t love a good cup of coffee? Whether it be an early morning aperitif to start your day or something to relax that hardened body after a busy day in the office, or maybe a simple hot cuppa to have on a rainy day. Coffee has been consumed for centuries. Many swear by it as well.

Coffee by itself is a known concoction of a multitude of chemicals, the most famous being caffeine, other chemicals present include chlorogenic acid, putrescine, among others. Manufacture of coffee entails the usage of multiple chemicals, fertilisers, insecticides, among others. Thus simple coffee is a powerhouse of chemicals.

Many have asked me whether coffee can cause cancer. Conventional wisdom would say that excessive consumption would somehow be associated with the dreaded disease. Anything in excess would be deleterious, why should coffee be different.

However, studies suggest something else, a few studies done on the topic show that coffee is not associated with cancers in general. A few studies have been associating coffee with the risk of bladder cancer and lung cancer, but no conclusive evidence has been obtained.

In colorectal cancer, liver cancer and breast cancer, coffee has also been shown to have a protective effect.

Now, one must understand that none of these is absolute, and a lot more studies are needed regarding this to prove a protective or destructive association conclusively. Polyphenols present in coffee are known to have a beneficial effect in preventing cancer and other diseases such as hypertension and heart disease; while acrylamide present is known to be carcinogenic with an association seen with lung and bladder and blood cancers.

A study published in 2020 did a meta-analysis of all the previous studies done to try and search for the association between cancer and coffee consumption. After studying a total of 36 different papers on the same, they came to the conclusion that coffee was in fact protective against endometrial cancer, liver cancer, melanomas, oral cancer and pharyngeal cancers. Coffee had some association with urinary bladder cancers and a possible association with lung cancer. The International Agency for Cancer Research also agreed upon the above findings with regard to the reduced risk of cancer with a special emphasis on liver cancer and endometrial cancer.

They could find no positive association between any cancer forms conclusively.

Finally, I would like to share my opinion on the whole conundrum of coffee and cancer. The most common answer I would give my patients who ask these questions would be that coffee is safe! It had been consumed by our ancestor’s eons back and continues to be consumed now. Any item consumed in excess is harmful, and coffee is the same. Small quantities make no difference. Many studies carried out to try to find associations between certain items and diseases, and some may be overstating that association as well. We should not read too much into each article we find, rather critique it with a stable head. Over a nice hot cup of coffee!

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Indian-American doctor leads mRNA vax trial for pancreatic cancer

According to Balachandran, mRNA vaccines could stimulate the immune system to recognise and attack pancreatic cancer cells….reports Asian Lite News

World’s first trial, led by an Indian-American doctor, on a mRNA-based vaccine for pancreatic cancer has shown promise for remission.

The new shot is developed by BioNTech based on the same technology used by the German biotech company along with its US partner Pfizer to develop vaccines against Covid-19.

The groundbreaking trial led by Dr Vinod Balachandran at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) in New York, showed that half of the patients remained cancer-free 18 months after having their tumours removed and receiving the jabs.

The key to these vaccines appears to be proteins in the pancreatic tumours, called neoantigens, which alert the immune system to keep the cancer at bay, according to MSK. The promising results were also presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference in Chicago.

In 8 of 16 patients studied, the vaccines activated T cells that recognise the patient’s own pancreatic cancers. These patients also showed delayed recurrence of their pancreatic cancers, suggesting the T cells activated by the vaccines may be having the desired effect to keep pancreatic cancers in check.



According to Balachandran, mRNA vaccines could stimulate the immune system to recognise and attack pancreatic cancer cells.

“Unlike some of the other immunotherapies, these mRNA vaccines do appear to have the ability to stimulate immune responses in pancreatic cancer patients,” Balachandran said of the promising preliminary results.

“So we’re very excited about that, and the early results suggest that if you have an immune response, you may have a better outcome.”



Balachandran added the results should be welcome news for other cancer patients too, as pancreatic cancer has been very difficult to treat with traditional chemotherapies and immunotherapies.

The phase-I trial was also heralded as “encouraging” by BioNTech.

“We are committed to taking up this challenge by leveraging our long-standing research in cancer vaccinology and are trying to break new ground in the treatment of such hard-to-treat tumours,” BioNTech co-founder and chief medical officer Prof Ozlem Tureci said.

A similar trial is also currently underway for bowel cancer � and Moderna, another Covid vaccine manufacturer, is also developing mNRA treatments for cancer and autoimmune conditions.

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Arab News Health UAE News

UAE Joins Cancer Coalition ‘ACT’

Along with Abu Dhabi based entities and AstraZeneca, ACT aims to accelerate change for equity in cancer care globally…reports Asian Lite News

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi joined forces with “Accelerating Change Together (ACT) for Cancer Care”, a global coalition which seeks to revolutionise how cancer is being diagnosed and treated for better patient outcomes and more resilient healthcare systems. Along with Abu Dhabi based entities and AstraZeneca, ACT aims to accelerate change for equity in cancer care globally.

In line with the Department’s efforts to position Abu Dhabi as a leading healthcare destination, the partnership will focus on supporting early detection of cancer and facilitating education around precision medicine. ACT brings international cancer community to consider how to turn ‘curing cancer’ from an ambition into a reality and to drive reforms and innovations in oncology for the benefit of patients around the world. ACT for Cancer Care will galvanise health system changemakers, research pioneers and health innovators from the oncology community and beyond to advocate for more significant investments in screening and diagnostic tools.

In order to support the early detection of cancer, the coalition will advocate diagnosis with the most sophisticated and innovative tools available and detection of symptomatic patients as early as possible. Additionally, ACT seeks to promote screening programmes aimed at testing healthy individuals to identify those having cancers before any symptoms appear. The coalition will also aim to increase the use of precision medicine and work to educate the medical community on the clinical benefits.

Within the UAE, coalition partners will focus on supporting the early detection of cancer through the use of advanced diagnostic tools and screening programmes and facilitating education around, and access to, the use of precision medicine.

A declaration of collaboration agreement signing was witnessed by Abdulla Bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Sir Mene Pangalos, Executive Vice President Biopharmaceutics R&D at AstraZeneca, and signed by Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of Research and innovation centre at DoH and by Pelin Incesu, Area Vice President, Middle East & Africa, AstraZeneca.

Commenting on the collaboration Dr. Jamal Mohammad Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of DoH, said, “Cancer represents a complex and ever-increasing burden on societies worldwide, so we must continue to prioritise solutions that will offer the greatest benefit to patients. Building on the advanced healthcare infrastructure in Abu Dhabi, we will work with the ACT to identify the most advanced solutions for a more sustainable model of cancer care and improve patient outcomes.”

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“The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi is continuously joining forces with leaders in the healthcare industry to adopt innovative solutions that will accelerate the diagnosis of chronic illnesses and advancement of relevant treatments. Our efforts continuously seek to reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a life science and incubator for innovation. Together with our partners, we are confident that our collaborative efforts will support in revolutionising the oncology landscape and delivering novel therapies,” he added.

Dave Fredrickson, Executive Vice President, Oncology Business Unit, AstraZeneca, said, “The speed and agility of the cancer community’s response to the pandemic makes me optimistic. Through partnership and innovation, we can stop one health crisis from fuelling another and optimise care for people living with cancer, no matter who they are or where they live”

Sameh El Fangary, Country President for GCC & Pakistan, AstraZeneca, said, “AstraZeneca is working to detect and diagnose cancer sooner and to develop and deliver novel therapies. Together with our partners, we remain resolute in our commitment to our goal of one day eliminating cancer as a cause of death.”

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Science

Scientists develop new combo treatment for head, neck cancer

In traditional clinical treatment, Trametinib has not shown efficiency in inhibiting the targetted hyper-active pathway of cancer cells, said the research…reports Asian Lite News

An Israeli-led research team has developed a potential new treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC), using a targeted drug and immunotherapy, Ben Gurion University (BGU) in southern Israel has announced.

The findings, co-authored by Israeli, Chinese, French, German and US researchers, were published in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer on Sunday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Through pre-clinical study, the researchers found a new treatment combination of Trametinib, a cancer drug that brings a type of killer white blood cells to the cancer site, and Anti-PD-1, an immunotherapy that not kills cancer cells directly but blocks a pathway on immune cells to make them more engaged in fighting tumors.

In traditional clinical treatment, Trametinib has not shown efficiency in inhibiting the targetted hyper-active pathway of cancer cells, said the research.

Researchers then analysed tumor-host interaction that facilitates immune escape in tumor-bearing mice, and found that using a short Trametinib treatment can make resistant tumors more sensitive to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.

“We sincerely hope that oncologists will test this treatment combination in HNC patients, as improving immunotherapy efficacy is crucial for prolonging the survival of cancer patients,” the study’s correspondent author Moshe Elkabets was quoted by the BGU statement as saying.

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-Top News UK News

Ukrainian children brought to England for cancer treatment

The UK partnered with St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a non-profit American organisation that specialises in paediatric diseases, to arrange an urgent flight for the children…reports Asian Lite News

21 Ukrainian children will receive lifesaving cancer treatment in England after being brought over by the UK government with the support of Polish authorities and clinicians.

The 21 children and their immediate family members landed in England this evening from Poland and will be triaged by NHS clinicians to understand their health needs before being sent to NHS hospitals in England to continue their care.

The vital and in many cases lifesaving cancer treatment will be provided free of charge by the health service across hospitals in England.

Hospitals in Poland have taken in many children needing healthcare who have arrived from Ukraine. With more children crossing the border requiring immediate treatment, the UK has responded to Poland’s call for support from international partners to provide additional care.

The UK partnered with St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a non-profit American organisation which specialises in paediatric diseases, to arrange an urgent flight for the children.

The Department of Health and Social Care has collaborated with the Department for Transport, Home Office, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to facilitate the transfer of the children from Poland to the UK.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, “The sickening suffering of innocent civilians in Ukraine is truly horrific. This vital lifesaving medical care is another important step in our support for the people of Ukraine and their resistance against Putin’s illegal invasion. I am hugely grateful to our fantastic NHS staff as well as our partners, including our Polish friends, for their support in bringing these children to the UK and we will continue to do all we can to support them as they continue their critical treatment here.”

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said, “I am appalled by the atrocities we’ve seen in Ukraine and the despicable attacks being carried out on innocent civilians. I am proud that the UK is offering lifesaving medical care to these Ukrainian children, who have been forced out of their home country by the Russian invasion while undergoing medical treatment. I know that the incredible staff in the NHS will ensure they get the best possible care. I am hugely grateful to our partners and our Polish friends for their support in bringing these children to the UK. We stand together with the people of Ukraine and will continue to do all we can to help them.”

The UK is at the forefront of the humanitarian response to Ukraine. The government has already sent seven aircraft to the region to deliver more than 650,000 medical items, including wound care packs, equipment for intensive care and vital medicines.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said, “Russia’s assault on the innocent people of Ukraine is reprehensible and barbaric. Working with our partners in the region we continue to be at the forefront of the joint humanitarian effort to provide the best medical care and support for these children and their families.”

In addition, the UK has pledged approximately £400 million in humanitarian aid and funds to bolster the Ukrainian economy and reduce Ukraine’s reliance on Russian gas – making the UK the second biggest bilateral humanitarian donor behind the US.

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Health Lite Blogs

Herbs to curb Cancer

Indian Podophyllum is another name for Podophyllum. Vanyakarkati is its Ayurvedic name. The rootstock of this herb has beneficial properties that aid in the prevention of cancer. Podophyllum is a purgative that is also used to treat vaginal warts…writes Suresh Garg

Nutraceuticals, functional foods, and supplemental micronutrients have the potential to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis. A variety of natural dietary herbs have even been shown to have a potential role in the prevention and treatment of cancer, and are regarded as an effective strategy by Nutraceutical experts all over the world.

Epidemiological studies have consistently demonstrated that dietary habits are one of the most important predictors of chronic diseases, including several types of cancer. Thus, diet and food have a direct impact on health and disease. Through nutrition, humans have evolved a sophisticated and cooperative system of antioxidant defence mechanisms against toxic oxygen intermediates, according to biochemical and epidemiological evidence. This suggests that increasing antioxidant intake through nutrition may significantly reduce the risk of cancer.

Following are some of the herbs suggested by the experts in nutraceutical space which has significantly shown positive results in the prevention of cancer cells-

Graviola (Annona muricata):

Annona Muricata, also known as Graviola, soursop, Brazilian pawpaw, or guanabana, is an evergreen tree native to the Americas’ tropical regions and a member of the Annonaceae family. Graviola contains hundreds of acetogenins, which are chemicals (ACGs). ACGs have the ability to kill many different types of cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone. It aids in the inhibition of energy production in cancer cells while also inhibiting the oxidative stress response. Graviola has also been shown to cause apoptosis. In addition to its positive effects, the herb may cause some side effects such as low blood pressure, low sugar levels, or even nerve damage. As a result, it is strongly advised not to consume directly. To avoid any access consumption or such side effects, please use a product supplement that contains the desired amount of Graviola.

Catharanthus Rosea

Catharanthus Rosea, also known as Madagascar Periwinkle, is a miracle plant. It is a member of the Apocynaceae family. It is the most medicinally valuable plant species in the Apocynaceae family, which is used worldwide in traditional herbal medicine. The plant has also been used in Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine for a long time. Western medical science began researching this plant in the twentieth century. Catharanthus roseus is well-known for producing the anticancer drugs vinblastine and vincristine, which are derived from the dimerization of the MIAs vindoline and catharanthine. The anti-tumor activity discovered in C. Roseus is due to the presence of dimeric alkaloids, which are already widely used in industry.

Podophyllum

Indian Podophyllum is another name for Podophyllum. Vanyakarkati is its Ayurvedic name. The rootstock of this herb has beneficial properties that aid in the prevention of cancer. Podophyllum is a purgative that is also used to treat vaginal warts. Etoposide and teniposide, two podophyllotoxin derivatives, are used in cancer treatment. Etoposide is an alkaloid derived from the mandrake plant Podophyllum peltatum that is used to treat germ cell tumours, lung cancer, Hodgkin’s and non-lymphomas, Hodgkin’s gastric cancer, breast cancer, and testicular cancer.

Although podophyllotoxin has a high cytotoxic effect and acts as a tubulin polymerization inhibitor, if used excessively, it is more toxic than beneficial as an anticancer drug. As a result, it should only be consumed in the amounts recommended by an expert in the form of supplements, with the quantities added rationally.

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Health Lite Blogs

IIT study finds Molecule to reduce prostate cancer

This is a breakthrough because it is an energy-efficient fuel, which can help carry additional payloads/satellites into orbit as it is significantly lightweight…writes Ganesh Bhatt

The Indian Institutes of Technology, Gandhinagar (IIT-GN) has discovered a molecule which can completely reduce prostate cancer in just 50 days.

IIT-GN Director Sudhir Kumar Jain, who has now been appointed Vice Chancellor of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU), spoke at length on topics related to the varsity and the institute. Excerpts of interview:

How research and innovations at IIT Gandhinagar make common people’s life easier and more convenient?

A team of our IIT has discovered a new molecule called ‘J54’, which has shown great potency to completely reduce tumour (prostate cancer) in just 50 days. One of our PhD alumna and her supervising faculty developed a non-electric and affordable water purification system, which can remove more than 99 per cent of bacteria. It can be very useful in underdeveloped and remote areas where potable water is scarce. Another team of researchers has invented a Virtual Reality (VR) based treadmill exercise platform to prevent the risk of fatal accidents because of over-exercising.

You are the new VC of BHU, How do you see this role?

I am exceedingly proud to be associated with BHU, which is an institution of remarkable legacy, reputation and scale. I am looking forward to working with students and colleagues to drive BHU to ever greater heights and propel it into the leagues of the world’s most prestigious universities. I also hope to engage and partner with its large network of illustrious alumni and well-wishers for BHU’s advancement and rejuvenation.

What are the most ambitious plans of IIT-GN?

We are working with C-DAC for installation of a 650 TF Super Computing System at the Institute under the National Supercomputing Mission.

Has IIT-GN done any research or innovation to fight against corona?

We have developed an unique anti-viral surface coating material that is highly effective on non-pathogenic viruses. The team is in the process of testing the coating against coronavirus. After one-time coating, it keeps away viruses for many days.

Another team developed a “COVID-19 Dashboard” that can help in containing community infections. Another team developed an Artificial Intelligence-based deep learning tool for detection of Covid-19 from Chest X-ray images, which can be used for quick preliminary diagnosis before a medical test.

What are the big achievements of IIT-GN?

We are one of the most globalised campuses in the country. Eighty-five per cent of our faculty received their degree or have postdoctoral experience from overseas institutions; more than 40 per cent of our undergraduate students have studied abroad, Ten per cent of faculty has multi-discipline appointments, nearly 14 per cent of PhD advisors at IIT-GN are from outside the discipline, 13 per cent of our research publications have interdisciplinary authors, and nearly 21 per cent of projects have multidisciplinary PIs and Co-PIs.

How corona and lockdown affected functioning of the institute?

Much like the rest of the world, the pandemic was extremely disruptive to our operations. However, we implemented stringent safety protocols and presently almost all community members are fully vaccinated. Most of our students are back on campus. We are shifting to fully in-person education in January.

What is IIT-GN doing to make India ‘aatmanirbhar’?

On the research front, apart from the examples I have already mentioned, a research team recently developed a new class of boron-based nano-additives for fuels used in space and defence applications. This is a breakthrough because it is an energy-efficient fuel, which can help carry additional payloads/satellites into orbit as it is significantly lightweight.

Breast Cancer.

Many of our students have opted for entrepreneurship and founded startups early in their careers in the areas such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology, 3D concrete printing technology, FinTech, fibre-optic sensor technology, and so on. We have established an incubation centre, IIT Gandhinagar Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre (IIEC), which promotes innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialisation activities.

Has IIT-GN done any big international collaboration, if yes then for what?

Our international collaborations are spread across more than 40 universities, industries and R&D organisations around the world, including the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Israel, Japan, Italy, South Korea, and others, for student and faculty exchanges, as well as research collaborations. Internationalisation is woven throughout the academic experience at IITGN. Between 10 to 15 per cent of our faculty at any point is visiting faculty, principally from abroad.

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