Fri Feb 07 09:35:52 UTC 2025: ## IIT Madras Launches Landmark Cancer Genome Database
**Chennai, February 7, 2025** – The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) has launched the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA), a groundbreaking database aiming to revolutionize cancer research in India. This first-of-its-kind resource, developed in collaboration with Karkinos Healthcare and other institutions, compiles genomic data from Indian breast cancer patients, addressing the country’s underrepresentation in global genome studies.
With cancer incidence in India rising by 12.8% annually since 2022, and one in nine people expected to develop the disease in their lifetime, the need for a comprehensive, India-specific database is critical. The BCGA, built from 960 whole exome sequencing analyses of breast cancer tissue samples collected nationwide, provides crucial insights into the genetic variations driving cancer in the Indian population.
The publicly accessible database (bcga.iitm.ac.in) allows researchers worldwide to access anonymized data, facilitating the identification of cancer-specific biomarkers for early detection and the development of targeted therapies. IIT-M director V. Kamakoti highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the institute’s commitment to societal benefit. Project coordinator S. Mahalingam emphasized the database’s potential for personalized medicine, enabling tailored treatment strategies based on individual genetic profiles. The BCGA is expected to significantly advance cancer research and improve healthcare outcomes in India. The database will continue to expand to include data from other cancer types.
First Piper 