RIYADH: King Saud University yesterday announced the discovery of a new lung cancer biomarker by a team of scientists and students led by V. Masilamani of the College of Science.
KSU Rector Abdullah Al-Othman told reporters at a press briefing that the research team headed by Masilamani would bring international fame to the university.
Cancer biomarkers are certain proteins found highly elevated in blood plasma due to the abnormal metabolic activity of cancer cells. Examining biomarkers can be useful in diagnosing cancer.
Masilamani said using the procedure cancer could be diagnosed by testing 5ml blood and 5ml urine. He added that an expert committee set up by the Indian Council of Medical Research has validated this particular protocol. The procedure can be used to diagnose different kinds of cancer.
“We want to become a world class university for research and development,” Al-Othman said, adding that the university would recruit more professionals for its research department in the near future.
He said SR350 million had been collected as part of a major research and development program that is being carried out with the support of businessmen to boost the Kingdom’s scientific and technological progress.
“It received tremendous support from businessmen and philanthropists, paving the way for launching academic chairs for important topics. The university is also planning to set up an endowment fund worth SR500 million,” he said.
— Ghazanfar Ali Khan & Mohammed Rasooldeen
