A public-private national project in India has introduced what could be the country's first comprehensive cancer multi-omics database fifteen years after its founding.

The Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA) focuses on studying cancer biology specific to the Indian population to create datasets that can be utilised in developing personalised treatment protocols

Based on a media release, the open-access ICGA portal initially includes clinically annotated data on DNA, RNA, and protein profiles of breast cancer patients, along with their treatment histories and outcomes. By next year, the available data will be expanded from the current 50 patients to over 500. 

"This data is freely accessible to the global research community under India’s PRIDE guidelines, which promote ethical sharing and collaboration in cancer research," a press statement noted.

The portal was built based on the cBioPortal for Cancer Genomics platform developed by the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

THE LARGER TREND

Health and medical researchers in India have long relied on databases from global sources. "Historically, cancer treatments in India have been based on Western data sets. However, cancers in Indian patients can differ significantly at the molecular level," the ICGA said. 

Two years ago, India's peak body for biomedical research, the Indian Council of Medical Research, started building datasets representing Indian diversity. These datasets, for one, will underpin the development and integration of AI technologies in healthcare.

In 2023, India recorded over two million new cases of cancer – the third highest in the world. Late detection and poor intervention are reportedly driving this trend. 

Digital technologies have been identified as one solution to address India's growing cancer problem. The Koita Centre for Digital Oncology established by the government-backed National Cancer Grid is one of those centres established to promote the digitalisation of cancer care in the country. 

ON THE RECORD

"Cancer touches all of us, and the need for more effective, personalised treatments – especially tailored to the unique genetic and environmental factors in India – is urgent. This portal will empower researchers with crucial data to advance customised cancer research for better treatment outcomes," Dr Anand Deshpande, a non-executive director of ICGA, commented.