Cancer is a formidable opponent that has impacted the lives of countless families throughout India. Annually, there are over 1.41 million new cancer cases and approximately 910,000 deaths reported (WHO Globocan data 2022), making the fight against this disease more urgent than ever. The challenges are compounded by limited awareness, delayed diagnoses, and the diminished effectiveness of standard Western treatment protocols. Leading the charge against this disease is the Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA), which utilizes advanced genomic research to transform cancer care in India.
A Vision for Change
With a population of 1.4 billion, India is home to diverse ethnicities, cultures, and regions, resulting in significant genomic variations. Unfortunately, clinical research has barely scratched the surface of these differences, as Indian genomes make up a mere 0.2% of global genetic databases. The data generated by the ICGA aims to address this underrepresentation and enhance clinical practices by facilitating more accurate and personalized cancer research.
The ICGA was founded with a clear mission: to develop a comprehensive, clinically correlated multi-omics database that captures the genetic variations driving cancer in the Indian population. Inspired by the success of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) in the United States, our goal is to chart the genomic landscape of prevalent cancers in India, enabling personalized treatment strategies that enhance patient outcomes and ultimately save lives.
Pioneering Genomic Research
Since our inception, the ICGA has launched an ambitious initiative to sequence cancer genomes from patients across India. This extensive effort involves collaboration with leading cancer hospitals, research institutions, and universities across the nation.
The ICGA ethically collects biological and clinical data in a ‘de-identified format’ from consenting patients. Utilizing advanced next-generation technologies, we systematically characterize the genetic features of the disease. This data is then correlated with patients’ clinical histories, including diagnosis, treatment, and therapy response. Approved users can access this data for research purposes. The scale and complexity of this data require interdisciplinary collaboration among teams of clinicians, bioinformaticians, data scientists, and engineers to draw meaningful insights and foster discoveries.
The ICGA is also planning to broaden its focus to include more cancers affecting Indian populations, such as lung, prostate, gall bladder, and various gynecological cancers.
The Power of Collaboration and Challenges Ahead
The success of the ICGA illustrates the power of collaboration. We have established partnerships with esteemed hospitals, national research entities, and technology organizations to further our mission. These collaborations not only enhance our capabilities but also ensure that the benefits of our work reach those who need it most.
However, developing this national data consortium brings its challenges. It requires champions in government and within health structures, who must view this effort as a worthwhile investment in the future of cancer care in India. Additionally, support from patients and their families is essential.
The impact of the ICGA stands to benefit 20% of the global population.
How You Can Help
To sustain and expand our initiatives, we need community support. This is where Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding and donations become crucial. By contributing to the ICGA, both companies and individuals can directly influence the fight against cancer. Your support will help accelerate our research, enhance patient care, and ultimately save lives.
Here are some ways you can get involved in supporting the ICGA:
Donate:
Your financial contributions will directly aid ICGA research.
Partner:
Collaborate with us through your organization’s initiatives to create meaningful impact.
Participate:
If you are a clinician, researcher, or data scientist, join us to generate valuable results from this data.
Advocate:
Help spread the word about the ICGA and its mission to create a cancer-free future.
The Indian Cancer Genome Atlas is more than just a collaborative initiative; it symbolizes hope for millions of cancer patients and their families. By understanding the genetic foundations of cancer, we can develop new personalized treatments that lead to better outcomes and enhanced quality of life. Yet, we cannot do this alone.
Your support—whether through donations, partnerships, or advocacy—is crucial to our mission. Together, we can transform cancer care in India and pave the way for a healthier future for everyone.
As we advance toward our goal of a cancer-free India, we are inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s words: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
At ICGA, we are dedicated to serving those impacted by cancer, and we invite you to join us on this meaningful journey.
Join Us at the ICGA Annual Meeting
We are thrilled to announce the upcoming ICGA Annual Meeting, where leading oncologists, researchers, and policymakers will gather to share the latest advancements in cancer genomics. This meeting provides an opportunity to learn about our progress, discuss future directions, and explore collaborative efforts to combat cancer.
