Indian AI Platform iOncology.ai Gains Spotlight at BRICS Summit
iOncology.ai, a breakthrough Indian AI platform for cancer care, is highlighted in the BRICS Health Journal, showcasing its potential to transform cancer treatment.
An innovative Indian artificial intelligence platform, iOncology.ai, developed to enhance cancer care, has been featured in the BRICS Health Journal during the recent BRICS Summit. This AI platform, a collaboration between the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in Pune, is supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
BRICS Health Journal Spotlight
iOncology.ai is designed to integrate diverse cancer-related clinical data, aiding in early detection, risk assessment, treatment planning, and comprehensive patient management. The platform's inclusion in the BRICS Health Journal underscores its potential to impact cancer care significantly in emerging economies. A review titled “Transforming cancer care in emerging economies: India’s AI innovation” by Ashok Sharma and his team highlights the role of AI in enhancing cancer screening and access to specialist care.
Clinical Evaluation Underway
Currently, iOncology.ai is undergoing pilot-stage clinical validation, with its efficacy and applicability in clinical settings being rigorously evaluated. Dr. Ashok Sharma from AIIMS emphasized the opportunity for India to demonstrate how local innovations like iOncology.ai can bridge cancer-care gaps in the Global South. He advocates for BRICS collaboration to focus on strengthening cancer prevention and treatment through evidence-based solutions tailored for emerging economies.
Addressing Global Cancer Challenges
The review in the journal points out that BRICS countries represent over 40% of the global population, with around 9 million new cancer cases and 4.66 million deaths annually. It notes the disparities in cancer patterns and access to care, positioning iOncology.ai within India’s broader cancer-control initiatives, including the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. The platform employs curated clinical, radiological, and histopathological datasets, with future plans to incorporate genetic data.
Despite its promising potential, iOncology.ai is not yet clinically validated and remains in research mode, lacking peer-reviewed evidence of its diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility. Comprehensive multicentre validation is essential before it can be widely adopted in clinical practice.