Indian AI Platform iOncology.ai Gains Spotlight in BRICS Health Journal

An Indian artificial intelligence platform, iOncology.ai, designed to enhance cancer care, has garnered international attention by being featured in the BRICS Health Journal. The platform's review was part of a special issue unveiled during the recent BRICS Summit held from September 12-13.

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 clinical data to aid in early cancer detection, risk stratification, treatment planning, and patient management.

AI's Role in Cancer Care

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, explores how AI can improve cancer screening, early diagnosis, and access to specialized care. Dr. Ashok Sharma emphasized the platform's potential to reduce cancer-care disparities in the Global South through BRICS collaboration.

He highlighted the importance of developing evidence-based, interoperable solutions tailored for emerging economies to enhance cancer prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and therapy.

Pilot and Validation Efforts

Currently, iOncology.ai is in the pilot stage, undergoing clinical validation and implementation evaluation to determine its performance and utility in real-world clinical settings. The platform's development is part of India's broader efforts to expand its cancer-control and digital-health infrastructure, aligning with initiatives like population screening and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.

Despite its promising potential, iOncology.ai has not yet achieved clinical validation. It is still being evaluated in research mode, with no peer-reviewed evidence confirming its diagnostic accuracy or clinical effectiveness. A prospective multicenter validation will be necessary before the platform can be widely adopted in clinical practice.

Addressing Global Cancer Challenges

The review underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions in cancer care, particularly in BRICS countries, which account for over 40% of the world's population and face significant challenges with approximately 9 million new cancer cases and 4.66 million deaths annually. It also notes the disparities in cancer patterns and access to care across these nations.

iOncology.ai utilizes curated Indian clinical, radiological, and histopathological datasets, with plans to incorporate genetic data and integrate with electronic health record systems. This approach aims to empower clinicians, enable earlier and smarter cancer care, and address the significant needs in resource-constrained settings.