In a groundbreaking move to further cancer research in India, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, recently launched a pioneering cancer genome database. This initiative, launched on Monday, is designed to aid in the comprehensive study of cancer and its genetic underpinnings in India, which, despite having a high incidence of the disease, has been largely under-represented in global cancer genome studies. This effort aims to bridge the gap by providing a more detailed and region-specific understanding of the genetic factors involved in cancer, especially among the Indian population.
The need for a dedicated cancer genome database in India became evident due to the absence of genomic data representing Indian cancer patients. Genetic variants from cancers prevalent in India have not been sufficiently captured or catalogued, thus limiting their use in the development of diagnostic kits and targeted therapies. The lack of detailed genomic information on Indian cancers has hindered personalized medicine and the ability to address unique cancer-related challenges faced by the country.
To address this gap in the genomic landscape, IIT Madras initiated its Cancer Genome Programme in 2020. The aim was to collect, analyze, and catalog the genetic data of Indian cancer patients to provide better insights into cancer’s molecular mechanisms, which can ultimately help in early detection and the development of effective treatment options. A significant milestone in this programme was reached with the completion of the whole exome sequencing of 960 tissue samples taken from 480 breast cancer patients across the country. This achievement has laid the foundation for the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA), a unique database that represents the contemporary Indian breast cancer population and provides a comprehensive resource for understanding the genetic factors involved in cancer progression, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes.
IIT Madras Director, V Kamakoti, emphasized that India’s high cancer incidence has not been reflected in global cancer genomics studies, making the launch of this cancer genome database an essential step forward. The BCGA provides a collection of genetic variants found in Indian breast cancer samples, which can be instrumental in classifying variants involved in early diagnostics, disease progression, and treatment responses. With this data, researchers hope to uncover critical genetic markers that can aid in the early detection of cancer and contribute to developing more precise and effective treatment strategies tailored to the Indian population.
The initiative was a collaboration between IIT Madras, Karkinos Healthcare in Mumbai, the Chennai Breast Clinic, and the Cancer Research and Relief Trust in Chennai. The analysis of the data was spearheaded by the Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics at IIT Madras, which operates under the Centre government’s “Institutions of Eminence” initiative. The launch of the BCGA is the second health-related data release from the institute this academic year, following the release of brain cancer data.
S Mahalingam, Head of the Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics at IIT Madras, highlighted the importance of this cancer genome database for the future of cancer research in India. The BCGA database, he noted, will serve as an invaluable resource for identifying cancer-specific biomarkers that are crucial for early breast cancer detection. Moreover, the database will support the identification of novel drug targets, which can pave the way for developing more effective and personalized treatment strategies specifically designed for the Indian population. By compiling genetic data from across the country, the BCGA aims to create a more comprehensive picture of the genetic diversity present in Indian cancers and enable researchers to tailor interventions accordingly.
The BCGA’s objectives are not limited to just providing data for breast cancer but also extend to cancer genomics research across various cancer types. The database is designed to be an open platform, inviting researchers to submit their findings and contribute to a collaborative effort to better understand the genetic basis of cancer. The shared data will help in identifying biomarkers that can pinpoint high-risk groups, monitor cancer progression, design personalized treatment strategies, and evaluate treatment outcomes. This collaborative approach is expected to accelerate the pace of cancer research and enhance the quality of healthcare provided to cancer patients in India.
Mahalingam further emphasized that the insights gained from the cancer genome database could also transform the Indian healthcare system by advancing the concept of “personalized medicine.” By integrating an individual’s genetic and molecular data into clinical decision-making, personalized medicine can improve the standard of care, ensuring that treatments are more effective and better suited to the specific needs of each patient. This could mark a shift toward more targeted interventions that consider the genetic makeup of Indian patients, which differs significantly from populations in other parts of the world.
The launch of the BCGA comes at a time when cancer rates in India are on the rise. According to a recent report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the number of cancer patients in the country continues to grow steadily. The National Cancer Registry Programme revealed that one in nine people in India is likely to develop cancer during their lifetime, and there are currently 14,61,427 people living with cancer in the country. With a 12.8 percent increase in cancer incidence every year since 2022, the importance of early diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies has never been greater.
The BCGA will provide the scientific community with critical data that could help shift the focus of cancer care in India toward prevention, early detection, and precision medicine. With the rapid advancements in cancer genomics, the potential to improve cancer outcomes through targeted therapies is now within reach. The launch of this database is not just a step forward in cancer research but also a significant leap toward improving cancer care and saving lives in India.
By collecting and analyzing cancer-related genetic data from Indian patients, IIT Madras is providing a much-needed resource to help address the growing cancer burden in the country. The BCGA database is expected to empower researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to make more informed decisions, ultimately leading to better outcomes for cancer patients across India. As the database continues to expand, it will play a vital role in transforming the landscape of cancer research and treatment in the country.
In conclusion, the launch of IIT Madras’s cancer genome database is a significant milestone in cancer research in India. By filling the gap in genomic data and focusing on the genetic landscape of Indian cancers, the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas has the potential to revolutionize the way cancer is understood, diagnosed, and treated in the country. This initiative is a step towards a future where personalized medicine is the norm, and cancer patients in India receive the best possible care based on their unique genetic profiles.
