A cancer management AI platform from India has attracted global attention due to its mention in The BRICS Health Journal. The AI platform, known as iOncology.ai, is a product of the collaboration between the All India Institute of Medical Sciences of New Delhi and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) of Pune, both institutions being involved in the development of the technology with the support of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The AI platform integrates cancer-related data from a clinical perspective to help detect cancer cases earlier.
There are variations among cancer care systems in emerging countries in terms of availability of screening, early diagnosis, access to specialists, and advanced treatments. The BRICS Health Journal review entitled "Transforming cancer care in emerging economies: India's AI innovation" discusses ways through which AI can improve cancer screening, early diagnosis, and access to specialized care. According to the review, BRICS nations have more than 40% of the world's population and contribute about 9 million new cases of cancer as well as 4.66 million deaths from the disease.
iOncology.ai is designed to collate different types of information related to cancers in a single AI-driven platform. Such information includes early detection of cancers, risk assessment, treatment planning, multidisciplinary review, and management of patient data. Development of the platform involves the use of curating Indian clinical, radiological, and histopathological datasets and integrating genetic data and electronic health record systems.
"Through BRICS cooperation, we should be focusing on enhancing prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and therapy of cancer through evidence-based and interoperable solutions tailored to the requirements of emerging economies," said Dr. Ashok Sharma.
The technology has been designed as part of the broader Indian infrastructure of cancer control and use of digital technology such as population screening, cancer surveillance, tertiary care, and Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
The AI platform is currently being clinically validated and evaluated for its implementation. The purpose of this stage is to test the functionality of the technology in a clinical setting and its potential applications.
Additionally, the team behind the development of the platform is exploring the possibility of integrating genetic information and making the platform interoperable with electronic health record systems. This would allow the technology to move from simple data integration and clinical decision support to more complex workflows in cancer care.
The recognition that the platform is gaining in the international community through the BRICS Health Journal allows it to participate in the broader international discussions regarding the use of AI and digital technology in cancer control in developing countries.
According to Towards Healthcare, the AI in healthcare market is projected to grow from USD 52.28 billion in 2026 to USD 928.18 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 37.66% during the forecast period. AI in healthcare consists of machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, predictive analysis, computer vision, medical imagery, clinical decision support, and many more advanced technologies aimed at enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery and decision-making. Growing usage of AI for the purposes of medical imaging and diagnosis, precision medicine, clinical trials, and personalized care contributes to the emergence of dedicated AI platforms, including those for cancer management.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi is one of the premier organizations offering medical education, healthcare services, and research facilities in India. AIIMS engages in multi-disciplinary research in areas such as clinical medicine, medical technologies, diagnostics, and innovation in healthcare. The research team at AIIMS New Delhi is working with C-DAC Pune on iOncology.ai for artificial intelligence in oncology.
Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) is an Indian Government-backed R&D organization that works in the field of advanced computing and futuristic technologies. Collaboration between C-DAC Pune and AIIMS New Delhi on the project iOncology.ai is a step towards the development of technology using AI for oncology care services. This project is sponsored by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
