Pioneering Oncogenomics and Molecular Diagnostics for Precision Oncology.
Advanced Precision Diagnostics. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology since 1954.
“Our department bridges translational research and clinical oncology, providing critical genomic insights into tumour characterization and risk stratification to improve patient outcomes through precision medicine.”
The Department of Cancer Biology and Molecular Diagnostics at the Cancer Institute (WIA) is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advancing precision medicine through innovative genomic research and high-throughput molecular diagnostics. Our department serves as a bridge between translational research and clinical oncology, providing critical insights into tumour characterization, risk stratification, and the selection of targeted therapies to improve patient outcomes.
A unique strength of our department is its leadership in women's cancer prevention, having established India’s first HPV DNA testing Centralized Facility in 2019, which has offered screening to over 35,000 women. We integrate cutting-edge technologies like Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and automated high-throughput platforms to provide rapid, accurate, and scalable diagnostic services for a wide range of cancers.
Led by Dr. Vijayalakshmi Ramshankar, a recognized Ph.D. supervisor at Anna University and University of Madras. The department holds key committee memberships including the Animal Ethical Committee and Faculty Board at IIT Madras, the Research Advisory Committee at the University of Madras (Nanotechnology), and the Institutional Ethical Committee at Cachar Cancer Hospital, Assam.
Our team holds life and active memberships in the Society of Biological Chemists, Indian Association for Cancer Research, Foundation of Head and Neck Oncology, IPVS, Association of Clinical Biochemists of India, AOGIN India, ESMO, Indian Society of Colposcopy & Cervical Pathology, and the IGCS.
Your referring doctor will explain which imaging test is needed. Some scans require fasting or specific preparation — our team will provide clear instructions when you schedule.
Most imaging tests are painless and non-invasive. You may need to lie still for a few minutes while the scanner captures images. Our technologists ensure your comfort throughout.
Our radiologists analyze your images and prepare a detailed report for your treating doctor. Results are typically available within 24-48 hours.
Our laboratories and diagnostics systems deploy sophisticated assays, high-resolution scans, and meticulous diagnostic analytics for patient care.
Comprehensive Genomic Profiling: Somatic CGP covering MSI, TMB, and HRD for solid tumours.
Hereditary Panels: Germline testing for Breast, Ovarian, Lynch syndrome, and Whole Exome Sequencing (WES).
Leukemia NGS: Germline and Somatic comprehensive leukemia panels for ALL/AML.
Specialized Sequencing: POLE mutation analysis (Sanger) and HLA typing.
Rapid NGS: 48-Hour Lung NGS (Tissue and Liquid Biopsy) and Myeloid NGS panels.
AML PCR Panel (Basic and Extended): A molecular diagnostic test that detects clinically relevant gene mutations associated with Acute Myeloid Leukemia using qPCR to aid in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection.
ALL PCR Panel (Basic and MLL): A molecular test that detects key gene rearrangements and mutations associated with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, using qPCR to support diagnosis and risk stratification.
PML-RARA Qualitative: A qualitative qPCR test used to detect the PML‑RARA gene fusion associated with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia for rapid diagnosis and treatment decision.
PML-RARA Quantitative: A quantitative qPCR assay used to measure the level of the PML‑RARA gene fusion transcript for disease monitoring and minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment.
Viral Load Monitoring: Highly sensitive qPCR for CMV, HBV, and HCV load and mutation detection.
Anti-HBC (ELISA): To detect antibodies against the hepatitis B virus core antigen (HBcAg) in blood, indicating current, past, or chronic HBV infection.
Serum chromogranin A (CgA): A highly specific blood-based tumour marker for neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), correlating strongly to tumour burden and metastasis.
Precision Oncology Markers: EGFR (including T790M), KRAS, NRAS, BRAF V600E testing.
India's First HPV Centralized Facility: Established in 2019, utilizing Abbott Alinity m for automated, high-throughput screening.
HPV Genotyping: Qualitative DNA screening and extensive genotyping for cervical cancer prevention.
Fully automated, high-throughput molecular platform for rapid HPV testing.
Flexible benchtop NGS system for whole-exome and transcriptome sequencing.
Fully automated NGS platform for specimen-to-report results in 48 hours.
High-output DNA and RNA sequencing device.
Sanger sequencing and fragment analysis.
High-resolution mapping of gene expression at single-cell resolution.
Precision tool for gene expression profiling without amplification.
Sensitive Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) and viral load monitoring.
Automated characterization of cells for diagnostics and research.
M.Sc., Ph.D. (Molecular Oncology)
M.Sc., M.Phil., MBA
M.Sc., DMLT
M.Sc.
M.Sc.
B. Tech
Research Scientist – II (Project)
M.Sc.
M.Tech.
Research Scientist (ICMR-Small Grant)
Research Scientist – I (ICMR Intermediate)
Technical Support – III (ICMR Intermediate)
Established India’s first HPV DNA testing Centralized Facility in 2019.
Pioneered the transition from research-only molecular biology to NABL-accredited clinical diagnostics.
Consistently recognized as a center of excellence for oncogenomics and precision oncology research.
Established first HPV Centralized Facility
NABL Accreditation Surveillance
Best Poster & Slogan Awards (AOGIN)
Inauguration of Abbott Alinity m System
Genexus Automated Sequencing facility inauguration
A testament to our pioneering contributions in medical diagnostics, teaching, and clinical research, establishing a stellar national standard.
National Board and NABL accredited laboratories delivering unmatched reliability.
: Established India’s First HPV Centralized Facility (2019), screening over 35,000 women.
NABL Accreditation: Successfully maintained for medical testing since 2014.
Patent Granted (2021): Silymarin-based oral topical mucoadhesive gel for oral mucosal diseases (No. 202141028755).
Patent Granted: Paper-based substrate for nucleic acid detection (in collaboration with IIT Madras).
Copyright Filed (2024): 'PREPARE ALL' clinical application software (Diary No: 22753/2024-CO/SW).
Patent Applied (2026): SERS and AI-based classification for HPV subtyping (No. 0012NF2026).
Ms. Vaishnavi M: Won Best Poster & Best Slogan Awards at the 13th National AOGIN Conference (2024).
Dr. Vijayalakshmi Ramshankar: Elected Executive Committee Member of AOGIN India Society (2024–2026).
Mr. Yasasve Madhavan: 1st Prize for Oral Presentation at AOGIN India 2025 for proteomic profiling.
: Inauguration of Abbott Alinity m System (Vijayadashami 2025) for enhanced diagnostic capacity.
Technology Transferred: Blood-based biomarkers (miBiome) and p16 ELISA (HLL Lifecare).
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Our imaging services are available upon referral from treating physicians.
cbmdciwia2024@gmail.com
For referring physicians: When ordering imaging, please include clinical history, suspected diagnosis, and specific imaging requirements to help our radiologists provide the most accurate interpretation.