New Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI) – The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has launched a pioneering cancer genome database, a significant step in India's battle against the disease. The initiative aims to bridge the gap in genomic research by cataloging genetic variations specific to Indian cancer patients, a crucial aspect missing in global studies.
According to IIT Madras Director, V Kamakoti, despite India's high cancer incidence, the country remains underrepresented in international cancer genome studies. The absence of a comprehensive genomic database for Indian cancer types has hindered the development of diagnostic kits and targeted drug therapies.
"We are releasing yet another health-related dataset, the second in this academic year, following our brain data release. This cancer genome data will provide deep insights into the causes of cancer and enable early interventions," Kamakoti stated.
The study was conducted in collaboration with Karkinos Healthcare (Mumbai), Chennai Breast Clinic, and the Cancer Research and Relief Trust (Chennai). The anonymized genetic data was compiled and analyzed by IIT Madras’ Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics, supported by the Government of India’s Institutions of Eminence initiative.
“This will enable the identification of cancer-specific biomarkers in Indian patients, facilitating early detection of breast cancer and the development of targeted treatments,” said S Mahalingam, Head of the Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics, IIT Madras.
The BCGA database is also open for contributions from researchers across different cancer types. The goal is to leverage this data to identify high-risk groups, track disease progression, and develop personalized treatment strategies.
“The genome database provides insights into cancer evolution, allowing India’s biomedical research sector to shift towards personalized medicine, where genetic and molecular information informs clinical decision-making,” Mahalingam added.
With the launch of the BCGA, researchers and healthcare professionals will now have access to critical genetic insights that could improve cancer detection, treatment, and patient outcomes in India. This initiative marks a major milestone in genomics-driven healthcare, paving the way for precision medicine and innovative cancer therapies tailored to Indian patients.
According to IIT Madras Director, V Kamakoti, despite India's high cancer incidence, the country remains underrepresented in international cancer genome studies. The absence of a comprehensive genomic database for Indian cancer types has hindered the development of diagnostic kits and targeted drug therapies.
Filling the Genomic Gap in Cancer Research
To address this gap, IIT Madras initiated the Cancer Genome Programme in 2020, focusing on studying different cancer types in India. Under this initiative, the institute has completed 960 whole exome sequencing samples from 480 breast cancer patients across the country."We are releasing yet another health-related dataset, the second in this academic year, following our brain data release. This cancer genome data will provide deep insights into the causes of cancer and enable early interventions," Kamakoti stated.
Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA): A Breakthrough Initiative
A key outcome of this initiative is the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA), designed to provide a comprehensive catalog of genetic variations in the Indian breast cancer population. The database will help classify genetic markers crucial for early detection, disease progression, and treatment outcomes.The study was conducted in collaboration with Karkinos Healthcare (Mumbai), Chennai Breast Clinic, and the Cancer Research and Relief Trust (Chennai). The anonymized genetic data was compiled and analyzed by IIT Madras’ Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics, supported by the Government of India’s Institutions of Eminence initiative.
Revolutionizing Early Detection and Personalized Medicine
The newly launched database is expected to be an invaluable resource for cancer research in India.“This will enable the identification of cancer-specific biomarkers in Indian patients, facilitating early detection of breast cancer and the development of targeted treatments,” said S Mahalingam, Head of the Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics, IIT Madras.
The BCGA database is also open for contributions from researchers across different cancer types. The goal is to leverage this data to identify high-risk groups, track disease progression, and develop personalized treatment strategies.
“The genome database provides insights into cancer evolution, allowing India’s biomedical research sector to shift towards personalized medicine, where genetic and molecular information informs clinical decision-making,” Mahalingam added.
Rising Cancer Cases in India: A Growing Concern
The significance of this initiative is underscored by a recent report from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which highlights the increasing burden of cancer in the country. According to the National Cancer Registry Programme, one in nine Indians is likely to develop cancer in their lifetime, with 14.6 lakh people currently battling the disease. Cancer incidence has been rising at a rate of 12.8% annually since 2022.With the launch of the BCGA, researchers and healthcare professionals will now have access to critical genetic insights that could improve cancer detection, treatment, and patient outcomes in India. This initiative marks a major milestone in genomics-driven healthcare, paving the way for precision medicine and innovative cancer therapies tailored to Indian patients.
