Indian AI Cancer Care Platform Gains Recognition at BRICS Summit
iOncology.ai, developed by AIIMS and C-DAC, is spotlighted in a BRICS health journal for its innovative approach to cancer care.
An Indian artificial intelligence platform, iOncology.ai, developed to enhance cancer care, has been featured in the BRICS Health Journal during the BRICS Summit held on September 12-13. This platform, a collaborative effort between the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune, aims to transform cancer diagnosis and treatment in emerging economies.
A Step Forward in Cancer Care
The review titled “Transforming cancer care in emerging economies: India’s AI innovation,” presents the potential of iOncology.ai to improve cancer screening, early diagnosis, and access to specialist care. The platform is designed to integrate various elements of cancer care, including early detection, risk stratification, treatment planning, multidisciplinary review, and longitudinal patient-data management. It is currently undergoing clinical validation and implementation evaluation to determine its effectiveness in real-world settings.
Addressing Global Cancer Disparities
Dr. Ashok Sharma from AIIMS, a lead author of the review, emphasized the platform’s role in bridging cancer-care disparities, especially in resource-limited settings across the Global South. He pointed to the collaboration among BRICS nations as a critical factor in enhancing cancer prevention and treatment through evidence-based, interoperable solutions tailored to the needs of these regions.
The significance of this development is underscored by the fact that BRICS countries constitute over 40% of the global population, with approximately 9 million new cancer cases and 4.66 million deaths annually. The review also highlights the disparities in cancer patterns and access to screening and specialist care within these countries.
Building on India's Digital Health Initiatives
iOncology.ai is part of India's broader digital health infrastructure, which includes initiatives like population screening, cancer surveillance, and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. The platform utilizes curated Indian clinical, radiological, and histopathological datasets, with plans to incorporate genetic data and integrate with electronic health record systems.
Despite its promising potential, iOncology.ai is still in the research phase and lacks peer-reviewed evidence confirming its diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility. Prospective multicentre validation studies are necessary to establish its readiness for broader clinical use.