City-based B Barooah Cancer Institute (BBCI) is collaborating with  IIT Guwahati in a research project to develop a molecule that could act as a guiding light for doctors in pursuit of a better cancer treatment. The research will be on breast cancer, the most common form of the dreaded disease in the northeast.

Known as the biomarker in scientific parleys, this molecule would help in identifying the different types of cancer cells and hence it would give doctors a better idea of how to proceed with the treatment. "A biomarker can identify different attributes of a cancer cell," said B Borthakur, an oncologist with the cancer institute.

The director of the institute, A S Kataki, while announcing the crucial collaboration with the department of biotechnology of IIT Guwahati, will carry out the research project on breast cancer. The results are expected to explore other types of cancer as well. The project has been recommended by the expert committee of the ministry of science and technology. Kataki said, "Breast cancer is one of the most common diseases among urban woman of the northeast, while the rural women are more prone to cervical cancer. Various research projects would help in identifying the cause, so that we can proceed on the right track towards the treatment. We have collaborated with IIT-G so that apart from research, we can also conduct awareness programmes."

He further said, "We are planning to launch another research project on Nezophyralzal cancer and have already spoken to the ministry of science and technology. The northeast being a cancer-prone region, we are now focusing more on research-based projects and are collaborating with various institutes as well."

Biswajit Barooah, one of members of the board of trustees who was also present at the meeting, said, "BBCI has been working towards improving treatment for cancer patients and many advanced therapies have been introduced over the years. Now, people don't have to venture out of the state as they can get advanced treatments here itself."

The institute has been regularly conducting community-based cancer awareness programmes in various parts of the state and regular teaching and training programme for doctors as well.

BBCI has prepared a master plan" for the next five years that would be placed before the meeting of the board of directors' of the institute to be held in Delhi by the end of February.