Two Bengaluru-based innovators, Dr. Narayana Subramaniam, a head and neck surgical oncologist, and Hardik Pandya, an IISc engineer-scientist, have received a prestigious Rs 20.6 crore ($2.4 million) grant from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). Their groundbreaking project aims to revolutionize oral cancer screening with an innovative, low-cost, portable diagnostic platform that could transform cancer detection, especially in underserved regions.

What Is the Innovation?

The duo has developed a prototype for a rapid, low-cost oral cancer screening platform, built in collaboration with GE Healthcare. This device uses advanced imaging technology to examine cells from the human body and detect cancer. Here’s how it works:

• Digitized Cell Imaging: The device captures high-resolution images of cells locally.
• On-Site Diagnosis: The images can be transmitted over the internet for remote analysis, reducing the need for patients to travel to specialized centers.
• Affordable and Portable: Unlike conventional slide scanners costing Rs 30 lakh or more, their device is designed to be affordable and accessible, catering to rural and underserved areas.

Why Is This Innovation Important?

India is the oral cancer capital of the world, with high rates of the disease, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities where access to diagnostic facilities is limited. The conventional process for cancer diagnosis often involves:

• Multiple hospital visits.
• Delays of several days or weeks for biopsy results.
• High costs, making it unaffordable for economically disadvantaged patients.

This platform aims to eliminate these barriers by:

1. Reducing Diagnostic Delays: Patients in smaller towns and rural areas can get results faster, as the device allows for immediate cell imaging and digital analysis.
2. Lowering Costs: The affordable device will make cancer diagnosis accessible to a larger population.
3. Improving Survival Rates: Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes and reduces treatment costs.

The Technology Behind the Device

The device incorporates advanced imaging technology to examine cells from the human body. The prototype was designed to focus on oral cancer initially, with plans to expand into:

• Cervical cancer.
• Breast cancer.

By digitizing cell images locally and transmitting them for analysis, the device eliminates the need for physical biopsy transportation, a common bottleneck in rural healthcare systems.

The Journey of Innovation

Seven years ago, Dr. Subramaniam and Pandya began their mission to make cancer diagnostics accessible and affordable for underserved regions. Their dedication and collaborative efforts with global organizations like GE Healthcare have brought this project to life. Competing against global innovators, their prototype stood out, earning the prestigious U-01 grant from the NIH.

Future Plans for the Platform

1. Validation and Mass Production: The team aims to validate the platform and begin mass production within five years.
2. Expansion to Other Cancers: If successful, the device could be adapted for other cancers, including cervical and breast cancer.
3. Global Impact: By making the platform scalable and affordable, they hope to impact cancer care not only in India but also worldwide.

How Will This Innovation Benefit Patients?

1. Faster Results: The device significantly reduces the turnaround time for diagnosis, especially in rural areas.
2. Affordable Diagnostics: Patients no longer need to rely on expensive diagnostic tools or multiple hospital visits.
3. Seamless Care: Early diagnosis integrates patients into the treatment system sooner, improving survival rates.

India’s Fight Against Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a major public health issue in India. Innovations like this portable diagnostic platform are crucial to addressing the challenges of late diagnosis and limited healthcare access. By bringing affordable technology to underserved regions, Dr. Subramaniam and Pandya are paving the way for a healthier future.

Key Takeaways

• Bengaluru innovators secure Rs 20 crore grant for low-cost oral cancer screening technology.
• The portable diagnostic device uses advanced imaging technology for rapid, on-site diagnosis.
• Focused on oral cancer initially, the platform has the potential for expansion into other cancers.
• The innovation aims to reduce delays, lower costs, and improve survival rates.
• Validation and mass production are expected within five years, promising affordable cancer care for underserved regions.

Conclusion

This revolutionary cancer diagnostic platform from Bengaluru is set to make a significant impact on healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved areas. By combining advanced imaging technology, affordability, and portability, this innovation has the potential to transform cancer care not only in India but around the world. With continued support and collaboration, this project could save countless lives and redefine the future of cancer diagnostics.

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