NIMS Launches Advanced Cancer Treatment With Free NGS Testing

Hyderabad based Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences has taken a major step in cancer care by introducing advanced treatment options supported by free Next Generation Sequencing testing. The initiative is expected to benefit hundreds of patients, including those suffering from late stage cancers and individuals who have not responded well to conventional chemotherapy.

The NGS test, which can cost between Rs 50000 and Rs 80000 in private hospitals, will now be offered free of charge at NIMS under government supported healthcare programs. This makes NIMS one of the first government hospitals in the region to provide such sophisticated genetic testing on a large scale.

Doctors explain that cancer patients often respond differently to the same treatment because genetic mutations vary from person to person. Through NGS testing, specialists can identify the exact genetic changes responsible for the disease and determine which treatment is most likely to work for a specific patient.

The hospital has already completed testing on hundreds of cancer samples during a trial phase. Following the successful results, the facility has now made the service fully operational, opening the door for more precise and effective treatment plans.

One of the biggest advantages of this technology is its ability to support targeted therapy and personalized medicine. Instead of relying on a common treatment approach, doctors can select medicines designed to attack specific genetic abnormalities linked to a patient’s cancer.

Medical experts say the technology could be particularly valuable for patients with advanced lung cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and cases where chemotherapy has failed to deliver results. For many patients in Stage 4 cancer, such personalized treatment options can provide renewed hope and improved disease management.

The testing also helps doctors avoid prescribing extremely expensive therapies that may not be effective for a particular patient. By identifying the right treatment pathway beforehand, patients can avoid unnecessary financial burden and potential side effects from ineffective medications.

Apart from strengthening cancer care, NIMS is rapidly expanding its advanced medical services with support from the Telangana government. Significant investments have been made in modern equipment, research facilities, and specialized treatment programs as part of efforts to transform the institute into a leading healthcare center.

The hospital has also introduced advanced treatment for rare pulmonary disorders, including procedures for patients suffering from Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis, a condition for which treatment options have traditionally been limited. Officials believe these developments will further improve access to high quality healthcare for patients across Telangana and neighboring states.