The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has launched the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA), marking the first significant step toward enhancing cancer genomics research and treatment strategies for breast cancer patients across India. Announced on February 3, 2025, just before World Cancer Day, this innovative initiative aims to bridge the significant gap present in cancer genomic studies, particularly for Indian patients, and provide invaluable insights for early diagnosis and personalized treatment.
According to the National Cancer Registry Programme, the prevalence of cancer is alarmingly high, with one in nine Indians expected to develop the disease during their lifetime. A recent report from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) highlighted the fact there are currently over 14.6 lakh people living with cancer, with the incidence increasing at 12.8% each year since 2022. Despite this, India has historically been underrepresented in global cancer genome studies, presenting a pressing need for localized genomic data to improve diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
The BCGA initiative began its groundwork back in 2020, led by IIT Madras's Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics, under the Government of India’s Institutions of Eminence initiative. Renowned institutions such as Karkinos Healthcare, the Chennai Breast Clinic, and the Cancer Research and Relief Trust, Chennai, collaborated to conduct comprehensive whole exome sequencing on tissue samples from 480 breast cancer patients, producing 960 sequenced genomes. Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, stated at the launch, "We hope this will provide deep insights on reasons leading to this deadly disease and help prevent the same with early interventions."
This atlas is hosted online at bcga.iitm.ac.in, making it publicly accessible for researchers and healthcare providers, providing them with rich, anonymized data about the genetic variants prevalent among Indian breast cancer patients. Kamakoti emphasized the necessity of this database: "This database will fill the gap and provides a compendium of genetic variants... involved in early diagnostics, disease progression, and treatment outcomes."
One focal aspect of the BCGA is its ability to help identify unique genetic markers which could pave the way for developing specific diagnostic tests and treatment plans for breast cancer, thereby offering personalized medical solutions based on individual genetic backgrounds. Prof. S. Mahalingam, Head of the Centre of Excellence, underscored its importance, stating, "This database will be invaluable… which will enable early detection of breast cancers and identify novel drug targets for developing treatment strategies specific to the Indian population."
The genomic database's details are particularly pivotal considering the variety of mutations found throughout the diverse Indian population, meaning the cancer’s genetic drivers differ across regions. The development of diagnostic kits informed by this genomic work could potentially reduce the costs of testing significantly, making early detection more accessible. Mahalingam added, "BCGA also aims to host data from researchers working on cancer genomics across cancer types and will be open to accepting submissions. This is what will enable us to design strategies for personalized treatments and understand treatment outcomes."
Prof. Kamakoti reflects on the broader vision behind the initiative, stating, "One treatment for all does not work in India because the cause of cancer, how it spreads, and the change in DNA varies by region. The atlas was developed keeping this varied genetic background of the Indian populace in mind." This attention to regionality not only heightens the potential for effective treatment but also integrates valuable data for future research.
Looking forward, the researchers plan to extend the scope of the BCGA to map cancers within other types, including colorectal, pancreatic, oral cancers, and leukemia. This progressive approach aligns with the larger movement toward personalized medicine, whereby individual genetic and molecular information are factored deeply within clinical decision-making, improving patient outcomes across diverse demographics. The wider goal remains to reduce cancer mortality rates significantly through early detection and targeted therapies—a pivotal shift in India's cancer care strategy.
Finally, experts, including Sridhar Sivasubbu, Chief Diagnostics and Research Officer, pointed out the potential for preventive strategies based on this research. He remarked, "This data set is a preliminary indication of what is ailing our population" and emphasized the need for innovative diagnostic solutions as the country looks to adapt and advance within the rapidly growing field of cancer genomics.
The launch of the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas is timely and significant, offering hope for millions facing cancer and elevates India's position within the global genomic research community.