India has taken a monumental step forward in the fight against cancer with the launch of the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA) by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), marking the establishment of the country’s first cancer genome database. Officially launched on February 3, 2025, the release of this publicly accessible platform (bcga.iitm.ac.in) coincides with World Cancer Day, setting the stage for significant advancements in cancer research and treatment.
The BCGA aims to bridge the existing gap in genomic studies pertinent to Indian cancer patients, particularly through the analysis of breast cancer. This initiative is especially timely considering the growing number of cancer cases reported across India. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which plays a pivotal role in monitoring health issues, one in every nine Indians is likely to develop cancer at some point, with approximately 14.6 lakh individuals currently battling the disease. Alarmingly, the annual incidence of cancer has surged by 12.8% since 2022.
Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, emphasized the importance of this initiative during the launch, stating, "We are releasing yet another health-related data, the second this academic year, the cancer genome data after brain data. This will provide deep insights on reasons leading to this deadly disease and help prevent the same with early interventions." His remarks underline not only the strategic timing of the launch but also its potential to transform India's cancer treatment paradigms.
Despite India bearing one of the world's highest cancer burdens, there has been a pronounced underrepresentation of the country’s genetic data on the global stage. The initiation of the cancer genome program at IIT Madras back in 2020 aims to rectify this deficiency, enabling the identification of genetic markers imperative for diagnostics and therapy. This groundbreaking project was made possible through extensive collaboration with Karkinos Healthcare, the Chennai Breast Clinic, and the Cancer Research and Relief Trust. Together, these partners have successfully sequenced 960 whole exomes from 480 breast cancer patient samples sourced from across India.
Prof. S. Mahalingam, Head of the Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics, also commented on the project's importance, noting, "This database will be an invaluable resource to identify cancer-specific biomarkers in India, which will enable early detection of breast cancers. Further, it will also be very useful to identify novel drug targets for developing...better treatment strategies specific to the Indian population." His insights highlight the BCGA’s dual role not just as a repository of genetic information but as a foundational tool for personalized medicine, which takes individual genetic variations and health histories to inform treatment plans.
The collaborative efforts poured necessary resources and expertise to establish the BCGA, which aims to contribute not only to early detection practices but also to the development of novel therapeutic strategies. The data gathered will also encourage submissions from external researchers working on different cancer types, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement of the BCGA as a comprehensive genomic resource.
BCGA is expected to play a pivotal role addressing the unique challenges posed by breast cancer, offering insights on genetic base causes of the disease, its progression, and potential treatment outcomes. These contributions are invaluable as they can lead to the identification of high-risk groups and effective personalized treatment approaches.
Moving forward, the establishment of the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas is more than just the launch of a database; it symbolizes hope for many affected by cancer throughout India. With the backing of the Government of India’s Institutions of Eminence program, the BCGA stands to significantly impact the cancer research and care continuum. Patients may soon benefit from the improved diagnostics and treatments rooted deeply within the genomic data specific to their ethnic backgrounds.
Overall, the BCGA is set to drive the exciting shift toward personalized medicine within India's healthcare system, helping bridge the gap between scientific research and practical application, thereby improving the lives of cancer patients nationwide.