AstraZeneca partners with RGCI&RC

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCI&RC) and AstraZeneca India. Through this partnership, a Centre of Excellence (CoE) will be established at the RGCI&RC facility in Delhi to increase the accessibility of NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing) molecular panel testing that is verified, high-quality, and subsidised for eligible Indian patients with lung cancer.

As a result of this partnership, lung cancer patients who qualify will be able to receive a broad 34 gene panel-based subsidised NGS test from the molecular diagnostics lab at RGCI&RC. Major biomarkers will be included on this panel to assist the oncologist in treating lung cancer patients appropriately.

An NABL-accredited laboratory, Molecular Diagnostics at RGCI&RC was one of the first in the nation to start a liquid biopsy journey using both PCR and NGS technology. With this partnership, AstraZeneca and RGCI&RC seek to make NGS-based testing more widely available, which will help patients with lung cancer make informed treatment decisions.

As reported by BWHealthcareWorld.com, with the introduction of numerous actionable biomarkers as companion and supplementary diagnostics, for personalised medicine options, leading to increased quality of life and overall survival of patients with lung cancer, the treatment landscape for lung cancer has undergone a significant change over the past ten years. Sadly, despite improvements in NGS-based testing, access to quality-assured and validated biomarker testing for lung cancer remains insufficient. The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) estimates that 50% of lung cancer patients globally had the proper molecular testing in 2018.

Dr Ullas Batra, Senior Consultant and Chief of Thoracic Medical Oncology, RGCI&RC said, “NGS has shifted the therapeutic paradigm dramatically in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). At RGCI, we boast of an in-house affordable and available NGS for lung cancer which has proven to be the coup de grâce in this era of precision medicine. The benefit of an in-house, state-of-the-art molecular laboratory with expert personnel, “NGS for all” is the motto and with this ever-evolving field of personalized therapy, the hope for a possible cure in the future stays alive”.

Sanjeev Panchal, Country President and Managing Director, AstraZeneca India said, “We are on a mission to revolutionise and redefine cancer care in India. Our ambition is to provide science-led cures for cancer, by understanding cancer and all its complexities to discover, develop and deliver life-changing treatments and increase the potential for cure. Through this collaboration with RGCI&RC, we will be able to overcome the barriers in precision diagnostics and treatment of lung cancer and empower oncologists to provide quicker, more accurate treatment. Our shared vision is to empower patients and healthcare professionals with next-generation technologies that will ultimately improve survival rates and quality of life. Together, we are determined to make a lasting impact in the fight against lung cancer through the power of gene sequencing, seeking to drive deeper and more durable responses.” MedTechAsia