IIT Madras releases cancer genome database to strengthen India-specific research

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has released a genome database covering paediatric leukaemia, colorectal and pancreatic cancers. The Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA) has been made publicly accessible to researchers and clinicians in India and abroad at bcga.iitm.ac.in.

Indian Council of Medical Research report shows that one in nine Indians is likely to develop cancer, with about 2.5 million people currently living with the disease and incidence rising by 12.8% annually since 2022. Despite this, patients in India are under-represented in global cancer genome studies. To bridge this gap, IIT Madras had launched the Indian Cancer Genome Programme in 2020, completing whole genome sequencing of patient samples collected nationwide, with principal support from Hyundai Motor India’s Hyundai Hope for Cancer initiative, including ₹56 crore in funding and an additional ₹3 crore to support treatment for economically weaker families.

The research, led by IIT Madras’ Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics, involved collaborations with Karkinos Healthcare, Mumbai, and multiple Chennai hospitals. Alongside BCGA, the institute also launched the Bharat Cancer Genome Grid (BCG2), a clinician-centric platform to integrate genomic data into routine oncology practice.

The initiative, supported by the Department of Science and Technology and the National Center for Precision Medicine in Cancer, also includes screening camps, technician training, and mobile healthcare outreach.