Indian Cancer Genome Atlas Launches First Comprehensive Multi-Omics Cancer Data Portal

New Delhi: The Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA) has launched India’s first comprehensive cancer multi-omics data portal, providing open access to clinically correlated data from Indian cancer patients. This platform aims to transform cancer research and treatment for Indian populations.

Traditionally, cancer treatments in India have relied on Western datasets, but cancers in Indian patients can differ significantly at the molecular level. ICGA's mission is to create Indian-specific datasets to assist researchers and clinicians in developing personalized treatment protocols. This open-access portal represents a significant step in revolutionizing cancer research for Indian patients.

The ICGA cancer multi-omics portal is the first in India to offer data that includes DNA, RNA, and protein profiles of breast cancer patients, integrated with clinical outcomes. The current dataset consists of information 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, promoting ethical sharing and collaboration in cancer research. Built on the cBioPortal platform, it allows integration with global cancer research efforts.

This initiative advances precision oncology by enabling the development of personalized cancer treatments tailored for Indian patients. ICGA has called for global collaboration, inviting researchers to contribute and expand the platform for cancer research.

Professor Shekhar C. Mande, former Director General of CSIR and currently Senior Professor at Savitribai Phule Pune University, highlighted the significance of making cancer data open to the public.

He remarked, "Making this invaluable cancer data publicly accessible marks a pivotal step in accelerating scientific discoveries and improving patient outcomes. By openly sharing this data, researchers, clinicians, and innovators are empowered to collaborate, explore new frontiers, and drive transformative breakthroughs in cancer treatment."

Dr JC Zenklusen, Director of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) at the NCI, NIH, USA, and Professor Sunil Badve, Vice Chair of Pathology Cancer Programs at Emory University School of Medicine, shared their perspective in a joint statement.

They noted, "Fifteen years ago, when we launched TCGA, we could not have predicted the remarkable strides that cancer research would make. It is incredibly exciting to witness ICGA advancing so rapidly and taking bold steps to revolutionize cancer research. Understanding the genome of cancer patients will enhance treatment for Indian patients, not just in India but globally. We both urge others with similar data to actively contribute to ICGA so that this initiative can grow even faster and drive greater breakthroughs."

Dr Anand Deshpande, Chairman and Managing Director of Persistent, and Non-Executive Director at ICGA, voiced his support for the multi-omics cancer portal's launch.

He stated, "We have made an excellent start with this groundbreaking multi-omics cancer portal. Cancer impacts everyone, and there is an urgent need for more effective, personalized treatments, particularly those tailored to India's unique genetic and environmental factors. This portal will equip researchers with crucial data to advance customized cancer research for better treatment outcomes. I encourage everyone to contribute and support this important cause, helping us accelerate progress in the fight against cancer."