AstraZeneca India and the Andhra Pradesh government took the initial steps to transform cancer care in the country with the launch of an ecosystem, bringing together Artificial Intelligence (AI), Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), and advanced genomics.
As per the firm, it is India's first integrated precision oncology ecosystem and aims to establish a comprehensive technology-enabled model that spans the entire patient journey—from early screening and diagnosis to genomic testing, personalised treatment and long-term follow-up.
As per WHO, cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2024, or nearly one in six deaths. Lung and breast cancers account for a significant proportion of cancer-related deaths, largely because many patients are diagnosed only after the disease has progressed to advanced stages.
How does this benefit the patients?
By integrating AI across the patient journey, diagnostic delays can be reduced, access to precision diagnostics can be improved and clinicians can deliver personalised, data-driven cancer care.
AstraZeneca India will facilitate the deployment of Qure.ai's Artificial Intelligence-powered chest X-ray solution across selected government healthcare facilities to strengthen the early detection of lung cancer.
"Healthcare across the world is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Artificial Intelligence, genomics and data science are changing the way diseases are detected, diagnosed and treated. Our vision is to ensure that these technologies are not confined to a few advanced institutions but become accessible to every citizen through our public healthcare system," said Chief Minister, Nara Chandrababu Naidu.
Patients identified as high-risk will be systematically referred for confirmatory diagnosis and timely clinical intervention, significantly improving the chances of detecting cancer at an earlier and more treatable stage.
The Integrated Genomic Solutions Centre (IGSC) aims to significantly expand access to advanced genomic diagnostics for cancer patients.
"We are proud to collaborate with the Government of Andhra Pradesh in bringing globally recognised technologies—including Artificial Intelligence-assisted screening, advanced genomic diagnostics and integrated patient pathways—into the public healthcare system. Together, we are creating India's first integrated precision oncology ecosystem, with the potential to improve outcomes for thousands of patients while serving as a scalable national model for the future of cancer care," said Praveen Rao Akkinepally, Country President & Managing Director, AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd.
