Indian AI Platform iOncology.ai Showcased in BRICS Health Journal

iOncology.ai, an innovative artificial intelligence platform developed in India, has been prominently featured in the BRICS Health Journal, garnering international attention during the recent BRICS Summit held on September 12-13. The platform, a collaborative effort between the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune, is supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

The platform aims to revolutionize cancer care by integrating clinical data to support early detection, risk stratification, treatment planning, multidisciplinary reviews, and longitudinal patient-data management. The review titled “Transforming cancer care in emerging economies: India’s AI innovation” was authored by Ashok Sharma and colleagues from AIIMS New Delhi and C-DAC Pune. It explores how AI could significantly improve cancer screening, early diagnosis, and access to specialized care in emerging economies.

Enhancing Cancer Care in Emerging Economies

Dr. Ashok Sharma emphasized the potential of iOncology.ai to address disparities in cancer care across the Global South. He highlighted the importance of BRICS collaboration in strengthening cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment through evidence-based and interoperable solutions tailored to the needs of emerging economies. Dr. Sharma noted that the platform could empower clinicians and facilitate earlier and more equitable cancer care, especially in resource-constrained settings.

According to the review, BRICS countries account for over 40% of the global population, with approximately 9 million new cancer cases and 4.66 million deaths annually. The review underscores significant differences in cancer patterns and access to screening, early diagnosis, and specialist care across these nations.

Current Status and Future Prospects

iOncology.ai is currently in the pilot stage of clinical validation and implementation evaluation to assess its performance in real-world clinical settings. Although the platform has not yet been clinically validated, it is undergoing evaluation in research mode. Prospective multicentre validation will be necessary before it can be widely used in clinical practice.

The platform is integrated within India’s expanding cancer-control and digital-health infrastructure, which includes population screening, cancer surveillance, and tertiary care, along with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. iOncology.ai utilizes curated Indian clinical, radiological, and histopathological datasets, with plans to incorporate genetic data and integrate with electronic health-record systems in the future.

The inclusion of iOncology.ai in the BRICS Health Journal highlights India's commitment to leveraging technology for improving healthcare outcomes and addressing global health challenges. As the platform progresses through validation stages, its potential impact on cancer care in emerging economies remains a significant area of interest.