As 2024 concludes, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) announces a groundbreaking development in the fight against oral cancer. Researchers at the university have developed a cutting-edge technology that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and digital pathology to revolutionise the detection and prediction of this life-threatening disease. This innovation promises to transform cancer diagnostics, making them more accurate, affordable, and accessible to patients worldwide. A Kashmir-origin scientist is behind the innovation.
The breakthrough has been recognised by the Government of India, which awarded a patent on December 24, 2024, for the pioneering system titled A system and method for genomic markers and digital pathology image-based prediction of oral malignant disorders. Designed by Dr Tanveer Ahmad and his PhD student Ms Nisha Chaudhary from the Multidisciplinary Centre for Advanced Research and Studies (MCARS), the invention is set to redefine diagnostic practices for oral cancer.
The technology involves analysing tissue images and genomic markers and the system offers precise insights into conditions such as oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), oral leukoplakia (OLL), oral lichen planus (OLP), and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). For OSCC, the technology can even determine the cancer’s severity—whether well-differentiated, moderately differentiated, or poorly differentiated. Additionally, the system predicts the likelihood of precancerous conditions progressing to malignant stages, providing invaluable information for early intervention.
The innovation not only enhances diagnostic accuracy but also reduces costs, making cutting-edge oral cancer diagnostics more accessible. By leveraging AI and digital pathology, the system offers clear treatment pathways, significantly improving patient outcomes.
Adding to their accolades, the research team’s work was recently featured in Scientific Data, a prestigious journal from the Nature Publishing Group with a high impact factor of 9.8. Their publication, High-resolution AI image dataset for diagnosing oral submucous fibrosis and squamous cell carcinoma provides a valuable resource for global researchers and underscores the depth of their contributions to the field.
The success of this project is a collaborative triumph. Alongside Dr Ahmad and Miss Chaudhary, the team included eminent researchers such as Dr Akhilanand Chaurasia, Dr Arpita Rai, Dr Deepika Mishra, and Dr Charbel Darido. Their collective efforts have laid the groundwork for transformative advancements in digital pathology and oral cancer research.
Professor Mohammad Husain, Director of MCARS, hailed this achievement as a proud moment for Jamia Millia Islamia. He extended heartfelt congratulations to the entire team for their dedication and vision, which have brought global recognition to the institution.
This groundbreaking research and its recognition mark a significant milestone, not only for JMI but also for the broader scientific and medical communities. As the world looks to 2025, this innovation stands as a beacon of hope for more accessible and effective cancer diagnostics.
In the last five years, Dr Tanveer, basically a gene-editing scientist, and his team have been behind a set of innovations that make detection and treating life-threatening diseases easier. This includes a COVID-19 detection toll also.
