ICGA launches multi-omics data portal for cancer research and development

New Delhi: The Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA) announced the launch of a comprehensive cancer multi-omics data portal that provides open access to clinically correlated data from Indian cancer patients, assisting in cancer research and treatment for Indian populations.

“The portal offers data that includes DNA, RNA, and protein profiles of breast cancer patients, integrated with clinical outcomes. Currently, the platform consists of data from 50 breast cancer patients, with plans to expand to over 500 patients in the coming year. This data is freely accessible to the global research community under India’s PRIDE guidelines, which promote ethical sharing and collaboration in cancer research,” said ICGA.

Historically, cancer treatments in India have relied on Western data sets, but this India-specific dataset will help researchers and clinicians develop personalized treatment protocols, the organization added.

Dr. Anand Deshpande, Chairman and Managing Director of Persistent and Non-Executive Director of ICGA, said, “Cancer touches all of us, and the need for more effective, personalized treatments—especially those tailored to the unique genetic and environmental factors in India—is urgent. This portal will empower researchers with crucial data to advance customized cancer research for better treatment outcomes.”

“Understanding the genome of cancer patients will improve treatment for Indians not only in India but also worldwide. We encourage others with similar data to actively contribute to ICGA so this initiative can grow even faster and drive greater breakthroughs,” conveyed Dr. JC Zenklusen, Director of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) at the NCI, NIH, USA, along with Prof. Sunil Badve, Vice Chair of Pathology Cancer Programs, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, in a joint statement.