Indian AI Platform iOncology.ai Shines in BRICS Health Journal
iOncology.ai, an AI cancer care platform from India, gains global attention at the BRICS Summit.
An Indian artificial intelligence platform, iOncology.ai, is set to receive international attention after being featured in a special issue of the BRICS Health Journal. Developed by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in Pune, the platform is supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. It aims to transform cancer care by integrating clinical data to assist in early detection, risk stratification, treatment planning, and patient-data management.
Spotlight at the BRICS Summit
The BRICS Summit, held on September 12-13, highlighted the platform through a review titled “Transforming cancer care in emerging economies: India’s AI innovation.” Authored by Ashok Sharma and colleagues from AIIMS and C-DAC, the review discusses how AI can enhance cancer screening, early diagnosis, and access to specialist care in emerging economies.
Dr. Ashok Sharma emphasized the potential of iOncology.ai to address cancer-care disparities in the Global South. He stated that BRICS collaboration should focus on strengthening cancer prevention and therapy using evidence-based solutions tailored to the needs of these economies.
Current Status and Future Prospects
iOncology.ai is currently undergoing pilot-stage clinical validation. The platform is being evaluated for its performance and potential utility in clinical settings. Despite its promising capabilities, it has not yet been clinically validated, with no peer-reviewed evidence available to establish its diagnostic accuracy or clinical utility. Prospective multicentre validation is required for wider clinical use.
The review also places iOncology.ai within India's broader cancer-control and digital-health infrastructure, which includes population screening, cancer surveillance, and initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. The platform utilizes curated Indian clinical, radiological, and histopathological datasets. Plans are in place to incorporate genetic data and integrate with electronic health-record systems.
The BRICS countries, which account for over 40% of the global population, face significant challenges in cancer care. With approximately 9 million new cancer cases and 4.66 million deaths annually, there are notable disparities in cancer patterns and access to care. The development of platforms like iOncology.ai could play a crucial role in addressing these challenges.