IIT Madras Unveils India’s First Comprehensive Cancer Genome Database to Strengthen Research and Care

Chennai The Indian Institute of Technology Madras has launched the country’s first publicly accessible cancer genome database, covering paediatric leukaemia, colorectal and pancreatic cancers, officials said on World Cancer Day. The resource, titled the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA), is designed to address the long standing lack of India-specific genetic data in cancer research and support efforts to improve early diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Cancer rates in India have increased in recent years, with data from national registries showing rising incidence and about 2.5 million people living with the disease. Despite this burden, Indian genome data has been under-represented in global cancer studies, limiting the development of diagnostics and therapies tailored to local populations.

Scientists at IIT Madras sequenced whole genomes from patient samples collected across the country to build the database. The BCGA has been made publicly accessible to researchers and clinicians in India and abroad through the institute’s online portal.

The project received principal funding of Rs 56 crore from the Hyundai Motor India Foundation under its Hyundai Hope for Cancer programme. Collaborators include healthcare partners and hospitals that contributed clinical samples and supported data assembly.

According to institute leadership, the database will help identify genetic variants specific to Indian patients, support biomarker discovery, and enable research that informs early detection and personalised treatment.

Researchers said the initiative plugs a critical gap in genomic resources and is expected to advance clinical research while helping bridge differences between global data sets and the diverse genetic make-up of Indian cancer patients.