In an effort to fill the gap in the genomic landscape for different cancers in India, IIT Madras has initiated the Indian cancer genome program. Under the programme, IIT Madras has released the first of its kind paediatric leukaemia, colorectal and pancreatic cancer genome database to transform cancer research in India.
Called the ‘Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas', the database has been made publicly accessible at bcga.iitm.ac.in to researchers and clinicians both in India and abroad, IIT Madras announced on World Cancer Day, observed on February 4 every year.
The initiative has begun with an aim to bridge the critical gap in genomic data for cancers prevalent in the Indian population. Part of the larger Bharat Cancer Genome Grid, the programme has come up with the support of Rs 56 crore CSR funds from the Hyundai Motor India Foundation under its flagship 'Hyundai Hope for Cancer' initiative.
IIT Madras also partnered with Karkinos Healthcare, Mumbai, the KK Childs Trust Hospital, Chennai, Institute of Child Health, Chennai, Government Rajiv Gandhi Hospital, Chennai, and the Kumaran Hospital, Chennai to analyse the data and assemble the anonymised summary of genetic variants from Indian leukaemia, colorectal and pancreatic cancer samples.
The Bharat Cancer Genome Grid (BCG2) is a clinician-centric national initiative designed to accelerate the responsible adoption of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) in routine oncology practice in India. Conceived as a functional and clinical adjunct to the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA), BCG2 aims to bridge the critical gap between large-scale cancer genome data generation and its meaningful application at the patient bedside.
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The research led by the IIT's Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics, and Hyundai Centre for Cancer Genomics, focuses on genomic sequencing to identify genetic mutations, laying the foundation for a national paediatric leukaemia, colorectal and pancreatic cancer genome database and personalised treatment protocols.
Through this partnership, it actively conducts screening and vaccination camps, engages in upskilling of technicians and is involved in the deployment of mobile medical units to expand healthcare access to underserved regions. This partnership also includes INR 3 crores in funds to support cancer treatment for the poor-income families.
Apart from this, the centre also actively conducts screening and vaccination camps, engages in up-skilling of technicians and is involved in the deployment of mobile medical units to expand healthcare access to underserved regions.
Highlighting the benefits of the research during a press conference on ‘Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas’, IIT Madras director Prof. V. Kamakoti, said, “We are releasing a new genome dataset encompassing leukaemia, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. This initiative aims to generate deeper insights into the factors driving these deadly diseases and to support their prevention through timely, early interventions. The Atlas fills a critical gap in understanding the genomic landscape of multiple cancers in India.”
He also said that the new initiative presents a carefully curated collection of genetic variants from contemporary Indian cancer patients, facilitating the identification of variants important for early diagnosis, tracking disease progression, and guiding therapeutic decisions.
Elaborating on this initiative, Project Coordinator Prof. S. Mahalingam, Head, Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics and the Hyundai Centre for Cancer Genomics, IIT Madras, said, “This database will be an invaluable resource to identify cancer-specific biomarkers in India, which will enable early detection of leukaemia, colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Additionally, it will facilitate the identification of novel therapeutic targets to support the design of more effective, population-specific treatment strategies for India.”
According to the National Cancer Registry Program, one in nine people in India are likely to develop cancer in their lifetime and 2.5 million people are currently living with cancer. There has been a 12.8 percent increase in cancer incidence every year since 2022.
Despite having a high cancer incidence, India has been underrepresented in global cancer genome studies. In the absence of genomic architecture of cancers prevalent in India, specific genetic variants from Indian cancers are not adequately captured and catalogued for any diagnostic kits and drug development.