The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) has launched a first-of-its-kind paediatric leukaemia, colorectal and pancreatic cancer genome database to drive transformative research in India. This new initiative aims to bridge a long-standing gap in genomic data for cancers that significantly affect the Indian population.
Addressing a Critical Health Challenge
Cancer remains one of the deadliest diseases globally, and in India the burden continues to rise sharply. According to recent reports, approximately one in nine people in India will develop cancer in their lifetime, with 2.5 million currently living with the disease. Additionally, cancer incidence in the country has increased by nearly 12.8 % annually since 2022.
However, despite this high burden, Indian populations have been under-represented in global cancer genome studies. Consequently, genetic variants common in Indian patients are not sufficiently catalogued, hindering the development of effective diagnostics and treatments.
About the Genome Database Initiative
As per The IITM Press Release, IIT Madras initiated the Indian Cancer Genome Program in 2020 to address this critical gap. Under this programme, researchers completed whole genome sequencing of cancer samples from patients with paediatric leukaemia, colorectal and pancreatic cancers collected across India.
To support clinical adoption, IITM integrated this effort into the clinician-centric Bharat Cancer Genome Grid (BCG2), a national initiative designed to accelerate the use of whole genome sequencing (WGS) in routine oncology practice.
Public Access and Collaborative Support
IIT Madras has made the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA) publicly accessible at bcga.iitm.ac.in for researchers and clinicians in India and around the world. This resource compiles anonymised genetic data from Indian cancer patients, enabling a detailed study of population-specific genetic mutations.
The project received significant support through a ₹56 crore grant from the Hyundai Motor India Foundation under its flagship Hyundai Hope for Cancer initiative. Collaborating partners include Karkinos Healthcare (Mumbai), KK Childs Trust Hospital (Chennai), Institute of Child Health (Chennai), Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital (Chennai), and Kumaran Hospital (Chennai).
Expert Insights and Future Impact
IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti emphasized that the database fills a vital gap in understanding cancer genomics in India. He noted that access to Indian-specific genome data will support early detection, improved diagnostics and more effective, personalised treatment strategies.
Furthermore, Prof. S. Mahalingam, Head of the Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics at IITM, pointed out that the dataset will be instrumental in identifying biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This work paves the way for more precise and personalised oncology care tailored to the Indian population.
Strengthening India’s Precision Medicine Landscape
Beyond data generation, the initiative also supports broader cancer care objectives. Through its partnerships, the programme conducts screening and vaccination camps, upskills technicians, and deploys mobile medical units to expand healthcare access in underserved regions. Additionally, a ₹3 crore fund supports cancer treatment for families with low income.
With these concerted efforts, IIT Madras has taken a significant step toward a genomic-driven future in cancer research and treatment in India.