Indian Breast Cancer Genome Database launched to enhance cancer research

New Delhi: Cancer remains one of the most fatal health problems globally, with increasing cases reported each year. A recent Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) report revealed that the number of people living with cancer in India continues to rise, with one in nine individuals likely to develop cancer in their lifetime. In 2022, there was a 12.8 per cent increase in cancer incidence.

However, despite the high incidence of cancer in the country, India has been under-represented in global cancer genome studies. The lack of comprehensive data on the genomic architecture of cancers prevalent in India has led to insufficient capture of specific genetic variants, which are crucial for the development of diagnostic tools and treatments.

To address this gap, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras initiated a cancer genome program in 2020. This program has already completed whole exome sequencing of 960 samples taken from 480 breast cancer patients across India. In collaboration with Karkinos Healthcare, the Chennai Breast Clinic, and the Cancer Research and Relief Trust in Chennai, the data has been analyzed, resulting in the creation of a database summarizing the genetic variants found in Indian breast cancer samples.

This database, named the "Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas" (BCGA), was officially released by Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, on 3rd February 2025, just ahead of World Cancer Day on 4th February.

Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, "We are releasing yet another health related data. We hope that this will provide deep insights on reasons leading to this deadly disease and help preventing the same with early interventions."

The BCGA aims to fill the void in cancer genomic research by providing a detailed record of genetic variants specific to the Indian population. The research was led by IIT Madras’ Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics, funded under the Government of India’s 'Institutions of Eminence' initiative. Prof. S. Mahalingam, Head, Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics, IIT Madras, elaborated on its purpose, “This database will be an invaluable resource to identify cancer-specific biomarkers in India, which will enable early detection of breast cancers."

He added, “BCGA also aims to host data from researchers working on cancer genomics across cancer types and would be open to accepting submissions. The data will be utilized towards identifying biomarkers to identify high-risk groups, monitor cancer progression, design strategies for personalized treatment and understand treatment outcomes.”

The BCGA also aims to provide knowledge on the genetic basis of cancer progression and evolution, which may help the biomedical research and healthcare system in India's shift towards a vision of “personalized medicine.” This approach could improve the standard of medical care by including an individual’s genetic and molecular information in the clinical decision-making process.

The initiative is part of the National Center for Precision Medicine in Cancer, a collaboration between IIT Madras and Karkinos Healthcare, aimed at developing affordable cancer care solutions. The project has received support from the Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, and the Cancer Tissue Biobank facility at IIT Madras.