The Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA) has unveiled India’s first comprehensive cancer multi-omics data portal, marking a significant advancement in cancer research and treatment tailored for Indian populations. This pioneering platform provides open access to clinically correlated data from Indian cancer patients, aiming to transform the approach to cancer treatment in the country. Traditionally, cancer therapies in India have relied on Western data sets, which may not accurately reflect the molecular differences observed in Indian patients. The ICGA's mission is to establish Indian-specific datasets that enable researchers and clinicians to develop personalized treatment protocols. The new open-access portal represents a monumental step forward in revolutionizing cancer research specifically for Indian patients.

The ICGA cancer multi-omics portal is the first of its kind in India to offer comprehensive data, including DNA, RNA, and protein profiles of breast cancer patients integrated with clinical outcomes. Currently, the portal features data from 50 breast cancer patients, with plans to expand to over 500 patients within the next year. This data is freely accessible to the global research community under India’s PRIDE guidelines, which promote ethical sharing and collaboration in cancer research.

The portal offers detailed multi-omics data for breast cancer patients, encompassing genomic and proteomic information, and is built on the internationally recognized cBioPortal, ensuring seamless integration with global cancer research initiatives. Currently, it includes clinically annotated DNA, RNA, and protein profiles, along with treatment histories and patient outcomes, with plans for scaling up.

Professor Shekhar C. Mande, a former Director General of CSIR and currently a senior professor at Savitribai Phule Pune University, commented that making this invaluable cancer data publicly accessible marks a pivotal step in accelerating scientific discoveries and enhancing patient outcomes. He emphasized that by openly sharing this data, they empower researchers, clinicians, and innovators to collaborate and drive transformative breakthroughs in cancer treatment. Dr. JC Zenklusen, Director of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) at the National Cancer Institute, and Prof. Sunil Badve from Emory University, emphasized the initiative's importance, stating that fifteen years ago, when TCGA was launched, they could not have foreseen the remarkable progress in cancer research. It is exciting to see ICGA advancing so rapidly and taking bold steps in revolutionizing cancer research.

Dr. Anand Deshpande, Chairman and Managing Director at Persistent and a Non-Executive Director at ICGA, highlighted the urgent need for more effective, personalized treatments in India. He remarked that this portal will empower researchers with crucial data to advance customized cancer research for better treatment outcomes and encouraged everyone to contribute and support this vital cause in the fight against cancer. With this innovative platform, the ICGA aims to foster collaboration, enhance cancer research, and ultimately improve treatment outcomes for patients in India and beyond.