iOncology.ai: Indian AI Tool for Cancer Care Shines at BRICS Summit

An innovative Indian AI platform, iOncology.ai, designed to enhance cancer care, was prominently featured in a special issue of the BRICS Health Journal during the recent BRICS Summit. The platform is a collaborative development 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.

Spotlight on iOncology.ai at BRICS Summit

The BRICS Summit, held on September 12-13, showcased iOncology.ai as part of its commitment to addressing health challenges in emerging economies. The platform aims to streamline cancer-related processes, including early detection, risk assessment, treatment planning, and patient data management. The review titled “Transforming cancer care in emerging economies: India’s AI innovation,” authored by Ashok Sharma and colleagues, explores the impact of AI on cancer screening and diagnosis.

Potential to Bridge Cancer-Care Disparities

Dr. Ashok Sharma from AIIMS highlighted the potential of iOncology.ai to address cancer-care disparities, especially in resource-limited settings. With BRICS nations representing over 40% of the global population and accounting for around 9 million new cancer cases annually, the need for improved cancer care solutions is critical. The platform is seen as a step towards more equitable healthcare access across the Global South.

Current Validation and Future Prospects

Currently in the pilot stage, iOncology.ai is undergoing clinical validation and evaluation to determine its effectiveness in real-world settings. The platform integrates Indian clinical, radiological, and histopathological datasets, with future plans to include genetic data and interface with electronic health records. However, it has yet to receive clinical validation, and further multicentre studies are needed to establish its diagnostic accuracy and utility.

The review places iOncology.ai within the broader context of India’s digital health initiatives, such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, underscoring its potential role in enhancing cancer surveillance and care infrastructure. As the platform continues to develop, it represents a significant opportunity for India to lead in AI-driven healthcare innovation.