AI Platform for Cancer Care from India Gains Spotlight in BRICS Journal

An innovative artificial intelligence platform, iOncology.ai, designed to enhance cancer care, has been spotlighted in the BRICS Health Journal. Developed through a collaboration between the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune, the platform received support from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

Focus on Early Detection and Treatment Planning

iOncology.ai aims to integrate comprehensive cancer-related clinical data, facilitating early detection, risk assessment, treatment planning, and longitudinal patient management. The platform's development was highlighted during the BRICS Summit held from September 12-13, where a special review titled “Transforming cancer care in emerging economies: India’s AI innovation” was presented. This review by Ashok Sharma and his team from AIIMS and C-DAC examines the potential of AI in improving cancer screening and diagnosis, especially in resource-limited settings.

Potential Impact on Global Cancer Care

Dr. Ashok Sharma emphasized the importance of innovations like iOncology.ai in addressing cancer-care disparities, particularly in the Global South. He noted that BRICS countries, which account for over 40% of the global population, face significant challenges in cancer care, with about 9 million new cases and 4.66 million deaths annually. The review underscores the need for evidence-based, interoperable solutions to enhance cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in these regions.

Ongoing Validation and Future Prospects

Currently, iOncology.ai is undergoing pilot-stage clinical validation to evaluate its performance and potential clinical application. While promising, the platform is yet to be clinically validated, lacking peer-reviewed evidence of its diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility. Future multicentre validations are necessary before it can be widely implemented in clinical settings. The platform plans to incorporate genetic data and integrate with electronic health record systems, further embedding itself into India's digital health infrastructure, including initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.