Indian AI Platform iOncology.ai Gains Global Attention at BRICS Summit
iOncology.ai, an AI platform for cancer care, developed by AIIMS and C-DAC, was featured in the BRICS Health Journal during the recent summit.
An Indian artificial intelligence platform, iOncology.ai, developed for enhancing cancer care, has been spotlighted at the recent BRICS Summit. The platform was featured in a special issue of the BRICS Health Journal inaugurated at the summit held on September 12-13. iOncology.ai is a collaborative project by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune, supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
AI-Driven Cancer Care
Designed to improve cancer care, iOncology.ai integrates various clinical data to aid in early detection, risk assessment, treatment planning, and patient data management. The review, titled “Transforming cancer care in emerging economies: India’s AI innovation,” authored by Ashok Sharma and his team from AIIMS and C-DAC, highlights how AI can revolutionize cancer screening and early diagnosis, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Dr. Ashok Sharma emphasized the potential of iOncology.ai to address disparities in cancer care across the Global South. He noted that through collaboration among BRICS nations, efforts should focus on strengthening cancer prevention and treatment using evidence-based solutions tailored to emerging economies.
Current Status and Future Prospects
While the platform is still in the pilot phase, undergoing clinical validation and implementation evaluation, its potential is significant. The BRICS countries, accounting for over 40% of the global population, face approximately 9 million new cancer cases and 4.66 million cancer-related deaths annually. The review underscores the importance of AI in bridging gaps in cancer care access and quality.
iOncology.ai is part of India's broader cancer control and digital health initiatives, such as population screening and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. The platform utilizes Indian clinical, radiological, and histopathological datasets and plans to integrate genetic data in the future, enhancing its interoperability with electronic health records.
However, iOncology.ai has not yet been clinically validated, as it is still in the research phase without peer-reviewed evidence confirming its diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility. Prospective multicenter validation will be required before it can be widely adopted in clinical environments.