Indian AI Cancer Platform iOncology.ai Gains Global Attention at BRICS Summit

An Indian artificial intelligence platform, iOncology.ai, designed to enhance cancer care, has been highlighted in the BRICS Health Journal. This development took center stage during the recent BRICS Summit, held from September 12-13, where dignitaries unveiled a special issue of the journal featuring the innovative platform.

Collaborative Efforts in Development

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 the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. It aims to integrate cancer-related clinical data, aiding in early detection, risk stratification, treatment planning, and longitudinal patient-data management.

Dr. Ashok Sharma and his colleagues from AIIMS and C-DAC, in their review titled “Transforming cancer care in emerging economies: India’s AI innovation,” discuss how AI can improve cancer screening, diagnosis, and access to specialist care. The review underscores the potential of iOncology.ai to address cancer-care disparities across the Global South.

Pilot-Stage Validation Underway

Currently, iOncology.ai is in the pilot-stage of clinical validation, undergoing rigorous assessment to evaluate its performance and potential clinical applications. Dr. Sharma emphasized the opportunity for India to showcase locally developed innovations like iOncology.ai to bridge gaps in cancer care, particularly in resource-constrained settings.

The review also highlights significant statistics, noting that BRICS countries account for over 40% of the world’s population, with approximately 9 million new cancer cases and 4.66 million deaths annually. These figures illustrate the pressing need for improved cancer care solutions in these regions.

Integration with Existing Health Infrastructure

iOncology.ai is part of India’s expanding cancer-control and digital-health infrastructure, aligned with initiatives like population screening, cancer surveillance, tertiary care, and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. The platform utilizes curated Indian clinical, radiological, and histopathological datasets, with plans to incorporate genetic data and electronic health-record systems.

However, the platform is still in research mode, lacking peer-reviewed evidence to establish its diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility. Prospective multicenter validation is essential before it can be widely adopted in clinical settings.

This development marks a significant step for India in leveraging technology to enhance healthcare delivery, with the BRICS collaboration focusing on strengthening cancer prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and therapy through evidence-based, interoperable solutions tailored to emerging economies.