Indian AI Platform iOncology.ai Gains Recognition in BRICS Health Journal
The AI-powered iOncology.ai platform, developed by AIIMS and C-DAC, was spotlighted in the BRICS Health Journal for its potential to transform cancer care.
An Indian artificial intelligence platform, iOncology.ai, designed to enhance cancer care, has received international attention at the recent BRICS Summit. This innovative technology, developed 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, was featured in a special issue of the BRICS Health Journal.
BRICS Health Journal Highlights
The journal review titled, “Transforming cancer care in emerging economies: India’s AI innovation,” authored by Ashok Sharma and colleagues from AIIMS and C-DAC, explores the potential of artificial intelligence to improve cancer screening, early diagnosis, and access to specialist care. The review emphasizes the platform's role in integrating clinical data for early detection, risk stratification, and treatment planning.
During the BRICS Summit held on September 12-13, the journal issue was unveiled, spotlighting iOncology.ai as a tool that could potentially bridge cancer-care disparities in the Global South.
Ongoing Evaluation and Potential Impact
Currently in its pilot stage, iOncology.ai is undergoing clinical validation and implementation evaluation. The platform is being tested to assess its performance in clinical settings, though it has not yet been clinically validated. Prospective multicentre validation is necessary before it can be widely adopted in healthcare facilities.
Dr. Ashok Sharma, speaking to the media, emphasized India’s opportunity to showcase homegrown innovations like iOncology.ai, which can narrow the cancer-care gap in resource-constrained settings. He stressed the importance of BRICS collaboration in enhancing cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and therapy through evidence-based, interoperable solutions.
The Broader Context of Cancer Care
BRICS countries, representing over 40% of the global population, face a significant burden with approximately 9 million new cancer cases and 4.66 million cancer-related deaths. The review highlights disparities in cancer patterns and access to necessary care across these nations.
iOncology.ai is part of India's broader effort to enhance its cancer-control and digital-health infrastructure, which includes population screening, cancer surveillance, and tertiary care initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. The platform utilizes curated Indian clinical, radiological, and histopathological datasets, with future plans to incorporate genetic data and integrate with electronic health-record systems.