Indian AI Cancer Care Platform Highlighted in BRICS Health Journal

An Indian artificial intelligence platform, iOncology.ai, designed to enhance cancer care, has been featured in the BRICS Health Journal. This spotlight came during the September 12-13 BRICS Summit, emphasizing the platform's potential to transform cancer treatment in emerging economies.

Development and Support

iOncology.ai is a joint development by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune. The initiative is backed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The platform aims to integrate various aspects of cancer management, including early detection, risk stratification, and treatment planning, while also facilitating multidisciplinary reviews and longitudinal patient-data management.

Focus on Emerging Economies

A detailed review titled “Transforming cancer care in emerging economies: India’s AI innovation,” authored by Ashok Sharma and colleagues from AIIMS and C-DAC, explores the role of AI in enhancing cancer screening and early diagnosis. The review underscores the potential of iOncology.ai to bridge gaps in cancer care across the Global South, especially in resource-limited settings. Dr. Ashok Sharma highlighted the importance of BRICS collaboration in fostering evidence-based, interoperable solutions tailored to the needs of these economies.

Current Validation and Future Prospects

iOncology.ai is currently in the pilot stage of clinical validation and implementation evaluation. It is being assessed for its performance in clinical settings, though it has not yet achieved clinical validation. The platform utilizes curated Indian clinical, radiological, and histopathological datasets, with plans to include genetic data and integrate with electronic health record systems. Despite its potential, prospective multicentre validation is essential to establish its diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility before broader application.

Addressing Global Cancer Disparities

The review in the BRICS Health Journal highlights the pressing need for innovations like iOncology.ai, particularly as BRICS countries represent over 40% of the global population, with about 9 million new cancer cases annually. It points out the disparities in cancer patterns and access to care within these nations. The platform's integration into India's growing cancer-control and digital-health infrastructure, including initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, positions it as a significant player in addressing these challenges.