Indian AI Tool for Cancer Care Shines in BRICS Health Journal

An Indian-developed artificial intelligence platform, iOncology.ai, designed to enhance cancer care, has been featured prominently in a special issue of the BRICS Health Journal. This recognition coincided with the BRICS Summit held from September 12-13, where the platform's capabilities were showcased.

The initiative is a collaborative effort between the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in Pune, supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. iOncology.ai aims to integrate cancer-related clinical data to assist in early detection, risk assessment, treatment planning, and ongoing patient management.

Review Highlights India's AI Innovation in Cancer Care

A detailed review titled “Transforming cancer care in emerging economies: India’s AI innovation” authored by Ashok Sharma and colleagues from AIIMS and C-DAC, underscores the potential of artificial intelligence in enhancing cancer screening, early diagnosis, and access to specialized care. The review places iOncology.ai within the context of India's growing digital health infrastructure, including initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.

According to Dr. Ashok Sharma, the platform represents an opportunity for India to demonstrate how locally developed innovations can address cancer-care disparities in the Global South. He emphasized the importance of BRICS collaboration in strengthening cancer prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and therapy tailored to the needs of emerging economies.

Current Development and Future Prospects

iOncology.ai is currently in the pilot stage of clinical validation and is undergoing implementation evaluation to determine its effectiveness in clinical settings. The platform is still in research mode, with no peer-reviewed evidence yet confirming its diagnostic accuracy or clinical utility. Prospective multicentre validation will be necessary before it can be adopted widely in clinical practice.

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 highlights significant disparities in cancer patterns and access to care across these nations, underscoring the critical need for innovative solutions like iOncology.ai.

The platform leverages curated clinical, radiological, and histopathological datasets from India, with plans to incorporate genetic data and integrate with electronic health record systems. This approach is aimed at providing evidence-based, interoperable solutions to improve cancer care, especially in resource-limited settings.