Chennai: In a breakthrough that could redefine how cancer is studied and treated in India, IIT Madras has launched the country’s first comprehensive genome database for paediatric leukaemia, colorectal cancer and pancreatic cancer — aptly titled the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA). The database has been made publicly accessible at bcga.iitm.ac.in, inviting researchers and clinicians from across India and the world to dive into India’s most ambitious cancer genomics initiative yet.
The timing couldn’t be more relevant. According to the latest Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) report, cancer incidence in India continues to rise sharply. The National Cancer Registry Program estimates that one in nine Indians is likely to develop cancer in their lifetime, with nearly 2.5 million people currently living with the disease and an annual incidence growth of 12.8% since 2022. In other words, cancer is not just a health challenge anymore — it’s a national reality.
Filling India’s Missing Genetic Puzzle
Despite this growing burden, India has remained under-represented in global cancer genome studies. Most diagnostic kits and targeted drugs are based on Western genetic datasets, which means Indian patients often don’t fully benefit from precision medicine.
To address this gap, IIT Madras initiated the Indian Cancer Genome Program in 2020. Under this program, whole genome sequencing of leukaemia, colorectal and pancreatic cancer patient samples collected across the country has now been successfully completed.
Think of it as finally getting India’s own “genetic mirror” instead of borrowing one from abroad.
Powered by Hyundai, Backed by Healthcare Partners
The research was enabled through generous CSR support from Hyundai Motor India under its Hyundai Hope for Cancer initiative, aligned with Hyundai’s global Hope on Wheels programme. IIT Madras collaborated with leading healthcare institutions including Karkinos Healthcare (Mumbai), KK Childs Trust Hospital (Chennai), Institute of Child Health (Chennai), Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital (Chennai) and Kumaran Hospital (Chennai) to analyse and anonymise the data.
The effort is supported by a massive ₹56 crore funding from Hyundai Motors India Foundation, along with an additional ₹3 crore earmarked for cancer treatment for low-income families. Beyond research, the partnership also includes screening camps, technician training and mobile medical units — proving that this initiative is not just about data, but about real people.
Introducing BCG2: From Lab to Hospital Bed
Alongside BCGA, IIT Madras also launched the Bharat Cancer Genome Grid (BCG2) — a clinician-centric national platform designed to accelerate the adoption of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) in routine oncology practice.
If BCGA is the “library of knowledge”, BCG2 is the “GPS” that helps doctors use that knowledge at the patient’s bedside.
Together, they aim to bridge the long-standing gap between large-scale genomic research and practical, affordable cancer treatment in India.
A World Cancer Day with Real Impact
Announcing the release on the occasion of World Cancer Day (February 4), Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said:
“True to our ‘IITM for all’ commitment, we are releasing yet another genome data set — the Leukaemia, Colorectal and Pancreatic Cancer Genome data. This Atlas fills the gap in the genomic landscape of cancers in India and provides a compendium of genetic variants representing contemporary Indian patients. It will help in early diagnostics, understanding disease progression, and improving treatment outcomes.”
Project Coordinator Prof. S. Mahalingam added:
“This database will be an invaluable resource to identify cancer-specific biomarkers in India. It will enable early detection and help identify novel drug targets for treatment strategies specific to the Indian population.”
Or as researchers might say — this could finally let Indian cancer patients get treatments designed for their DNA, not someone else’s.
Progress for Humanity, One Genome at a Time
Echoing the social impact, Gopala Krishnan CS, Whole-Time Director & Chief Manufacturing Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said:
“Through Hyundai Hope for Cancer, we are committed to advancing equitable, technology-driven cancer care for India. Supporting genomic research, early detection, and treatment for underprivileged families strengthens India’s foundation for precision oncology.”
Towards Personalised Medicine in India
The BCGA is expected to play a crucial role in shifting India’s healthcare system towards personalised medicine, where treatment decisions are guided by an individual’s genetic and molecular profile. This means better diagnostics, targeted therapies, fewer side effects, and hopefully — higher survival rates.
The analysis was conducted under the National Center for Precision Medicine in Cancer, a joint initiative between IIT Madras and Karkinos Healthcare, with additional support from the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
The Big Picture
In simple terms, IIT Madras has just given India its own cancer genome blueprint — one that could help scientists understand why cancers behave differently in Indian patients and how treatments can be made more effective.
It’s not every day that a website launch can potentially save millions of lives. But then again, this isn’t just a website — it’s India’s genetic fightback against cancer.
