IIT Madras has launched the Indian Cancer Genome Program to improve cancer research in India. The program introduces the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas, a groundbreaking database for pediatric leukemia, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. This resource is accessible to researchers and healthcare professionals both in India and globally at bcga.iitm.ac.in.
The initiative aims to fill the gap in genomic data for cancers affecting the Indian population. Funded by a generous Rs 56 crore donation from the Hyundai Motor India Foundation, this program is part of a larger project called the Bharat Cancer Genome Grid. This effort seeks to enhance the adoption of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) in oncology practice across India.
To gather and analyze the data, IIT Madras has teamed up with several healthcare providers, including Karkinos Healthcare and various hospitals in Chennai. This collaboration focuses on identifying genetic mutations in cancer samples, which could lead to personalized treatment options tailored for Indian patients.
Prof. V. Kamakoti, director of IIT Madras, emphasized that this database provides crucial insights into the genetic factors behind these cancers. “It helps us understand the genomics of multiple cancers in India and supports the prevention of these diseases with timely interventions,” he stated.
According to data from the National Cancer Registry Program, about one in nine people in India will develop cancer during their lifetime, and currently, 2.5 million individuals are living with the disease. Alarmingly, cancer incidence has risen by 12.8% annually since 2022. Despite these statistics, India remains underrepresented in global cancer genome research. This lack of genomic data hampers the development of diagnostic tools and effective treatments tailored to Indian patients.
The Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas is set to change that by providing a comprehensive collection of genetic variants from Indian cancer patients. Project Coordinator Prof. S. Mahalingam highlighted that this database will not only enable earlier detection of cancers but also help in discovering new therapeutic targets that can lead to more effective treatments suited specifically for the Indian population.
This initiative is a vital step in addressing the pressing healthcare challenges posed by cancer in India. By improving data access and cooperation among research and healthcare institutions, the project aims to transform how cancer is understood and treated in the country.
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