IIT Madras has launched India’s first public access cancer genome database, aimed at transforming cancer research and drug discovery in the country. The Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA), released on February 3, provides researchers and clinicians with comprehensive data to improve cancer diagnosis, treatment, and personalized medicine.

Key Highlights:

• Addressing India's Cancer Burden:

One in nine Indians is likely to develop cancer in their lifetime, and 14,16,427 people are already living with cancer.
India has witnessed a 12.8% annual growth in the incidence of cancer since 2022, according to the National Cancer Registry Programme (ICMR).

Filling the Genomic Gap:
Even though cancer has been reported as a highly common disease, the country is still grossly underrepresented in the genome studies.
The BCGA fills this gap by creating a catalog of genetic variants of Indian cancer patients.

Data Collation and Analysis:
960 whole exome sequencing samples from 480 breast cancer patients have been gathered across the nation.
The project has been undertaken in collaboration with Karkinos Healthcare, Mumbai, Chennai Breast Clinic, and the Cancer Research and Relief Trust, Chennai.

Database Features and Access:
The Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas is accessible to clinicians and researchers worldwide at bcga.iitm.ac.in.
The data includes anonymized genetic variants from Indian breast cancer samples, aiding early diagnostics, treatment outcomes, and disease progression studies.

Advancing Personalized Medicine:
The atlas will support biomarker identification, enabling early detection of cancers and facilitating personalized treatment strategies specific to the Indian population.

Statements from Leaders or Officials:

• V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras:

This database will go public, and we will reaffirm our commitment to society. The Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas will also support researchers in gaining insights about the causes of cancer and thereby help in devising prevention and early intervention initiatives."

• S. Mahalingam, Head, Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics, IIT Madras

“This database will be an invaluable resource for identifying cancer-specific biomarkers in India. It will facilitate the development of better, more effective treatment strategies tailored to the Indian population.”The Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA) marks a major milestone in India’s fight against cancer, providing researchers with critical data to advance diagnostics, drug discovery, and personalized medicine. By addressing the unique genetic landscape of Indian cancers, the atlas will enhance early detection, monitoring, and treatment strategies, positioning India at the forefront of global cancer research.