AGENDA
conference schedule
may-16 2025 time - 8.00 am to 5.00 pm
09.00 am - 9.30 am
molecular biology of cancer: a visual journey
-Dr. Swaminathan Padmanabhan Iyer
Molecular Biology of Cancer: A Visual Journey” explores the intricate genetic and cellular mechanisms that drive cancer development and progression. Understanding these molecular foundations enables precision medicine by identifying mutations that can be specifically targeted, leading to more effective and individualized treatments. As cancer care advances toward personalization, this insight is critical for improving outcomes and minimizing overtreatment. This session will be led by Dr. Swaminathan Padmanabhan Iyer, Professor in the Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma at MD Anderson Cancer Center, who specializes in hematologic oncology.
09.00 am - 9.30 am
molecular biology of cancer: a visual journey
-Dr. Swaminathan Padmanabhan Iyer
Molecular Biology of Cancer: A Visual Journey” explores the intricate genetic and cellular mechanisms that drive cancer development and progression. Understanding these molecular foundations enables precision medicine by identifying mutations that can be specifically targeted, leading to more effective and individualized treatments. As cancer care advances toward personalization, this insight is critical for improving outcomes and minimizing overtreatment. This session will be led by Dr. Swaminathan Padmanabhan Iyer, Professor in the Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma at MD Anderson Cancer Center, who specializes in hematologic oncology.
09.30 am - 10.00 am
infectious disease genomics in real-time: successes and challenges of long read sequencing
-Dr. Awdhesh (Dash) Kalia
Long-read sequencing technologies, such as nanopore and SMRT platforms, are revolutionizing infectious disease genomics by enabling real-time, high-resolution pathogen surveillance, including the identification of antimicrobial resistance and transmission dynamics. These advancements are critical for rapid outbreak response and precision diagnostics, particularly in resource-limited settings. However, challenges persist, including the need for improved accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and streamlined data analysis pipelines to fully integrate these technologies into routine clinical practice. This session will be led by Dr. Awdhesh (Dash) Kalia, a researcher with a doctorate from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, who brings extensive expertise in genomics and its applications in infectious diseases.
10.00 am - 10.30 am
next generation sequencing: translating genomic fundamentals into clinical practice
-Dr. Saradhi Mallampati
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized genomic medicine by enabling comprehensive, high-throughput analysis of genetic material, facilitating precise diagnostics and personalized treatment strategies across various medical disciplines. Its integration into clinical practice enhances our ability to detect genetic mutations, monitor disease progression, and tailor therapies to individual patient profiles, thereby improving outcomes and reducing unnecessary interventions. This session will be led by Dr. Saradhi Mallampati, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Medical Director of the Molecular Genetic Pathology Laboratory at Arkansas Children’s Hospital
10.30 am - 11.00 am
inaguration
11.20 am - 11.50 am
liquid biopsy testing in precision oncology
-Dr. Rajalakshmi Luthra
Liquid biopsy is transforming precision oncology by offering a minimally invasive method to detect and monitor cancer through the analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and other biomarkers in bodily fluids. This approach enables real-time insights into tumor dynamics, facilitating early detection, treatment selection, and monitoring of therapeutic responses. Despite its promise, challenges such as assay sensitivity, standardization, and integration into clinical workflows remain. This session will be led by Dr. Rajyalakshmi Luthra, Professor in the Department of Hematopathology at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Luthra’s expertise in molecular diagnostics and hematopathology positions her at the forefront of implementing liquid biopsy technologies in clinical settings.
11.50 am - 12.30 pm
what, why and when of whole genome sequencing?
-Dr. Vinod Scaria
Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) is a comprehensive method for analyzing the entire DNA sequence of an organism, providing insights into both coding and non-coding regions of the genome. This technology is pivotal in identifying genetic variations that contribute to diseases, understanding complex traits, and advancing personalized medicine.
This session will be led by Dr. Vinod Scaria, a leading figure in clinical genomics, has been instrumental in pioneering WGS applications in India. He was part of the team that sequenced the first Indian genome and has contributed to significant projects such as the IndiGen program, which aims to map the genetic diversity of the Indian population. His work focuses on integrating WGS into clinical practice to enhance disease diagnosis and treatment strategies.
02.00 pm - 2.30 pm
latest advances in cyto and molecular genomics of leukemia
-Dr. Rashmi Kanagal Shamanna
Recent advancements in cytogenomics and molecular genomics have significantly enhanced our understanding of leukemia’s pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. Integrative approaches combining chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and next-generation sequencing (NGS) have enabled the detection of structural variants, gene fusions, and point mutations with unprecedented resolution. These technologies facilitate the identification of novel biomarkers, risk stratification, and the development of targeted therapies, thereby improving patient outcomes. This session will be led by Dr. Rashmi Kanagal-Shamanna, a tenured hematopathologist and molecular genetic pathologist at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
02.30 pm - 3.00 pm
flow cytometry in leukemia: clinical applications & challenges
-Dr. Thulasi Raman Ramalingam
Flow cytometry (FCM) is a cornerstone in leukemia diagnostics, enabling rapid, multiparametric analysis of blood and bone marrow samples. By assessing cell surface and intracellular markers, FCM can identify leukemic blasts, determine lineage, and detect minimal residual disease (MRD), thereby informing prognosis and guiding treatment decisions. However, the technique faces challenges in standardization and reproducibility due to instrument variability, differences in antibody sources, and operator-dependent factors, further complicating results. Additionally, the complexity of data analysis and the need for specialized expertise can limit its accessibility in resource-constrained settings. This session will be led by Dr. Thulasi Raman Ramalingam, a hematopathologist and consultant at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai.
03.00 pm - 4.15 pm
oral & poster presentation
04.15 pm - 4.45 pm
valedictory function