Indian AI Cancer Care Platform iOncology.ai Spotlighted in BRICS Journal
iOncology.ai, an AI platform developed by AIIMS and C-DAC, is featured in the BRICS Health Journal for its potential to transform cancer care in emerging economies.
An innovative artificial intelligence platform from India, iOncology.ai, designed to enhance cancer care, has gained international attention by being featured in a special issue of the BRICS Health Journal. This recognition coincides with the BRICS Summit held from September 12-13, marking a significant milestone for the developers involved in the project.
Collaboration Between AIIMS and C-DAC
The platform is a collaborative effort between 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 India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The technology integrates various cancer-related data to aid in early detection, risk assessment, and treatment planning, while also facilitating multidisciplinary reviews and managing patient data over time.
Focus on Emerging Economies
A review titled “Transforming cancer care in emerging economies: India’s AI innovation” by Ashok Sharma and his team at AIIMS and C-DAC, highlights how AI can enhance cancer screening and diagnosis in developing regions. The review emphasizes the platform's potential in bridging cancer-care gaps across the Global South, where disparities in healthcare resources are prevalent.
Dr. Ashok Sharma expressed that the goal is to provide evidence-based, interoperable solutions tailored for emerging economies, thereby promoting more equitable cancer care. The BRICS nations, which collectively account for over 40% of the world’s population, face approximately 9 million new cancer cases and 4.66 million cancer-related deaths annually, underscoring the urgent need for such innovations.
Integration with India's Health Infrastructure
iOncology.ai is part of India's broader efforts in cancer control and digital health, aligning with initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. The platform currently utilizes curated Indian datasets, including clinical, radiological, and histopathological data, with future plans to incorporate genetic information and integrate with electronic health record systems.
Despite its promising potential, iOncology.ai is still in the pilot phase, undergoing clinical validation and evaluation to determine its effectiveness and utility in real-world settings. As of now, peer-reviewed evidence supporting its diagnostic accuracy is pending, and further multicenter validation is necessary before it can be widely adopted in clinical practice.