#FortisMohali #GenomicMedicine #CancerCare #PrecisionOncology #Genomics #TargetedTherapy #PersonalizedMedicine #NextGenSequencing #CancerTreatment #HealthcareInnovation
Chandigarh: Fortis Hospital Mohali has taken a significant leap forward in the fight against cancer by launching the Institute of Genomic Medicine, an advanced centre that brings cutting-edge genetic testing and precision medicine to patients in North India. This initiative aims to revolutionize cancer care by improving disease prediction, enabling early prevention, and designing highly personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s genetic profile.
The newly launched institute will focus on genomic testing, which involves detecting variations in genes, chromosomes, and DNA patterns to identify mutations that may lead to cancer. By studying these genetic changes, doctors can determine if an individual is predisposed to certain cancers or is at risk of developing life-threatening complications later in life. This, in turn, allows specialists to suggest timely and precise interventions, shifting the focus from reactive treatment to proactive healthcare.
How Genomic Testing Helps in Cancer Care
Genomics has emerged as one of the most promising frontiers in cancer care. Unlike traditional approaches where treatments often follow a one-size-fits-all model, genomic testing examines the unique genetic makeup of each patient or tumour. This helps oncologists design therapies that specifically target the faulty genes driving cancer growth.
According to Dr. Ravneet Kaur, Associate Consultant, Department of Medical Genetics at Fortis Mohali, genomic testing in cancer typically begins with a blood, saliva, or tumour tissue sample. For patients already diagnosed with cancer, advanced technologies such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) or liquid biopsy allow doctors to study the genes inside a tumour.
“This enables us to identify the ‘faulty wiring’ or mutations that cause cancer. Once these are mapped, treatments can be designed to block those specific genetic changes,” explained Dr. Kaur. “Not only does this improve the effectiveness of therapy, but it also minimizes unnecessary side effects. Moreover, genomic testing can identify hereditary changes, such as mutations in the BRCA1/2 genes, which significantly raise the lifetime risk of breast, ovarian, or other cancers. In such cases, early detection helps patients and their families adopt preventive checks, lifestyle changes, or undergo timely interventions. This ensures cancer care becomes not just personalized but also proactive.”
From Standard to Precision: The New Era of Cancer Treatment
Fortis Mohali’s Institute of Genomic Medicine is led by a specialized team of doctors, including Dr. Rajeev Bedi, Director, Department of Medical Oncology. He emphasized that cancer therapy is rapidly shifting from generalized protocols to tailor-made, precision-driven treatments.
“No two cancers are the same—and now, neither should their treatment be,” said Dr. Bedi. “With the power of genomics, we are moving away from blanket therapies to personalized solutions. Through molecular profiling and next-generation sequencing, we can now detect the precise genetic mutations fueling each tumour. This guides us to use targeted therapies and immunotherapies, improving patient outcomes while reducing harmful side effects.”
The Institute will integrate advanced molecular diagnostics with cancer treatment pathways, helping oncologists recommend the best possible therapies such as targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. It will also enable continuous monitoring of how patients respond to treatment, making adjustments as required to ensure better results.
Impact on Patients and Families
The importance of genomic medicine lies not only in treating existing cancers but also in its ability to predict risk in individuals and families. For example, if a patient is found to have a hereditary mutation in a cancer-related gene, their immediate family members can also undergo testing to assess risk. This allows for preventive measures such as regular screenings, prophylactic surgeries, or lifestyle interventions that may reduce the likelihood of cancer developing in the future.
This preventive approach is particularly important in a country like India, where cancer cases are rising rapidly, and late detection often reduces survival rates. By offering genetic insights, Fortis Mohali aims to enable patients and families to take informed decisions about their health and future.
Strengthening India’s Healthcare Ecosystem
With this launch, Fortis Mohali has positioned itself among the pioneers of precision oncology in India. The institute’s work will not only benefit patients but also contribute to global research in genomics and cancer therapy. By collecting and analyzing genetic data, doctors will be able to identify population-specific cancer trends, which can further enhance treatment protocols and preventive measures for Indian patients.
This initiative also aligns with the larger shift in healthcare towards personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to an individual’s biological and genetic identity. With genomics, India has the opportunity to leapfrog traditional cancer care models and provide world-class solutions within its healthcare system.
About Fortis Healthcare
Fortis Healthcare Limited is one of India’s leading integrated healthcare delivery service providers, with a strong presence in hospitals, diagnostics, and day care specialty facilities. The company currently operates 33 healthcare facilities across 11 states, with over 5,700 operational beds and 400 diagnostic labs. With the launch of the Institute of Genomic Medicine at Fortis Mohali, the company has reinforced its commitment to bringing advanced medical technologies to patients in India.
The Institute of Genomic Medicine marks a new era in cancer treatment in India—where therapies are guided not by generalized assumptions, but by an individual’s unique genetic code. With this, Fortis Mohali has strengthened its position as a leader in oncology care, combining innovation, compassion, and technology to transform lives.
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#FortisMohali #GenomicMedicine #CancerCare #PrecisionOncology #Genomics #TargetedTherapy #PersonalizedMedicine #NextGenSequencing #CancerTreatment #HealthcareInnovation
