A public-private national project in India has introduced the country’s first comprehensive multi-omics database fifteen years after its inception.
The Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA) focuses on studying cancer biology specific to the Indian population to create datasets that can be used in developing personalized treatment protocols.
Based on a press release, the open-access ICGA portal will initially contain clinically annotated data on DNA, RNA and protein profiles of breast cancer patients, along with their treatment history and outcomes. Next year, the available data will be expanded from the current 50 patients to more than 500.
“These data are openly accessible to the global research community under India’s PRIDE guidelines, which promote ethical sharing and collaboration in cancer research,” a press statement said.
The portal is built on the cBioPortal for Cancer Genomics platform, developed by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.
THE BIG 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 apex body for biomedical research, the The Indian Council of Medical Research has started building datasets that represent Indian diversity. For example, these datasets will support the development and integration of AI technologies in healthcare.
In 2023, India recorded more than two million new cancer cases – 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 tackle the growing cancer problem in India. The The Koita Center for Digital Oncology, established by the government-backed National Cancer Grid, is among the centers established to promote digitalization of cancer care in the country.
ON THE RECORD
“Cancer affects us all, and the need for more effective, personalized treatments – especially tailored to India’s unique genetic and environmental factors – is urgent. This portal will provide researchers with critical data to advance tailored cancer research for better treatment outcomes, “Dr. Anand Deshpande, a non-executive director of ICGA, commented.