iOncology.ai: India's AI Cancer Platform Gains Spotlight in BRICS Journal
iOncology.ai, an AI platform for cancer care, developed in India, is featured in the BRICS Health Journal, highlighting its potential to transform cancer diagnosis.
An Indian artificial intelligence platform, iOncology.ai, designed to enhance cancer care, has been prominently featured in the BRICS Health Journal during the recent BRICS Summit held on September 12-13. Developed collaboratively by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune, with support from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the platform aims to revolutionize cancer treatment processes.
Innovation in Cancer Care
iOncology.ai integrates various cancer-related clinical data to support early detection, risk stratification, treatment planning, and longitudinal patient-data management. This platform is currently in its pilot stage, undergoing clinical validation and implementation evaluation. The goal is to determine its performance and potential application within clinical settings.
A review titled “Transforming cancer care in emerging economies: India’s AI innovation,” authored by Ashok Sharma and his team from AIIMS and C-DAC, explores the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing cancer screening, early diagnosis, and access to specialist care. The review underscores the importance of locally developed innovations like iOncology.ai in addressing cancer-care disparities, especially in the Global South.
Addressing Global Cancer Challenges
Dr. Ashok Sharma emphasized that India's focus should be on strengthening cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment through evidence-based, interoperable solutions tailored for emerging economies. According to the review, BRICS countries, accounting for over 40% of the global population, face significant challenges with approximately 9 million new cancer cases and 4.66 million deaths annually. The disparities in cancer patterns and access to care are particularly pronounced.
iOncology.ai is part of India's growing cancer-control and digital-health infrastructure, which includes population screening, cancer surveillance, and tertiary care, aligned with initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. The platform utilizes curated Indian clinical, radiological, and histopathological datasets and plans to incorporate genetic data while integrating with electronic health-record systems.
Future Prospects and Challenges
Despite the potential of iOncology.ai, it has not yet achieved full clinical validation. The platform is still in a research mode, lacking peer-reviewed evidence to confirm its diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility. Prospective multicentre validation will be necessary before it can be widely used in clinical practice.
This development reflects India's commitment to leveraging technology in healthcare, aiming to provide smarter and more equitable cancer care solutions, particularly in resource-constrained settings. The iOncology.ai platform, highlighted in the BRICS Health Journal, represents a significant step towards addressing global cancer challenges through innovative digital solutions.