Indian AI Platform iOncology.ai Gains International Attention at BRICS Summit
India's AI-driven cancer care platform iOncology.ai is spotlighted in BRICS Health Journal, showcasing innovations in cancer detection and treatment.
An Indian artificial intelligence (AI) platform, iOncology.ai, designed to enhance cancer care, is gaining international recognition after being featured in a special edition of the BRICS Health Journal. The journal was unveiled during the BRICS Summit held from September 12-13, 2026.
Developed collaboratively by 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, iOncology.ai aims to integrate extensive cancer-related clinical data. It is engineered to support early detection, risk stratification, treatment planning, and the management of patient data over time.
Innovative Approach to Cancer Care
The review titled “Transforming cancer care in emerging economies: India’s AI innovation,” co-authored by Ashok Sharma and colleagues from AIIMS New Delhi and C-DAC Pune, highlights the potential of AI in enhancing cancer screening and diagnosis in emerging markets. The platform's development reflects a strategic effort to bridge disparities in cancer care access across the Global South.
Dr. Ashok Sharma, speaking about the project, emphasized the importance of BRICS cooperation in strengthening cancer prevention and treatment through evidence-based solutions tailored to emerging economies' needs. He underscored the platform's potential to deliver more equitable cancer care, especially in resource-limited settings.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite its promising capabilities, iOncology.ai is currently in the pilot phase of clinical validation and implementation evaluation. Researchers are assessing its performance and potential applicability in clinical settings. The platform has yet to undergo peer-reviewed validation to confirm its diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility.
The review notes the significant demand for improved cancer care, with BRICS nations representing over 40% of the global population and facing approximately 9 million new cancer cases and 4.66 million deaths annually. There are stark differences in cancer incidence and access to medical care among these countries.
iOncology.ai is part of India's broader cancer-control strategy, which includes population screening, cancer surveillance, and integration with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. The platform utilizes Indian clinical, radiological, and histopathological datasets, with plans to incorporate genetic information and electronic health records in the future.
While iOncology.ai holds promise, its full clinical integration will require further multicenter validation to establish its efficacy and safety for widespread use.