The Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA) has launched India's first cancer multi-omics data portal, a critical milestone in the goal to transform cancer care in the nation through personalised medicine. Jointly supported by public and private funders in India, the ICGA aims to update the previous dependence on western datasets for cancer research in India.
India has the third highest number of cancer cases globally, with over two million new cases reported in 2023. Late detection and limited intervention remain major challenges. The ICGA’s focus on creating a comprehensive genomic map of prevalent cancers seeks to bridge the existing knowledge gap, making cancer care more effective, specific to the Indian population. The ICGA Foundation has formed partnerships with over 20 hospitals and research institutions across India, involving a range of oncology centers, academic institutions, and government bodies
The ICGA is an open-access platform that includes a wealth of information and will be launching with large scale DNA, RNA and protein profiles of breast cancer patients along with their detailed treatment history and outcome. It currently includes data for 50 patients, but this is set to expand to over 500 by next year. Built using the cBioPortal platform, which enables users to analyze cancer genomic datasets, this tool allows researchers to identify genetic patterns specific to Indian patients and develop personalized treatment regimens.
“This is a critical phase in our journey. We have successfully built a comprehensive data platform that enables us to analyse genomic, proteomic and clinical data and encourage the research community to utilise the data for their studies” - Dr Anand Deshpande, director and founder member of ICGA Foundation
This project is expected to transform the way cancer is understood and treated in India, offering more customized and effective interventions in the years to come.
