ICMR funds Rs 2.25 crore to Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital for cancer research project

Aligarh: Prof. Mohammad Akram, Chairman of the Department of Radiotherapy at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital (JNMCH), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been awarded a grant of Rs. 2.25 crores by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

The grant is allocated for a four-year research project titled “Characterization of Gut Dysbiosis in Gastrointestinal Malignancies and Exploration of Probiotics Supplementation on Therapeutic Outcome in patients receiving chemoradiation in these malignancies.”

The project, under Prof Akram, aims to investigate the intricate relationship between gut dysbiosis and gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, including esophageal, colon, and anal canal cancers. Gut dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut microbes, has emerged as a critical factor in the development and progression of various diseases, particularly cancer. Prof Akram emphasised the importance of understanding this connection to develop novel therapeutic strategies that can enhance patient outcomes.

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The interdisciplinary nature of the project is underscored by the collaboration of co-investigators from diverse backgrounds, including Prof. Saleem Javed (Department of Biochemistry), Prof. Afzal Anees (Department of Surgery), Prof. Fatima Khan (Department of Microbiology), Dr. Ruquiya Afrose (Department of Pathology), and Dr. Hifzur R. Siddique (Department of Zoology). Their collective expertise promises multifaceted insights into gut dysbiosis, cancer progression, molecular mechanisms, clinical interventions, microbiology, immunology, and cancer biology. 

Expressing gratitude to university leadership and collaborators, Prof Akram highlighted the support received in finalising the project. He aims to uncover novel treatment strategies for cancer patients through collaborative research efforts.

The Vice Chancellor of AMU, Prof. Naima Gulrez, lauded Prof. Akram and his team for their endeavour, highlighting its relevance in the current medical landscape. She encouraged faculty members from various departments to pursue similar research initiatives.

Mr. Mohammad Imran IPS, Registrar of AMU, commended Prof. Akram and his team for introducing such an advanced and interdisciplinary project to the university. He underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in understanding the microbiome-cancer connection.

Prof. Veena Maheshwari, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Principal, and CMS of JNMC, emphasised the significance of this emerging field in cancer research, which will contribute to building capacity and expertise among young researchers and clinicians.

Prof. Akram highlighted his team's dedication to furthering research in this area, citing their recent hosting of a three-day conference and workshop centred on exploring the microbiome-cancer connection. With over 250 attendees from across India, the event facilitated collaboration between researchers and clinicians. Prof. Akram also mentioned his ongoing leadership of an ICMR project focusing on probiotics supplementation in patients with head and neck cancer and pelvic cancer over the past two years. Furthermore, he is currently in the midst of writing a book on the microbiome-cancer connection, scheduled for publication later this year. 

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