NECHRI and IIT Guwahati Join Hands to Advance Cancer Research in Northeast India
September 5, 2025
In a significant step towards strengthening cancer research in the region, the North East Cancer Hospital and Research Institute (NECHRI), Jorabat has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, on 12th January,2021. This collaboration aims to enhance research efforts to identify cancer-susceptible populations in Northeast India and develop novel strategies for early diagnosis and treatment.
Strengthening Cancer Research in the Northeast
The MoU marks a milestone in NECHRI’s vision of combining science with compassionate care. Together, IIT Guwahati and NECHRI are working on identifying novel biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, therapy, and recurrence. These biomarkers will help in better understanding the unique cancer patterns prevalent in the Northeast, where cancer incidence rates are among the highest in India.
Focus on Oral Cancer and Novel Drug Discovery
Oral cancer continues to be one of the leading cancer burdens in India, particularly in the Northeast due to tobacco usage and dietary habits. Through this collaboration, researchers have already identified novel targets for oral cancer drug discovery, with results published in the internationally reputed journal Biomolecules in 2019. Building on this foundation, NECHRI and IIT Guwahati are conducting further studies to develop new drugs and therapeutic approaches that can transform oral cancer treatment.
Identifying At-Risk Populations
Another key aspect of this partnership is the identification of cancer-susceptible populations in Northeast India. By understanding genetic predispositions, lifestyle factors, and environmental risks, the research will provide valuable insights that can be used for preventive healthcare and early intervention strategies. This proactive approach has the potential to reduce the cancer burden significantly in the region.
A Vision for the Future
Commenting on the collaboration, IIT Guwahati highlighted that both institutions are engaged in developing various strategies to support cancer patients from the Northeast. For NECHRI, this partnership reaffirms its commitment not only to providing treatment but also to driving research and awareness initiatives that address the root causes of cancer in the region.
With this MoU, NECHRI and IIT Guwahati are paving the way for innovative cancer research that is deeply rooted in the healthcare needs of the Northeast. This collaboration symbolizes hope for thousands of families and patients, reinforcing that together, science and healthcare can create a future where cancer is detected early, treated effectively, and prevented wherever possible.
NECHRI - Where Care Meets Commitment.
Strengthening Cancer Research in the Northeast
The MoU marks a milestone in NECHRI’s vision of combining science with compassionate care. Together, IIT Guwahati and NECHRI are working on identifying novel biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, therapy, and recurrence. These biomarkers will help in better understanding the unique cancer patterns prevalent in the Northeast, where cancer incidence rates are among the highest in India.
Focus on Oral Cancer and Novel Drug Discovery
Oral cancer continues to be one of the leading cancer burdens in India, particularly in the Northeast due to tobacco usage and dietary habits. Through this collaboration, researchers have already identified novel targets for oral cancer drug discovery, with results published in the internationally reputed journal Biomolecules in 2019. Building on this foundation, NECHRI and IIT Guwahati are conducting further studies to develop new drugs and therapeutic approaches that can transform oral cancer treatment.
Identifying At-Risk Populations
Another key aspect of this partnership is the identification of cancer-susceptible populations in Northeast India. By understanding genetic predispositions, lifestyle factors, and environmental risks, the research will provide valuable insights that can be used for preventive healthcare and early intervention strategies. This proactive approach has the potential to reduce the cancer burden significantly in the region.
A Vision for the Future
Commenting on the collaboration, IIT Guwahati highlighted that both institutions are engaged in developing various strategies to support cancer patients from the Northeast. For NECHRI, this partnership reaffirms its commitment not only to providing treatment but also to driving research and awareness initiatives that address the root causes of cancer in the region.
With this MoU, NECHRI and IIT Guwahati are paving the way for innovative cancer research that is deeply rooted in the healthcare needs of the Northeast. This collaboration symbolizes hope for thousands of families and patients, reinforcing that together, science and healthcare can create a future where cancer is detected early, treated effectively, and prevented wherever possible.
NECHRI - Where Care Meets Commitment.