Indian AI Cancer Platform iOncology.ai Gains BRICS Health Journal Spotlight

The AI-driven platform iOncology.ai, developed by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in Pune, has been spotlighted in the BRICS Health Journal. This recognition coincides with the recent BRICS Summit held on September 12-13, where the platform's potential to revolutionize cancer care was a focal point.

AIIMS and C-DAC Collaboration

iOncology.ai is a collaborative effort between AIIMS, C-DAC, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The platform is designed to integrate clinical data related to cancer, focusing on early detection, risk assessment, treatment planning, and patient-data management. Such innovations are crucial for emerging economies, where access to cancer care is often limited.

Research and Development Insights

A review titled “Transforming cancer care in emerging economies: India’s AI innovation,” authored by Dr. Ashok Sharma and colleagues, explores the potential of AI in enhancing cancer screening, early diagnosis, and specialist care access. Dr. Sharma emphasized India's opportunity to demonstrate how locally developed technologies like iOncology.ai can help bridge healthcare disparities across the Global South.

The platform is currently in the pilot-stage clinical validation phase, with ongoing evaluations to determine its efficacy and potential application in healthcare settings. Dr. Sharma highlighted the importance of evidence-based, interoperable solutions tailored to the needs of BRICS countries, which account for over 40% of the global population and face significant cancer-related challenges.

Integration with India's Health Infrastructure

iOncology.ai is set to be a part of India’s expanding digital health infrastructure, including initiatives like population screening and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. The platform utilizes curated datasets from Indian clinical, radiological, and histopathological sources, with plans to include genetic data and integrate with electronic health record systems.

However, the platform is still in the research phase, with no peer-reviewed evidence establishing its diagnostic accuracy or clinical utility. Future multicentre validation is essential before it can be widely used in clinical settings.