Indian AI Cancer Platform iOncology.ai Spotlighted in BRICS Health Journal
iOncology.ai, an Indian AI tool for cancer care, gains recognition at the BRICS Summit, showcasing its potential to transform cancer treatment in emerging economies.
An Indian artificial intelligence platform, iOncology.ai, designed to enhance cancer care, has gained international attention by being featured in a special issue of the BRICS Health Journal. The journal was launched during the recent BRICS Summit held from September 12-13, 2026. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune, with backing from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
AI-Driven Innovation in Cancer Care
iOncology.ai aims to revolutionize cancer management by integrating clinical data to support early detection, risk assessment, treatment planning, and comprehensive patient data management. Developed with the vision to bridge cancer-care gaps in the Global South, the platform is currently in the pilot stage of clinical validation and performance evaluation. Dr. Ashok Sharma from AIIMS emphasized the importance of local innovations in addressing cancer disparities, particularly through BRICS collaboration.
The review titled “Transforming cancer care in emerging economies: India’s AI innovation,” authored by Ashok Sharma and his team, explores the potential of AI to enhance cancer screening, early diagnosis, and access to specialist care. The focus is on creating interoperable solutions tailored to the healthcare needs of emerging economies, which house over 40% of the world's population and face significant cancer-related challenges.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While iOncology.ai holds promise, it is still undergoing evaluation in research settings, with no peer-reviewed evidence yet confirming its diagnostic accuracy or clinical utility. The platform leverages Indian datasets, including clinical, radiological, and histopathological information, and plans to incorporate genetic data and electronic health records. This initiative is part of India's broader cancer-control strategy, which includes population screening and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
Before iOncology.ai can be widely adopted in clinical settings, it requires further validation through multicenter trials to establish its effectiveness. The review underscores the disparities in cancer patterns and healthcare access across BRICS nations, highlighting the necessity for innovative solutions like iOncology.ai to ensure equitable cancer care.