On 3rd Feb, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras unveiled an innovative cancer genome database designed to support research on the disease within India.
IIT Madras Director, V Kamakoti, pointed out that while cancer rates are high in India, the country has been underrepresented in global cancer genome research. Without a clear understanding of the genetic makeup of cancers prevalent in India, specific genetic variants associated with Indian cancers have not been adequately captured or used in the development of diagnostic tools and drugs.
To address this gap, IIT Madras launched its cancer genome program in 2020. As part of this initiative, the institute has completed whole exome sequencing of 960 samples from 480 breast cancer patients collected from across the country.
Kamakoti explained that the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA) aims to fill this void in the genomic data on various cancers in India. The database will offer a comprehensive list of genetic variants representing the Indian breast cancer population, aiding in early diagnostics, understanding disease progression, and improving treatment outcomes.
The cancer genome data was analyzed by IIT Madras in collaboration with Karkinos Healthcare (Mumbai), Chennai Breast Clinic, and Cancer Research and Relief Trust (Chennai). The research was led by IIT Madras’s Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics, funded by the Indian government’s “Institutions of Eminence” initiative.
According to S Mahalingam, Head of the Centre of Excellence, this database will serve as a critical tool for identifying cancer-specific biomarkers in India, facilitating early breast cancer detection and helping identify new drug targets for more effective treatments tailored to the Indian population.
BCGA also intends to host data from researchers working on cancer genomics across various cancer types and is open to accepting new submissions. This data will be valuable in identifying high-risk groups, monitoring cancer progression, developing personalized treatment strategies, and evaluating treatment outcomes.
Mahalingam further stated that the database offers insights into the genetic factors driving cancer progression, which could pave the way for personalized medicine. This approach could enhance healthcare in India by incorporating genetic and molecular information into clinical decision-making.
A recent report from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) revealed that cancer rates in India are rising, with one in nine people likely to develop cancer in their lifetime. The National Cancer Registry Programme reported that over 14.6 million people are currently living with cancer, with the incidence increasing by 12.8% annually since 2022.
