Revolutionizing cancer care in India
Cancer remains a leading global killer, and India faces a rising burden that calls for therapies tailored to its diverse population. IIT-Madras is answering that call with a pioneering cancer genome and tissue bank. The initiative aims to collect and study thousands of tumor samples, enabling researchers to test therapies in lab cultures before applying them to patients. By pairing cultured tumor cells with a growing menu of targeted treatments, scientists hope to minimize guesswork, improve outcomes, and reduce adverse side effects for Indian patients.
At the heart of this effort is a cumulative effort to harvest about 7,000 tumor samples from cancer patients across the country, building what researchers call a National Cancer Tissue Biobank. The ability to culture and experiment with patient-derived tumor cells allows researchers to identify the most effective, personalized therapies and to refine them for individual genetic profiles. This practical, ex vivo approach marks a shift from one-size-fits-all strategies toward truly personalized medicine.
Among early findings is the identification of mutations in Indian breast cancer patients that appear less common in Western populations. This underscores a critical point: relying solely on Western genetic data can limit the effectiveness of treatments for Indian patients. The project’s gains point toward India-centric genetic studies and treatment methods that reflect the country’s unique disease biology.
Indian-centric data powering personalized therapies
Beyond breast cancer, IIT-Madras researchers are developing genetic panels that could aid in pancreatic cancer care. By integrating global data with Indian-specific observations, the team seeks to create diagnostic markers that detect pancreatic cancer earlier—an important step given the disease’s subtle early signs and rapid progression. The long-term goal is to identify blood-based markers that enable earlier, less-invasive detection and to tailor therapies to the patient’s tumor biology from the outset.
BCGA: opening access to India’s cancer genomics
The project dovetails with the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA), an open-access resource that currently includes genomic data from around 480 breast cancer patients across India. This repository provides researchers and clinicians with invaluable insights into mutations characteristic of Indian breast cancer, expediting the development of targeted diagnostics and therapies. By combining BCGA with IIT-Madras’s tissue bank, India gains a powerful platform for precision medicine that aligns with local needs and budgets.
Towards affordable, accessible precision medicine
Support from government grants and collaborations with healthcare providers such as Karkinos Healthcare and the Chennai Breast Clinic amplify the program’s reach. Together, they are working to translate laboratory discoveries into practical, affordable treatment options for Indian patients. The ambition is clear: to deliver precise, personalized care that can be adopted widely, improving survival rates while reducing the cost burden on families and the health system.
Looking ahead
Precision medicine promises earlier diagnosis, better treatment targeting, and improved quality of life for cancer patients. IIT-Madras’s cancer genome and tissue bank, supported by BCGA and national collaborators, signals a transformative advance for India’s cancer research and clinical practice. As data accrues and methods mature, patients across the country may gain access to therapies tailored to their genetic and molecular profiles, marking a hopeful turning point in the country’s battle against cancer.
