IIT Madras Unveils Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas
Monday, 03 February 2025, 15:03 IST
Launched by IIT Madras, the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas will improve research and provide tailored care to cancer patients in India and everywhere else. The project was started in 2020 and, within this program, so far, the institute has done the sequencing of 960 whole exomes from 480 breast cancer tissue samples gathered from across the country. The database has been opened up and made public so that researchers, as well as clinicians, get access to that resource for making genomic studies on patients.
Referring to its development, IIT Madras Director Prof V. Kamakoti said this cancer-related data would provide much deeper insights on the causes that make this dangerous disease and provide early interventions, thereby preventing them. He emphasized that the Atlas fills the existing gap in the genomic landscape of different cancers in India. Prof. Kamakoti also announced the completion of the Indian breast cancer genome sequence, which provides a comprehensive collection of genetic variants representing the contemporary Indian breast cancer population. This information is expected to aid in early diagnostics, disease progression analysis, and treatment outcome assessments.
Developed in collaboration with Karkinos Healthcare, Mumbai; the Chennai Breast Clinic; and the Cancer Research and Relief Trust, Chennai, this project extensively analyzed anonymized genetic variants from Indian breast cancer samples. Cancer is one of the biggest health challenges facing India and the world. A recent report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) indicates that the number of people living with cancer is increasing. The National Cancer Registry Programme estimates that one in nine Indians is likely to develop cancer in his or her lifetime. Currently, 14,61,427 people in India are battling the disease. Since 2022, the rate of cancer has been increasing by 12.8% annually, which requires better research and treatment strategies to be implemented as soon as possible. Despite the high prevalence of cancer, India is underrepresented in global cancer genome studies, which creates gaps in diagnostic tools and drug development.
According to Project Coordinator Prof. S. Mahalingam, Head of the Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics, IIT Madras, the new database will be an invaluable resource in identifying cancer-specific biomarkers in India. This will enable early detection of breast cancers and support the identification of novel drug targets, facilitating the development of more effective treatment strategies tailored to the Indian population.
The BCGA is pivotal in biomarker identification for high-risk groups, monitoring cancer progression, and developing customized treatment plans. In addition, the Atlas has provided crucial information regarding the genetic basis of cancer progression and evolution, and India's step towards precision medicine. With genetic and molecular information into clinical decision-making, the BCGA is expected to significantly improve cancer treatment outcomes and mark one important step forward for India's campaign against cancer.
Referring to its development, IIT Madras Director Prof V. Kamakoti said this cancer-related data would provide much deeper insights on the causes that make this dangerous disease and provide early interventions, thereby preventing them. He emphasized that the Atlas fills the existing gap in the genomic landscape of different cancers in India. Prof. Kamakoti also announced the completion of the Indian breast cancer genome sequence, which provides a comprehensive collection of genetic variants representing the contemporary Indian breast cancer population. This information is expected to aid in early diagnostics, disease progression analysis, and treatment outcome assessments.
Developed in collaboration with Karkinos Healthcare, Mumbai; the Chennai Breast Clinic; and the Cancer Research and Relief Trust, Chennai, this project extensively analyzed anonymized genetic variants from Indian breast cancer samples. Cancer is one of the biggest health challenges facing India and the world. A recent report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) indicates that the number of people living with cancer is increasing. The National Cancer Registry Programme estimates that one in nine Indians is likely to develop cancer in his or her lifetime. Currently, 14,61,427 people in India are battling the disease. Since 2022, the rate of cancer has been increasing by 12.8% annually, which requires better research and treatment strategies to be implemented as soon as possible. Despite the high prevalence of cancer, India is underrepresented in global cancer genome studies, which creates gaps in diagnostic tools and drug development.
According to Project Coordinator Prof. S. Mahalingam, Head of the Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics, IIT Madras, the new database will be an invaluable resource in identifying cancer-specific biomarkers in India. This will enable early detection of breast cancers and support the identification of novel drug targets, facilitating the development of more effective treatment strategies tailored to the Indian population.
The BCGA is pivotal in biomarker identification for high-risk groups, monitoring cancer progression, and developing customized treatment plans. In addition, the Atlas has provided crucial information regarding the genetic basis of cancer progression and evolution, and India's step towards precision medicine. With genetic and molecular information into clinical decision-making, the BCGA is expected to significantly improve cancer treatment outcomes and mark one important step forward for India's campaign against cancer.
