AI Platform iOncology.ai Gains Global Recognition at BRICS Summit
iOncology.ai, developed by AIIMS and C-DAC, featured in BRICS Health Journal for its potential to revolutionize cancer care in emerging economies.
An innovative Indian artificial intelligence platform, iOncology.ai, created to enhance cancer care, has been featured in the BRICS Health Journal during the recent BRICS Summit held on September 12-13. This platform is a collaborative effort by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in Pune, supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
AI in Cancer Care
iOncology.ai aims to revolutionize cancer-related clinical data management, facilitating early detection, risk stratification, treatment planning, and comprehensive patient data management. The platform's capabilities are being reviewed in a special article titled “Transforming cancer care in emerging economies: India’s AI innovation,” authored by Ashok Sharma and colleagues from AIIMS and C-DAC.
The review highlights the potential of AI to improve cancer screening, early diagnosis, and access to specialist care, especially in resource-limited settings. Dr. Ashok Sharma emphasized the importance of leveraging local innovations like iOncology.ai to reduce cancer-care disparities across the Global South.
Potential Impact on Global South
BRICS nations, collectively accounting for over 40% of the global population, face approximately 9 million new cancer cases and 4.66 million deaths annually. The review underscores the varying cancer patterns and disparities in access to screening and care among these countries. Dr. Sharma advocates for BRICS collaboration to enhance cancer prevention and treatment through evidence-based, interoperable solutions tailored to emerging economies.
iOncology.ai is currently in the pilot-stage of clinical validation, where its performance and applicability in clinical settings are being assessed. The platform uses curated Indian clinical, radiological, and histopathological datasets, with future plans to integrate genetic data and electronic health record systems.
Next Steps for iOncology.ai
Despite its promising potential, iOncology.ai has yet to achieve clinical validation. It remains in a research phase, with no peer-reviewed studies confirming its diagnostic accuracy or clinical utility. Future multicentre validation studies will be essential before it can be widely adopted in clinical practice.
The platform is a part of India's broader efforts to enhance cancer control and digital health infrastructure, aligning with initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. Such advancements signify a significant step forward in addressing the healthcare challenges faced by emerging economies.