Indian Cancer Genome Atlas launches comprehensive cancer multi-omics data portal

The Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA) has launched a comprehensive cancer multi-omics data portal. This platform provides open access to clinically correlated data from Indian cancer patients, aimed at transforming cancer research and treatment for Indian populations.

 Historically, cancer treatments in India have been based on Western data sets. However, cancers in Indian patients can differ significantly at the molecular level. ICGA’s mission is to create Indian-specific datasets to help researchers and clinicians develop personalised treatment protocols.

 Key highlights of this portal include:

• India’s first cancer multi-omics data portal: A comprehensive resource that offers detailed multi-omics data for breast cancer patients, including genomic and proteomic information.
• Based on the cBioPortal platform:  Derived from the internationally recognised cBioPortal, this platform ensures seamless integration with global cancer research efforts.
• Initial dataset from 50 Indian patients: Provides clinically annotated DNA, RNA, and protein profiles, along with treatment histories and patient outcomes, intending to scale up to 500 in a year.
• Free access under PRIDE guidelines: Adhering to responsible and ethical data-sharing practices, the portal is freely accessible to the scientific community.
• A step toward precision oncology for Indian patients: This initiative is designed to enable the development of personalised cancer treatments tailored to Indian patients.
• Call for collaboration:  ICGA invites researchers worldwide to contribute and expand the platform, fostering global collaboration in cancer research.

Shekhar C Mande, Former DG-CSIR and currently Senior Professor at Savitribai Phule Pune University says, “Making this invaluable cancer data publicly accessible marks a pivotal step in accelerating scientific discoveries and enhancing patient outcomes. By openly sharing this data, we are empowering researchers, clinicians, and innovators to collaborate, explore new frontiers, and drive transformative breakthroughs in cancer treatment.”

A joint statement from Dr JC Zenklusen – director, Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) at the NCI, NIH, USA, and Sunil Badve – vice chair, Pathology Cancer Programs, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA stated, “Understanding the genome of cancer patients will improve the treatment of Indians not only in India but also worldwide. We, both, encourage others with similar data to actively contribute to ICGA, so this initiative can grow even faster and drive greater breakthroughs.”

Dr Anand Deshpande, chairman and MD, Persistent, and non-executive director, ICGA said, “This portal will empower researchers with crucial data to advance customised cancer research for better treatment outcomes. I encourage everyone to contribute and support this vital cause, helping us accelerate progress in the fight against cancer.”