Jammu, Oct 17 (KNO): Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) Jammu has introduced and operationalised specialised diagnostic services in Flow Cytometry and Immunohistochemistry (IHC), aimed at improving the accuracy of cancer diagnosis and supporting timely, targeted treatment for patients across Jammu and Kashmir.
The initiative is expected to enhance the institution's diagnostic capabilities by enabling precise classification of different types of malignancies, identifying specific tumour markers and supporting clinicians in determining appropriate treatment strategies. The availability of these specialised investigations will also strengthen the region's capacity to provide advanced diagnostic services and reduce dependence on facilities outside Jammu and Kashmir for such tests.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the initiative has been undertaken through collaborative efforts involving Government Medical College Jammu, the State Cancer Institute (SCI), Jammu, and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCHRC), New Chandigarh, under the aegis of the Association of Academic and Clinical Pathologists (AACP) and the Jammu and Kashmir Chapter of the Indian Association of Pathologists and Microbiologists (IAPM).
To mark the advancement and strengthen professional expertise in these specialised diagnostic techniques, GMC Jammu organised a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme-cum-workshop titled "Transforming Diagnosis with Immunohistochemistry and Flow Cytometry" on October 17. The scientific programme focused on the theme "Diagnostic Pathology in the Era of Precision Medicine: The Evolving Role of Immunohistochemistry and Flow Cytometry," bringing together experts, pathologists, clinicians and laboratory professionals to discuss recent developments in diagnostic pathology and their role in improving cancer care.
The initiative was undertaken under the guidance of Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Dean and Principal, GMC Jammu, and Dr Ashish Gulia, Director-Principal, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, New Chandigarh. The programme aimed to strengthen institutional capacity, facilitate exchange of scientific knowledge and equip healthcare professionals with the technical expertise required to establish and maintain reliable advanced diagnostic services.
Flow Cytometry and Immunohistochemistry have emerged as important tools in modern cancer diagnosis. IHC uses specific antibodies to detect proteins and other markers in tissue samples, helping pathologists distinguish between tumours that may appear similar under a microscope, establish the likely origin of cancer and assess biomarkers that can influence treatment decisions. It is particularly important in the diagnosis and classification of several solid tumours and lymphomas and can help identify biomarkers that guide the use of targeted therapies and certain forms of immunotherapy.
Flow Cytometry analyses the characteristics of individual cells by detecting specific markers on or within them. It plays a crucial role in diagnosing and classifying blood cancers and other haematolymphoid malignancies, particularly leukaemias and certain lymphomas. By examining the immunophenotypic characteristics of cells, the technique helps clinicians and pathologists distinguish between different disease types and obtain information essential for diagnosis and treatment planning. The integration of these technologies with conventional histopathological examination and, where indicated, molecular testing can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the disease.
Medical experts said that accurate classification is essential because different cancers, including malignancies affecting the blood and lymphatic system, may require substantially different treatment approaches. The operationalisation of these services at GMC Jammu is therefore expected to strengthen the diagnostic infrastructure available to patients and support the gradual expansion of precision medicine in the region.
The CME-cum-workshop featured expert lectures, interactive discussions and case-based learning sessions delivered by specialists from HBCHRC, New Chandigarh, and GMC Jammu. An interactive panel discussion on integrated oncology highlighted the importance of collaboration between pathologists, medical oncologists, surgeons and other specialists in delivering comprehensive cancer care, and the need to integrate findings from histopathology, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and molecular diagnostics to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and develop appropriate treatment plans.
A major component of the programme was parallel hands-on workshops aimed at improving the technical skills of laboratory personnel and healthcare professionals involved in advanced cancer diagnostics. The immunohistochemistry workshop was conducted in the Department of Pathology at GMC Jammu, while the flow cytometry workshop was organised at the State Cancer Institute, Jammu. The sessions familiarised participants with essential laboratory workflows, technical requirements, operational procedures and quality assurance practices.
Dr Jyotsna Suri, Organising Secretary and Professor in the Department of Pathology at GMC Jammu, highlighted the significance of strengthening IHC and flow cytometry services as part of the institution's efforts to modernise diagnostic pathology. She emphasised that advanced diagnostic technologies, supported by trained personnel and multidisciplinary collaboration, are essential for improving the accuracy of cancer diagnosis and facilitating individualised treatment decisions.
The programme witnessed participation from senior faculty members, clinicians, medical administrators, residents and students from GMC Jammu and its associated hospitals—(KNO)