India's AI Cancer Platform iOncology.ai Showcased in BRICS Health Journal
iOncology.ai, developed in India, gains recognition at BRICS Summit for its potential to transform cancer care in emerging economies.
An Indian artificial intelligence platform, iOncology.ai, has taken center stage at the BRICS Summit, earning a feature in the BRICS Health Journal. Developed collaboratively by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune, the platform is supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
Spotlight at BRICS Summit
The platform, which aims to revolutionize cancer care, was reviewed in an article titled “Transforming cancer care in emerging economies: India’s AI innovation,” authored by Ashok Sharma and colleagues from AIIMS and C-DAC. The piece examines the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing cancer screening, diagnosis, and specialist care access in emerging economies.
iOncology.ai is currently in the pilot phase of clinical validation and implementation evaluation. It is designed to integrate clinical data related to cancer, aiding in early detection, risk stratification, treatment planning, and comprehensive patient data management.
Addressing Cancer Care Disparities
Dr. Ashok Sharma emphasized the potential of iOncology.ai in bridging cancer-care disparities in the Global South through BRICS collaboration. According to Sharma, the focus should be on strengthening cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment via evidence-based, interoperable solutions tailored to the needs of emerging economies.
The BRICS countries, which account for over 40% of the world’s population, face significant cancer challenges, with approximately 9 million new cases and 4.66 million deaths annually. The review highlights the disparities in cancer patterns and access to care across these nations.
Future Prospects and Challenges
iOncology.ai is positioned within India’s growing cancer-control infrastructure, including population screening, cancer surveillance, tertiary care, and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. The platform utilizes curated Indian datasets and plans to incorporate genetic data, working alongside electronic health-record systems.
However, the platform is still in research mode and lacks peer-reviewed validation of its diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility. Prospective multicenter validation will be necessary before it can be widely implemented in clinical settings.