Perspectives in Cancer Prevention-Translational Cancer Research

Prof. P .R Sudhakaran is a well-known biochemist who has made significant contribution in the area of vascular biology. His major areas of research include cell matrix interaction and cell signalling in both physiological and pathological conditions including atherosclerosis, angiogenesis and cancer. As Head of the Department of Biochemistry, University of Kerala Thiruvananthapuram, and the founder Dean of School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasargod, India , he has contributed significantly to biochemical education in the country and is presently the Director, Kerala State Biotechnology Commission. Dr Sudhakaran has published over 130 original research articles in international journals and is a fellow of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (India).

Prof. M. Radhakrishna Pillai is a well-known cancer biologist, Director of the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, National Research Institute of the Government of India in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala . A fellow of both the Science and Medical academies of India and the Royal College of Pathologists, London, Professor Pillai has provided one of the most elaborate data bases of cellular and molecular processes occurring during epithelial tumor progression especially roles of human papilloma virus and apoptosis. His work on cellular manifestations of HPV infection particularly p53 gene inactivation, defective apoptosis and angiogenesis culminated in the description of a "condemned mucosa syndrome", which was well received in the scientific community. He has also demonstrated the existence of various HPV 16 subtypes showing how they are associated with various grades of cervical disease.

Prof. Oommen’s research contributions on comparative endocrinology in non-mammalian vertebrates led to establish identical pattern in these vertebrates as in homeotherms A new species (Gegeneophis primus) of caecilian and an extensive taxonomic revision of a hitherto poorly knownrainforest caecilian species Ichthyophis longicephalus are his recent works. Scientists from Natural History Museum, London honored him by naming a caecilian after him (Ureaotyphlus oommeni). His research links with MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA in Cancer saw three International Symposia on Translational cancer Research . Dr .Oommen is active in science popularization as the President of Kerala Academy of Sciences. Currently, Prof. Oommen is the Chairman, Kerala State Biodiversity Board