National Genomic Grid | 09 Sep 2019
Recently, the government has announced to set up a National Genomic Grid (NGG), which will study genomic data of cancer patients from India.
- NGG will collect samples from cancer patients, through a network of pan-India collection centres by bringing all cancer treatment institutions on board.
- The grid to be formed will be in line with the National Cancer Tissue Biobank (NCTB) set up at the Indian Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.
- National Cancer Tissue Biobank (NCTB), is a joint initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India and Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.
- The biobank collects cancer tissue samples with consent from patients diagnosed with cancer.
- The aim is to provide researchers with high quality of cancer tissues and the patient data in order to facilitate cancer research that will lead to improvements in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- This research is carried out through the technique of Genome Sequencing.
- Moreover, under Genome India Initiative, the government plans to scan 20,000 Indian genomes (in the next five years) in order to develop diagnostic tests and effective therapies for treating diseases such as cancer.
Application
- Through the National Genomic Grid, the government seeks to boost cancer research and make treatment viable for people of different economic classes.
- NGG will help to study genomic factors influencing cancer and identifying the right treatment modalities for the Indian population.