Indian AI Cancer Platform iOncology.ai Gains Global Attention at BRICS Summit
iOncology.ai, developed by AIIMS and C-DAC, is highlighted in a BRICS health journal for its potential to transform cancer care in emerging economies.
An Indian artificial intelligence platform, iOncology.ai, designed to enhance cancer care, has been prominently featured in the BRICS Health Journal during the recent BRICS Summit. Developed collaboratively by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune, the platform received support from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
Highlighting India's AI Innovation
The review titled, “Transforming cancer care in emerging economies: India’s AI innovation,” led by Ashok Sharma and colleagues from AIIMS and C-DAC, underscores the platform's potential to bolster cancer screening and early diagnosis. iOncology.ai aims to integrate and manage clinical data for early detection, risk assessment, treatment planning, and multidisciplinary reviews.
Currently, iOncology.ai is undergoing pilot-stage clinical validation to evaluate its performance in real-world settings. Dr. Ashok Sharma noted that the platform represents an opportunity for India to demonstrate effective cancer-care innovations, particularly in bridging disparities in the Global South. He emphasized that BRICS collaboration could enhance cancer prevention and treatment through evidence-based, interoperable solutions tailored for emerging economies.
Addressing Cancer Care Disparities
The BRICS nations, accounting for over 40% of the global population, face significant cancer care challenges, with approximately 9 million new cases and 4.66 million deaths annually. The review highlights disparities in cancer patterns and access to care, positioning iOncology.ai within India's growing cancer-control and digital-health infrastructure.
The platform utilizes curated datasets, including clinical, radiological, and histopathological data, with plans to incorporate genetic information and integrate with electronic health records. Despite its promise, iOncology.ai is not yet clinically validated, and further multicentre validation is essential before its broader clinical application.
Future Steps and Global Collaboration
The developers of iOncology.ai are focused on ensuring the platform's clinical utility and effectiveness through rigorous evaluation. The potential for global collaboration, particularly among BRICS countries, is seen as a pathway to advancing cancer care solutions that are both innovative and equitable.
As the platform continues to undergo validation, its inclusion in the BRICS Health Journal highlights the importance of leveraging technology to address healthcare disparities and improve outcomes, particularly in resource-constrained settings.