IIT Madras Pioneers India's First Comprehensive Cancer Genome Database
In a landmark development for Indian medical research, the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) has unveiled the country's inaugural comprehensive genome database specifically targeting leukemia, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. This pioneering initiative, announced on World Cancer Day, represents a significant stride toward reshaping cancer research, drug development, and therapeutic strategies within India and globally.
Addressing a Critical Gap in Indian Cancer Genomics
Despite alarming statistics indicating that one in nine Indians is likely to develop cancer in their lifetime, with approximately 2.5 million people currently living with the disease, India has remained notably underrepresented in global cancer genome studies. Data reveals a concerning 12.8% annual increase in cancer incidence in India since 2022, highlighting the urgent need for localized genomic research.
The absence of a detailed genomic architecture for cancers prevalent in India has meant that specific genetic variants unique to the Indian population are not adequately captured or cataloged. This gap has hindered the development of diagnostic kits and targeted drugs tailored to India's diverse demographic.
The Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas Initiative
To bridge this critical void, IIT Madras has launched the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA), an ambitious project under the Bharat Cancer Genome Grid (BCG). Spearheaded by the institute's Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics, this effort aims to meticulously map the genetic mutations underlying cancers common among India's varied populations.
IIT-M Director V Kamakoti emphasized that the whole genome sequencing data for leukemia, colorectal, and pancreatic cancer patient samples is now publicly accessible to researchers worldwide through the portal bcga.iitm.ac.in. This open-access approach is designed to foster global collaboration and accelerate scientific breakthroughs.
Substantial Funding and Strategic Collaborations
The project has received robust financial backing, with a 56 crore investment from the Hyundai Motor India Foundation under its Hyundai Hope for Cancer initiative. This substantial funding underscores the project's potential impact and the private sector's commitment to advancing healthcare innovation in India.
Key collaborators in this groundbreaking endeavor include:
- Karkinos Healthcare based in Mumbai
- Leading Chennai hospitals such as the Kanchi Kamakoti Childs Trust Hospital
- The Institute of Child Health
- Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital
- Kumaran Hospital
Transformative Potential for Cancer Care in India
According to Professor S Mahalingam, head of IIT-M's Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics, this dataset fills a pivotal gap in understanding the genomic landscape of Indian cancers. He elaborated on its transformative potential:
"The database will enable the identification of cancer-specific biomarkers within the Indian population, facilitating earlier and more accurate detection of cancers. Moreover, it will pave the way for developing novel drugs and personalized treatment strategies that are more effective and tailored to India's unique genetic makeup."
This initiative not only marks a significant milestone in India's scientific capabilities but also holds the promise of revolutionizing cancer diagnosis and therapy, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes for millions across the nation.
