Indian AI Cancer Platform iOncology.ai Featured in BRICS Journal

An artificial intelligence platform designed to enhance cancer care in India has been prominently featured in the BRICS Health Journal, coinciding with the BRICS Summit held from September 12-13. The platform, named iOncology.ai, was developed through a collaboration between the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in Pune, with backing from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

AI-Driven Cancer Care Solutions

The iOncology.ai platform aims to integrate cancer-related clinical data to improve early detection, risk stratification, treatment planning, and patient data management. The review titled “Transforming cancer care in emerging economies: India’s AI innovation,” authored by Ashok Sharma and colleagues from AIIMS and C-DAC, explores how AI can enhance cancer screening, early diagnosis, and access to specialized care.

iOncology.ai is currently in the pilot stage, undergoing clinical validation and implementation evaluation to determine its effectiveness in real-world clinical settings. Dr. Ashok Sharma emphasized the potential of this locally developed technology to address cancer-care disparities in the Global South, particularly through collaborations within BRICS nations.

Addressing Global Cancer Challenges

The BRICS countries, which make up over 40% of the global population, face significant challenges in cancer care, with approximately 9 million new cancer cases and 4.66 million deaths annually. The review highlights the disparities in cancer patterns and the accessibility of screening and specialist care across these nations.

iOncology.ai is positioned within India's broader cancer-control and digital-health initiatives, including population screening, cancer surveillance, and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. It utilizes curated Indian clinical, radiological, and histopathological datasets, with plans to incorporate genetic data and collaborate with electronic health record systems.

Future Prospects and Validation

Despite its potential, iOncology.ai has yet to be clinically validated. It is currently in research mode without peer-reviewed evidence confirming its diagnostic accuracy or clinical utility. Prospective multicentre validation studies will be necessary before it can be widely adopted in clinical practice.

Dr. Sharma advocates for evidence-based, interoperable solutions tailored to emerging economies, aiming to empower clinicians and improve cancer care in resource-limited settings. The platform represents a significant step in leveraging AI technology to meet the growing demands of cancer care in India and potentially other BRICS countries.