A three-day workshop on “Deciphering the Microbiome-Cancer Connection: Bridging Science and Medicine” organized

Aligarh : Day one of the three-day workshop titled “Deciphering the Microbiome-Cancer Connection: Bridging Science and Medicine” kicked off with a focus on Microbes, Genomics, and their Implications for Oncological Diagnostics and Therapies. The event, organized by the department of Radiation Oncology in collaboration with the departments of Biochemistry, Life Sciences, Cancer Nanomedicine Consortium, Pathology, and Microbiology at JN Medical College & Hospital, AMU, under the aegis of UP Chapter of AROI, provided a platform for clinicians, scientists, and researchers in the biomedical field to exchange knowledge and ideas regarding the role of microbiome in cancer research.

The Chief Guest, Prof. Syed MusthapaMeeran, Sr. Principal Scientist at CSIR-CFTRI Mysore, shed light on dietary factors’ role in cancer cell metabolism reprogramming. Other esteemed speakers like Prof. Mohd. Azhar Aziz, Dr. Mohd. Shadab Alam, and Dr. Arpita Ghosh engaged participants through interactive sessions.

Commencing the session, Prof. Amit Bahl from PGI Chandigarh delved into the pathophysiology of cancer, highlighting its rising incidence, particularly among the geriatric population. Prof. Sonal Sharma, Director of Pathology at UCMS Delhi, discussed the intratumoral microbiome and its implications in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Prof. Mohammad Akram, Organizing Secretary, welcomed participants, stressing the importance of bridging the gap between researchers and clinicians. Prof. Saleem Javed, Organizing Chairman, provided a comprehensive overview of microbiome advancements and clinical applications.

The inaugural also saw the release of a protocol handbook edited by Dr. Samreen Zaheer, containing SOPs on pathological, microbiological, and molecular biological investigations, proving valuable to the workshop attendees.

With over 200 participants on Day 01, 60 were shortlisted for Day 2 & 3 workshop sessions, offering hands-on training in metagenomics, cytopathology, and microbiology. This practical experience aims to explore novel methods for cancer detection and intervention, contributing to the understanding of cancer mechanisms and facilitating microbe-mediated cancer drug development.

The workshop serves as a launchpad for the emerging field of microbiome-cancer research, fostering collaboration among researchers and clinicians and enhancing expertise in this vital area.