Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], February 3 (ANI): Ahead of World Cancer Day, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has launched the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA), marking a significant development aimed at revolutionizing cancer research and treatment strategies specific to the Indian population. This initiative is particularly timely as statistics reveal an alarming rise in cancer cases across the country.
The aim of the BCGA is to help identify cancer-specific biomarkers to enable early detection of breast cancers and identify novel drug targets, leading to the development of more effective treatment strategies for the Indian populace. The cancer genome program initiated by IIT Madras back in 2020 has now culminated in the successful sequencing of 960 whole exomes from 480 breast cancer patient tissue samples, collected from different regions of India. This extensive research has captured genetic variants not previously catalogued, which are integral for the creation of diagnostic kits and targeted therapies.
Speaking about this monumental project, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, emphasized the significance of the newly launched database, available publicly at bcga.iitm.ac.in. He noted, "Today we are making a very big move in releasing the data of breast cancer atlas, genomic atlas for India. What we have done here is we have collected more than around 1,000 samples across 500 patients. This data will inform us about the changes in the DNA specific to breast cancer. Our strong belief is regional variations play a significant role, meaning different regions might present different types of mutations and necessitate varied treatment approaches."
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the number of people living with cancer has been steadily rising, with alarming rates indicating one in nine Indians likely to develop the illness during their lifetime. A staggering 12.8% rise in cancer incidence has been reported every year since 2022. This troubling trend underlines the pressing need for innovative solutions to combat the rising toll of the disease.
The Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas project has sought to fill the gap created by the under-representation of Indian patients in global cancer genome studies. The dataset released by IIT Madras aims to provide invaluable insights for researchers and clinicians, facilitating the development of personalized treatment strategies grounded in genetic data relevant to the Indian population.
Advancing Personalized Medicine
The initiative, which is part of the National Center for Precision Medicine in Cancer, reflects IIT Madras's commitment to enhancing healthcare through personalized medicine. Equipped with genetic insights, healthcare providers can tailor interventions more effectively, potentially leading to earlier diagnoses and more impactful treatments. This approach, as maintained by Prof. S. Mahalingam, Head of the Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics at IIT Madras, could make significant strides toward improving patient outcomes.
"The BCGA database will enable early detection of breast cancers and help identify novel drug targets for developing treatment strategies specific to the Indian population," Mahalingam stated. "This database will also be invaluable for designing strategies for personalized treatment and monitoring cancer progression, based on comprehensive genomic data we now have access to."
The collaborative effort with organizations like Karkinos Healthcare, the Chennai Breast Clinic, and the Cancer Research and Relief Trust has established the BCGA as not just another scientific endeavor, but as a movement geared toward precision medicine. The integration of genetic and molecular information plays a pivotal role, as alluded to by Kamakoti, who declared, "This Atlas fills the gap in genomic landscapes from different cancers across the country. It provides data to classify variants involved in early diagnostics and improve treatment outcomes."
A Look Ahead
The launch of the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas not only revolutionizes research capabilities but also seeks to inspire confidence and motivate health professionals to innovate. By providing free access to genetic data, IIT Madras aims to encourage researchers both within India and abroad to utilize this rich resource to identify biomarkers for high-risk groups and monitor cancer evolution.
Building on these findings, the research team aspires to expedite the creation of more affordable diagnostic kits, learning from the successes seen during the COVID-19 pandemic where RT-PCR costs drastically dropped from five thousand rupees to merely one hundred fifty. "Creating accessible and practical solutions for screening our population could revolutionize early diagnostic strategies," highlighted Sridhar Sivasubbu, Chief Diagnostics and Research Officer.
With these advancements, the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas stands as not merely a repository of knowledge, but as a beacon of hope for cancer care standards across India. At the heart of this initiative lies the fundamental desire to improve patient care, link genetics with treatment options, and build healthier communities across the nation.