One of the most significant challenges in cancer treatment is the unpredictable and highly individualized nature of cancer mutations. Cancer cells in each patient can undergo unique genetic changes, making each case distinct. This variability complicates treatment, as therapies designed to target specific cancer cells may inadvertently harm healthy cells, leading to adverse side effects. This inherent complexity means that cancer treatments, especially in the early stages, often lack precision, making the development of more personalized, targeted therapies crucial.

In response to this issue, India has launched its first-ever cancer genomics repository, an ambitious project led by the Indian Cancer Genomics Atlas (ICGA) Foundation. This data portal focuses on the genetic variations found in Indian cancer patients, beginning with breast cancer, but with plans to expand to other cancer types. The portal is expected to play a pivotal role in assisting scientists worldwide in developing more effective, individualised treatments for cancer patients, particularly those of Indian origin.

Historically, cancer treatments in India have been largely based on genomic data from Western populations. This approach presents limitations, as genetic variations between Indian and Western cancer patients can be quite substantial. Treatments that work well for patients in Western countries may not be as effective for Indian patients due to differences in genetic makeup. These differences can influence how tumors develop, respond to treatment, and progress over time. The new ICGA data portal aims to bridge this gap by providing Indian-specific genetic data, allowing for the development of more personalized and effective treatments tailored to the Indian population.

As of now, the portal contains genomic data from 50 breast cancer patients, and the ICGA’s goal is to increase this number to at least 500 datasets by the end of the year. Once the target for breast cancer data is met, the portal will expand to include genetic data for patients with other types of cancer, such as lung and colorectal cancers. By collecting a broad spectrum of data from various cancer types, the ICGA hopes to create a comprehensive resource that can benefit both Indian researchers and international scientists working to improve cancer treatment.

The ICGA cancer genomics portal is designed with accessibility in mind. It is open to clinicians, researchers, and the public, ensuring that data is readily available for use in clinical and scientific research. By making this resource freely available, the ICGA hopes to encourage clinicians to adopt personalized treatment approaches based on a patient's genetic profile. This move is expected to greatly enhance patient outcomes, as treatments tailored to an individual’s unique genetic makeup are more likely to be effective and less likely to cause harm.

Professor Shekhar Mande, former Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and currently a senior professor at Savitribai Phule Pune University, praised the initiative, describing it as a “pivotal step in accelerating scientific discoveries and improving patient outcomes.” According to Professor Mande, making such valuable cancer data publicly accessible is crucial for driving research forward and ensuring that cancer patients receive the most advanced care available. This sentiment is shared by many in the scientific community, who believe that the availability of Indian-specific cancer genomics data will lead to groundbreaking discoveries.

Suveera Dhup, Chief Operating Officer of the ICGA Foundation, pointed out that although nearly 20% of the world’s cancer patients are from India, only a mere 0.2% of the data used in global cancer research comes from Indian patients. This stark disparity has resulted in treatments that are often not as effective for Indian patients as they are for Western populations. Dhup stressed that genetic differences between populations can significantly impact treatment efficacy, making the availability of Indian-specific data crucial for developing effective therapies. The ICGA’s cancer genomics portal is built on the internationally recognized cBioPortal platform, a multi-omics resource that integrates both genomic and proteomic data to offer a more comprehensive view of cancer biology.

By leveraging this advanced platform, researchers can explore not just the genetic mutations driving cancer but also the changes in protein expression that contribute to disease progression. This multi-omics approach is expected to accelerate the development of personalized cancer treatments that consider a patient’s entire biological profile rather than focusing solely on genetic mutations.

India’s launch of its first cancer genomics repository marks a bold step toward transforming cancer research and treatment. The ICGA’s efforts aim to ensure that treatments are not just personalized but also precise, targeting the unique mutations driving each patient’s cancer. By making this data publicly available, India is contributing to global cancer research and taking the lead in addressing the disparities in cancer treatment for its own population. The ICGA’s goal is clear: to revolutionise cancer treatment by providing researchers with the tools they need to develop more effective therapies, ultimately improving the lives of cancer patients in India and around the world.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)